5 reasons why Intermittent Fasting might not be for you
5 reasons why Intermittent Fasting might not be for you
Intermittent fasting is a popular dietary practice that involves alternating periods of fasting and eating i.e. one does not consume calories for an extended period of time.Eg if you finish dinner by 7pm and do not eat till 11 am next day, you have completed 16 hours fast.Water,black coffee and other calorie free beverages are allowed but no solid foods or calorie containing drinks are permitted. People choose different time frames depending on the convenience.
This approach to eating has become increasingly popular in recent years, and many people swear by its benefits. However, like any diet or lifestyle change, there are both pros and cons to intermittent fasting.
Let’s start with the advantages. One of the most significant benefits of intermittent fasting is weight loss. Studies have shown that fasting can help reduce body fat and improve overall body composition. It can also lead to improved insulin sensitivity, which can reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Additionally, intermittent fasting has been linked to improved heart health, lower inflammation, and even a longer lifespan.
Another point in favour of intermittent fasting is that some people find it relatively easy to follow as compared to other diets that require you to count calories or eliminate entire food groups.
However, there are potential downsides of intermittent fasting which every person who is considering doing it should know.
1) One potential downside of intermittent fasting is that it can be challenging to stick to, especially in the beginning. It can take time for your body to adjust to the new eating schedule, and you may experience hunger pangs or low energy during the fasting periods.
2)Secondly people who have a history of disordered eating or who have trouble with binge eating may find that fasting triggers those behaviors.Infact over eating and binge eating are common side effects of intermittent fasting.
3)Intermittent fasting could cause sleep disturbances. So if you already have sleep disturbances, correct those before taking up intermittent fasting.
4)Intermittent fasting could also increase the chances of mood swings. So, if a person has symptoms of anxiety, they could worsen initially because of fluctuations of glucose levels.
5)One very important fact which many people ignore is going against your circadian rythms.Eating a late dinner and skipping breakfast is counterproductive as it is not aligned with body’s natural biorhythms. You might want to do the opposite that is eat in the earlier hours i.e. not delay the breakfast and start fasting 2 to 4 hours before bed time. This is one mistake which all people should avoid.
Additionally,it is not for pregnant or breastfeeding women, children and adolescents. People with certain health conditions e.g. diabetics on insulin should not try intermittent fasting without consulting a healthcare professional.
In conclusion, intermittent fasting can be a beneficial dietary practice for some people. It has been linked to weight loss, improved insulin sensitivity, and other health benefits. However, it may not be suitable for everyone and it is important to know that. As with any dietary change, before trying intermittent fasting it’s important to see what suits your schedules and health conditions the best .