Intermittent fasting has become increasingly popular in recent years as a way to lose weight and improve overall health. It involves cycling between periods of fasting and eating on a regular schedule. This type of fasting can help manage your weight, reduce oxidative stress, and preserve learning and memory functioning.
Cynthia Thurlow, a registered dietitian nutritionist, explains that intermittent fasting is not a diet per se, but rather an eating pattern. It does not specify which foods you should eat but rather when you should eat them. There are several different approaches to intermittent fasting, such as the 16/8 method (fasting for 16 hours and eating within an 8-hour window), the 5:2 diet (eating normally for five days a week and restricting calories on two nonconsecutive days), and alternate-day fasting (alternating between days of normal eating and days of calorie restriction).
The benefits of intermittent fasting include weight loss, improved metabolic health, increased energy levels, reduced inflammation, improved heart health, increased mental clarity, better sleep quality, improved digestion, enhanced cellular repair processes, and more. Additionally, studies have shown that it can be beneficial for people with type 2 diabetes by helping to regulate blood sugar levels.
It’s important to note that while intermittent fasting can be beneficial for some people’s health goals, it may not be suitable for everyone. People who are pregnant or breastfeeding should avoid intermittent fasting due to potential risks associated with nutrient deficiencies. Additionally, people with certain medical conditions or taking certain medications should consult their doctor before starting any new dietary regimen.
Overall, if done correctly and safely under the guidance of a healthcare professional like Cynthia Thurlow – intermittent fasting can be an effective way to achieve your health goals.
Sources
- https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/intermittent-fasting-what-is-it-and-how-does-it-work
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3680567/
- https://www.mayoclinichealthsystem.org/hometown-health/speaking-of-health/intermittent-fasting-fad
