According to Dr. Sudhir Kumar, Intermittent fasting has many benefits. First, it is good for weight loss. Second, it can help reduce the risk of many chronic diseases. Whether you choose to go on the 8-hour intermittent fasting routine every day or the 5:2 intermittent fasting every week, here are some of the health benefits of intermittent fasting you can expect.
Metabolic switch: Body’s preferential shift from utilization of glucose from glycogenolysis to fatty acids and fatty acid-derived ketones. Ketones are the preferred fuel for both the brain and body during periods of fasting and extended exercise.
Of relevance to weight management, this switch represents a shift from lipid synthesis and fat storage to mobilization of fat in the form of free fatty acids (FFAs) and fatty-acid derived ketones.
A small study of three people with type 2 diabetes had the people fast for 24 hours, three times a week. After the end of about seven months, all of them had reduced blood sugar, weight, and waist circumference.
The Journal of Applied Physiology published a study to monitor the effect of intermittent fasting on people with type 2 diabetes. The scientists concluded that intermittent fasting increased insulin action sevenfold and reduced blood glucose levels in the test subjects
Who should not attempt intermittent fasting? Those who are;
1. Underweight,
2. Under 18 years old,
3. Pregnant or breastfeeding women,
4. Having a history or currently struggling with eating disorders
Conclusion
Intermittent fasting is not a fad method for weight loss. It is scientifically proven to aid weight loss and improve health. However, it may not be a safe health solution for everyone, so be sure to talk to your doctor to know if you should fast intermittently and if so, how often in a week you should do it.
The benefits of intermittent fasting are gaining more and more attention nowadays. It can improve cardiovascular health and reduce diabetes risk, oxidative stress, cancer risk, and blood pressure. It can also help prevent Alzheimer’s disease, reduce belly fat, improve sleep quality, help maintain muscle mass, and increase longevity. There are various ways to practice intermittent fasting. However, it may not be suitable for everyone. Hence, consult your doctor before choosing intermittent fasting for weight loss. Also, know how many times you can do it in a week.
Ref: Dr Sudhir Kumar MD DM
