Intermittent fasting has become a popular weight loss strategy in recent years. Many studies claim that this eating pattern not only helps shed pounds but also improves metabolism and heart health. Discover insights from an expert about the fasting diet, its potential health benefits and possible side effects.
Intermittent fasting involves alternative periods of fasting and eating. A commonly followed method is time-restricted eating, where individuals follow the 16/8 method (fasting for 16 hours and then eating during an eight-hour window), or the 14/10 method (14-hour fast followed by a 10-hour eating window). There are also other approaches like alternate-day fasting, twice-a-week fasting and a once-a-week 24-hour fast.
Intermittent Fasting Benefits
“Some preliminary studies suggest that intermittent fasting can help with metabolic health because of its effects on insulin sensitivity and blood sugar regulation. Others have found that intermittent fasting can help with cellular repair because of increased autophagy, a process where cells remove damaged components,” Michelle Routhenstein, a registered dietitian and preventive cardiology nutritionist and owner of Entirely Nourished, told Medical Daily.
“However, more long-term studies are needed to determine the true benefits of intermittent fasting in the long haul. The long-term effects of intermittent fasting on metabolism, hormone balance and overall health are still subjects of ongoing research, and comprehensive conclusions are challenging to draw,” she added.
Weight Loss
Intermittent fasting is considered an effective weight loss tool by many, as it typically allows people to have fewer meals that help reduce their total calorie intake. Additionally, the fasting diet promotes hormone functions, such as insulin regulation, which is crucial for effective weight loss.
A 2020 study suggests that It can help in weight loss of 0.8% to 13.0% of baseline weight.
Blood Sugar Control
In addition to weight loss benefits,…
Read the full article here
Leave a Reply