If you’ve heard of intermittent fasting—IF—and wanted to try it as a form of weight control, you might get confused because there are so many ways to do it. There are fasts you can do for 24-48 hours when you avoid meals and consume just liquids that have no or few calories like tea, coffee and water, eating regularly at other times or even feasting one healthy foods at least one day. The other type of intermittent fasting is just fasting for a window of time each day. It typically includes fasting for 16 hours and eating in an 8-hour window. The type of intermittent fasting you choose depends on your circumstances and overall health.
Is fasting of any type healthy?
For some people, intermittent fasting can be a health risk. For instance, diabetics, especially those that require medication, should never fast unless it’s under a doctor’s care. Anyone taking blood pressure or heart medication should also consult their health care professional. It’s also not appropriate for anyone with eating disorders, as it could add to the problem. Even if you use the safest type of IF, the one where you fast 16 hours and eat the other eight, if you have any medical issues, you should consult your doctor or if you’re breast feeding or pregnant, you shouldn’t fast.
A lot of animal studies, even some from 80 years ago, show IF provides health benefits.
In the 1940s, animal studies were done identifying that fasting slowed the aging process. One group of rats were fed on demand and one were fed on alternate days. Those who were only fed every other day lived longer and aged slower. The body was meant to withstand periods where food isn’t readily available. In fact, during that time, insulin resistance is reduced, blood sugar levels normalize and the body removed damaged cells, lowering the risk of cancer.
Obesity is the leading cause of preventable deaths.
IF can help you lose weight, as long as you eat healthy during the hours you eat. If you only eat during a certain period of time and skip food at other times, such as eating from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. And skip eating the rest of the day, you have less time to eat and studies show you’ll automatically consume less food. Scientists also note that it causes your body to burn fat as fuel, rather than glucose. That lowers blood insulin levels and reduces belly fat. It makes weight loss easier.
- If you’re prediabetic or have insulin resistance, IF can actually help you become healthier. It allows your body to reboot insulin levels. It can also improve both mental and physical energy.
- Just extending your fast from overnight to 16 hours can trigger changes in your body. It can allow for cell repair, increase HGH—human growth hormone by 500% and increase fat burning hormones.
- The changes caused by intermittent fasting can help in other ways. It can aid in developing thicker hair, improve sleep patterns, boost skin elasticity and help prevent erectile dysfunction.
- Inflammation is one cause of many serious illnesses, like asthma, autoimmune disorders, heart disease, IBS and cancer. When you practice IF it helps fight inflammation and the heavier you are, the more amazing the results.
For more information, contact us today at Reggie C. Fitness