Is Intermittent Fasting Right For You?
Oct 15th 2021
Intermittent fasting is an eating plan that switches between fasting and eating on a regular schedule. Research shows that intermittent fasting is a way to manage your weight and prevent — or even reverse — some forms of diseases.1
During intermittent fasting, individuals use specific periods of eating — typically within an eight-to-10 hour window — to lose weight.2 Intermittent fasting has recently become a health trend. Devotees claim it can cause weight loss, improve metabolic health, and maybe even extend life span. Every method can be effective, but figuring out which one works best depends on the individual. So, here comes the question, “Is intermittent fasting right for me?” Keep reading to know more!
How Does Intermittent Fasting Work?
The diet works best when you stop eating at a certain time of the day and avoid eating at night altogether. That means no in-between or before-bed snacks. Although the time of eating will differ from person to person, many of my patients find success when they are eating between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m.1
What’s The Most Effective Fasting Window?
Normally, fat burning begins after approximately 12 hours of fasting and escalates between 16 and 24 hours of fasting. However, it depends on how your body reacts. There are several common types of intermittent fasting that recommend different time frames for fasting.3
What Are The Benefits of Intermittent Fasting?
In addition to reduced body weight, this fasting can help lower cholesterol, improve glucose control, reduce liver fat and improve blood pressure. Patients tell me they have increased endurance, better motor coordination, and improved sleep. Eating according to your circadian rhythm (eat day/sleep night) helps promote deep sleep. Studies have also shown that fasting, which leads to caloric restriction, increases the lifespan of even healthy people.4
Are There Certain Beverages That Should Be Consumed During The Fasting Period?
Definitely! Water is the source of life. If you plan to engage in fasting, be sure to get lots of fluids in during the hours you’re not eating solid food. Vegetables, chicken, or bone broth can also be consumed. Soda and beverages containing caffeine should be avoided.5
To control hunger, water can suffice. But why not try making it tastier and refreshing? You can mix pHresh greens® raw alkalizing superfood with your plain water! It is composed of 16 nutrient-dense, raw vegetables, cereal grasses, and algae that were carefully selected for their highly alkalizing properties.
What’s more? It is approved for intermittent fasting with only 15 cal per serving and no fillers or sweeteners - highly bioavailable to provide your body with a rich natural source of vitamins, trace minerals, antioxidants, chlorophyll, enzymes, and other phytonutrients beneficial to health.
Who Benefits Most From Intermittent Fasting?
Many people have been wondering if intermittent fasting is good or right for them. Well, Intermittent fasting isn’t for everyone.6 For individuals who’ve struggled to lose weight, this is another tool to have in their toolkit. In the end, it’s about a person’s lifestyle and the choices they make. They have to weigh the options and decide what’s best for them.
Are There Some Certain Health Conditions Where Intermittent Fasting Should Be Avoided?
The most common side effect of intermittent fasting is hunger. People with certain medical conditions should not fast without consulting with a doctor first. People who are brittle diabetic, those with a history of eating disorders like anorexia and bulimia, and pregnant or breastfeeding women should not attempt fasting unless they are under close supervision of a doctor.7-8
TAKEAWAY:
All that being said, intermittent fasting has an outstanding safety profile. There is nothing dangerous about not eating for a while if you’re healthy and well-nourished overall. Always make sure that you keep on track with your diet.
To check more healthy tips, visit pHresh Products!
REFERENCES:
2https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25540982/
3https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/6-ways-to-do-intermittent-fasting
5https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/can-you-drink-water-when-fasting#drinks-to-avoid
7https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/4-intermittent-fasting-side-effects-to-watch-out-for