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Is intermittent fasting safe?

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Published At February 9, 2024
Reviewed AtFebruary 9, 2024

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

I am a 35 year old female. I would like to know about intermittent fasting. Is intermittent fasting safe for most individuals, including those with certain medical conditions or dietary restrictions? Are there any potential risks or side effects to consider? What are the different fasting windows or schedules (e.g., 16/8, 5:2, alternate-day fasting), and how do they work? How do I choose the most suitable fasting method for my lifestyle and goals? How should I plan my meals and nutrient intake during fasting and non-fasting periods to ensure that I meet my nutritional needs while following an intermittent fasting regimen? Please suggest.

Thank you.

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

Yes, intermittent fasting with the right approach helps, but it has different results and impacts depending on which medical issue one has especially diabetes and low blood pressure. It is a major eating pattern that involves regular, short-term fasts or periods of minimal or no food consumption. Most people understand intermittent fasting as a weight loss intervention. Fasting for short periods helps people eat fewer calories, which may result in weight loss However, intermittent fasting may also help modify risk factors for health conditions like diabetes and cardiovascular disease, such as lowering cholesterol and blood sugar levels

There are several different intermittent fasting methods. The most popular ones include:

The 16:8 method.

The warrior diet.

Eat Stop Eat.

Alternate-day fasting (ADF).

All methods can be effective, but figuring out which one works best depends on individual circumstances. The 16/8 intermittent fasting plan is one of the most popular styles of fasting for weight loss. The plan restricts food consumption and calorie-containing beverages to a set window of 8 hours per day. It requires abstaining from food for the remaining 16 hours of the day. While other diets can set strict rules and regulations, the 16/8 method is based on a time-restricted feeding (TRF) model and is more flexible. You can choose any 8-hour window to consume calories.

Research indicates that time-restricted feeding patterns such as the 16/8 method may prevent hypertension and reduce the amount of food consumed, leading to weight loss, A 2016 study found that when combined with resistance training, the 16/8 method helped decrease fat mass and maintain muscle mass in male participants. A more recent study found that the 16/8 method did not impair gains in muscle or strength in women performing resistance training. While the 16/8 method can easily fit into any lifestyle, some people may find it challenging to avoid eating for 16 hours straight. Additionally, eating too many snacks or junk food during your 8-hour window can negate the positive effects associated with 16/8 intermittent fasting. Be sure to eat a balanced diet comprising fruits, vegetables, whole grains, healthy fats, and protein to maximize the potential health benefits of this diet. You are allowed to have a few liquids in your fasting window like black coffee or tea, sugar-free or diet soda, and carbonated water. And pro tip is that start with 12:12 and then gradually keep adding one hour to the fasting window.

I hope this is helpful.

Thank you.

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Bhanushali Sonali Suresh Tara
Bhanushali Sonali Suresh Tara

Fitness Expert

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