Intermittent fasting: Pros and cons | Fusion - WeRIndia

Intermittent fasting, a popular eating plan gaining traction for its simplicity, involves alternating between eating and fasting.

According to experts, a fast needs to extend at least 12 hours to be considered effective.

One approachable model is time-restricted eating, where daily meals occur within specific windows, like 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., with fasting for the remaining hours.

More rigorous plans, like the 5:2 method, recommend normal eating for five days and a significant calorie reduction (about 75%) on two non-consecutive days.

Despite potential benefits, this intense approach requires caution and consultation with a healthcare provider.

Here is a list of the pros and cons of intermittent fasting.

There are many health benefits to intermittent fasting. Here are some of them:

• Intermittent fasting holds appeal due to its simplicity and flexibility, requiring no meticulous meal tracking.
• Scientific research, predominantly in animals, indicates a range of potential health benefits, including weight loss, and lowered cholesterol and blood pressure.
• Besides, it helps control blood sugar, reduce inflammation, and enhance brain health.
• It is also associated with potentially a longer life.
• Some studies proved that those who follow intermittent fasting have fewer age-related diseases.

However, one must take precautions while following the method. Here is a list of cautions and concerns:

• Despite promising findings, intermittent fasting isn’t universally suitable. Early studies focused on extreme approaches, leaving questions about the effectiveness of shorter daily windows.
• It is not suitable for individuals over 65, those still growing, individuals with diabetes, heart/kidney/liver diseases, and a history of eating disorders.
• In addition, pregnant or breastfeeding women, those with low blood pressure, and those on specific medications should exercise caution or consult a doctor before attempting intermittent fasting.

Intermittent fasting offers a straightforward way to potentially enhance health.

However, individual factors and the variation in fasting methods necessitate careful consideration.

Always consult a healthcare professional before embarking on any fasting regimen to ensure it aligns with your unique health profile.

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