Intermittent fasting has taken the health world by storm. However, it’s not right for everyone. So, should you try it? Well, here’s the lowdown on what you should know before going down that road.
What is Intermittent Fasting?
Intermittent Fasting (IF) is when an individual eats during a certain time window and fasts during a certain time window. For instance, someone may eat between 12 pm and 8 pm, while fasting for the remainder of their day. However, there are other ways to do it, such as eating more some days and not as much on others. There are further differing fasting and eating interval windows.
Potential Benefits of Intermittent Fasting
Inevitably, if there weren’t some benefits, people wouldn’t do it. With IF, many report doing it due to the following benefits:
- Weight loss due to lower caloric intake
- Relief from digestive issues
- Better insulin sensitivity
- Heart health
- Anti-aging
But, again, it’s not right for everyone and here’s why!
Who Shouldn’t Do Intermittent Fasting?
For those with eating disorders or who are underweight, intermittent fasting doesn’t make sense as it can trigger these past disorders or lead to a dangerously low body weight.
In most cases, you should talk to your doctor before diving headfirst into this way of eating. It’s also important to note that women and men aren’t the same here.
One study actually showed how intermittent fasting improved insulin sensitivity for male participants but didn’t for females. Additionally, women have monthly cycles, meaning at certain times of the month intermittent fasting could be detrimental to hormone health.
For example, extreme fasting isn’t recommended around ovulation or the second half of a woman’s cycle to encourage progesterone production and balanced hormones. Yet, fasting overnight for 12-14 hours is often beneficial to most individuals as it gives the body a break from digestion and may help enhance insulin sensitivity.
Fasting may also interfere with fertility or aggravate menopausal symptoms. Thus, women, especially, should be careful when implementing any new fasting regime. Again, discuss your options with your doctor. Everyone is different. Depending on your goals and lifestyle, intermittent fasting could be right for you or not.
For more ways to enhance your health and wellness, consider chiropractic care. Book your FREE discovery call with your local Finsbury Park chiropractor! BOOK NOW.