INTERMITTENT FASTING - A POPULAR TREND

WHAT IS INTERMITTENT FASTING ?

> Many diets focus on what to eat, but intermittent fasting is all about when to eat. It involves switching between fasting and eating on a regular schedule.

> Methods of intermittent fasting include alternate day fasting, periodic fasting and daily time - restricted fasting.

> It is an ancient practice still followed by most religions. The PURPOSE of fasting as most religious people point out is to strengthen the mind, detoxify the body and to add years to one's life.

BENEFITS OF FASTING

> A fasted state rings physiological alarm bells for the body’s systems. It sets in motion three important processes : maintenance and repair, consolidating security ( stress responses ) and a switch to ‘survival mode’.

> Studies done in animals shows that fasting prolongs life.

> Weight loss, fall in blood sugar levels are other benefits. Weight loss, over 6-12 months, ranges from 3%-10%.

> Blood pressure and cholesterol decreases. Fat from organs gets dissolved, thus enabling a better functional state.

> There is some experimental data that suggests it may increase memory and delay onset of Alzheimer’s disease.

FINDING ‘RIGHT’ APPROACH

Could these fasting diets be integrated into everyone’s lifestyle ?

> A few studies suggest no difference between traditional, daily calorie restrictive eating (eating a low calorie diet daily without fasting in hours or days ) and intermittent fasting regime. Also many people are not able to follow a strict regimen like alternate fasting.

> Our fasting sages were clam, composed and energetic, but that may not always be the case in those following intermittent fasting. Some people develop irritability, mood disorders, dizziness, fatigue and headache, especially during the early days of the diet regimen. Some patients with diabetes have a surge of blood glucose during the non-fasting period.

FASTING AND DIABETES

> Patients with diabetes must be careful as they may experience low sugar levels, especially during fasting periods and high sugar levels during non-fasting periods, majorly upsetting the metabolic balance. Such ups and downs may weaken the immune system.

> Once you lose body fat with intermittent fasting, you may lose muscle mass too and become weaker.

CONCLUSION

Simply put, you can not learn intermittent fasting from the internet and have a go at it. Your hand must be held by nutritionists and physicians when you choose to walk this path.

If you want weight loss and good control in diabetes, blood pressure and lipids, then traditional daily calorie restrictive diets and intermittent fasting both produce similar and good results.

However, if you want a good life span and eliminate memory loss and brain degenerative diseases, intermittent fasting has positive potential, although no long term human studies are available.

Hence, decide for yourself wisely !