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Intermittent fasting may provide some short-term benefits for weight loss. According to the combined results from 130 clinical trials, intermittent fasting may help lower:
- Weight
- Body mass index (BMI)
- Body fat
- Bad cholesterol
- Fasting blood sugar
- Blood pressure
Additionally, it may lower other risk factors associated with obesity.
Brief fasting can result in ketosis, a metabolic state in which the body breaks down stored fat for energy when it does not have access to enough glucose for fuel. As a result of this, ketones develop, which promotes weight loss.
A diet strategy called intermittent fasting alternates between periods of fasting and regular meals. According to studies, intermittent fasting can help you control your weight and prevent some diseases.
What is intermittent fasting?
Though many diets concentrate on what you should eat, intermittent fasting is all about when you should eat. When you practice intermittent fasting, you only eat during the allotted hours. Your body can burn fat if you fast each day for a period or consume only one meal a couple of days a week.
According to scientific findings, there are some health benefits to intermittent fasting.
The following are some well-liked methods for intermittent fasting:
- Fasting every other day: One day, consume a regular diet, and the following day, either fully fast or consume one modest meal (less than 500 calories).
- 5:2 fasting: Five days a week, have a typical diet, and fast two days a week.
- Daily fasting with time restrictions: Eat normally but restrict your daily eating window to eight hours. For example, skip breakfast yet eat lunch at noon and dinner at 8 o'clock.
According to various research, alternate-day fasting is comparable to a standard low-calorie diet in terms of its ability to help people lose weight.
Is intermittent fasting right for you?
Some people experiment with intermittent fasting to lose weight, whereas others use the technique to treat long-term ailments including irritable bowel syndrome, high cholesterol, or arthritis. However, not everyone should practice intermittent fasting.
Consult your primary care physician before attempting intermittent fasting (or any diet).
The following individuals should refrain from attempting intermittent fasting:
- Kids and teenagers younger than 18 years old
- Women who are nursing or pregnant
- Those suffering from diabetes or blood sugar issues
- Those who have a background with eating disorders
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SLIDESHOW
The Best Diet Tips: How to Lose Weight the Healthy Way See SlideshowWhat are the benefits of intermittent fasting?
According to studies, intermittent fasting does more than only burn fat. According to Mark Mattson (a neuroscientist), “Changes with this metabolic switch have an impact on the body and the brain.” Data from one of Mattson's investigations published in the New England Journal of Medicine provided information regarding several health advantages connected to the practice. Longevity, a slimmer body, and improved intellect are a few of these.
- Fasting has an impact on the body's metabolic functions, which may help enhance blood sugar control, reduce inflammation, and improve the body's ability to respond to physical stress.
- According to some studies, intermittent fasting may be superior to other diets to lower inflammation and treat illnesses that are related to inflammation, such as:
- Alzheimer's illness
- Arthritis
- Asthma
- Stroke
- Memory and thinking: Intermittent fasting improves verbal memory in human adults and working memory in animals.
- Heart wellness: Blood pressure, resting heart rates, and other heart-related parameters were improved by intermittent fasting.
- Physical ability: 16-hour fasting in young men resulted in fat loss while maintaining muscle mass. Running endurance was higher in mice that were fed on alternating days.
- Healthy tissue: Intermittent fasting decreased tissue damage during surgery and enhanced outcomes in rats.
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Health Solutions From Our Sponsors
Intermittent fasting: Fad or valid weight-loss solution? https://www.mayoclinichealthsystem.org/hometown-health/speaking-of-health/intermittent-fasting-fad-or-solution
Intermittent fasting and weight loss. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7021351/
Intermittent Fasting: What is it, and how does it work? https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/intermittent-fasting-what-is-it-and-how-does-it-work
What is intermittent fasting? Does it have health benefits? https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/expert-answers/intermittent-fasting/faq-20441303
Diet Review: Intermittent Fasting for Weight Loss. https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/healthy-weight/diet-reviews/intermittent-fasting
Intermittent Fasting Works, Helps at Least in the Short Term. https://www.webmd.com/diet/obesity/news/20211223/intermittent-fasting-works
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