In the world of health and fitness, there are always questions about whether something is completely safe for everyone. The truth is that nothing in this world is 100 percent safe for all. For instance, there have been times when Flintstone chewable vitamins have sent people to the emergency room. How crazy is that?
So if you have any questions about whether something is healthy and safe for you and whatever specific conditions you may have, it is always a good idea to consult with your family doctor. But with all of that said, intermittent fasting is pretty dependable at producing results and being relatively safe for all to handle.
Intermittent Fasting Has Many Health Benefits and Works for Most People
There are numerous reasons why many people are turning to intermittent fasting to help them lose weight and inches. For one, it is not a typical diet. It is, instead, a lifestyle change that will still allow you to eat the type of food you like but just less of it.
You will be consuming fewer calories because fasting consists of typically refraining from eating for 12 to 16 hours a day. (Part of this time, you will be sleeping.) But only being able to actively eat for eight hours or so a day will have you missing a meal here and there and spend much less time snacking. The pounds will start to slip away as your body turns to stored fat to get the energy it needs.
Plus, there are other health benefits to be aware of that goes hand in hand with intermittent fasting.
- Type 2 diabetes frequently happens because of overeating. Fasting will keep your eating in check and help control your insulin levels much better. You just may be able to get off insulin altogether[1]!
- Inflammation in the body can bring on several diseases over time. Fasting can greatly reduce the inflammation and keep you healthy[2].
- Heart health is something to be aware of as heart disease is the number one killer around the globe. Fasting can lower cholesterol and blood pressure and make sure your ticker is always going strong[3].
- Cognitive abilities have also been shown to improve with intermittent fasting. It is interesting to note that fasting improves both your physical and mental health at the same time[4].
People Who Should Not Try Intermittent Fasting
There are a few specific groups of people that should typically avoid intermittent fasting unless strictly under a medical provider’s care.
- Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should hold off on intermittent fasting until they are completely finished with the pregnancy and/or breastfeeding process.
- Those who are underweight to begin with should avoid fasting.
- The elderly should avoid intermittent fasting as many times they are undernourished to begin with.
Be Smart About It
Intermittent fasting is similar to how people used to eat in the past. They would have one or two main meals a day spaced in between physical hard work. As obesity around the world is running rampant in most developed countries, intermittent fasting should be a more widely used way to keep eating under control. But once again, if you have concerns, speak to a medical professional.
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References
- https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S193152441400200X
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23244540/
- https://ibimapublishing.com/articles/ENDO/2014/459119/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16011467/
- How to Do Intermittent Fasting Based on a Shift Work Schedule
- Do Nuts Break a Fast and a List of Nuts on Calories
- 5 Steps Starter Pack to Combine Mindful Eating with Intermittent Fasting
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