What is intermittent fasting?
According to NCBI (ref), in intermittent fasting you have to fast for some time in the day and eat only at a fixed time or you can eat only for a few hours in a day. This does not consume too many calories and the diet also remains controlled. In intermittent fasting, you have to eat food at a fixed time for a few days.
There are different types of intermittent fasting
Intermittent fasting is done in several ways. There are several different types of it.
16/8 Fasting: In this, you go without eating for 16 hours and consume all the food in 8 hours of the day.
14/10 fasting: In this, you have to eat breakfast, lunch and dinner in 10 hours only. The remaining 14 hours are for fasting.
5/2 Fasting: In this fast, you have to eat some things for several days and some things you do not have to eat for several days. You can eat normal food for five days and have to eat low-calorie food for 2 days.
6/1 Fasting: In this you can eat normal food for the entire 6 days and can take only water or liquid diet for 24 hours. Apart from this you cannot eat anything.
1/1 (Alternating Fasting): In this fasting, one day you can eat normal food and one day you have to eat only low calorie food.
Risk of heart diseases
Intermittent fasting increases the risk of heart problems as it goes without eating for 14 to 16 hours. Fasting for longer periods of time causes electrolyte imbalances and increases cortisol levels. This can lead to irregular heartbeat and heart-related diseases. According to a study, eating within an 8-hour period can lead to heart disease, but more research is needed on this.
Intermittent fasting has a bad effect on the liver
The liver plays a very important role in digestion, metabolism, detoxification and hormone regulation. In such a situation, all these functions are affected by intermittent fasting. Especially those who already have liver problems, they have more such problems. However, according to some research, intermittent fasting has a positive effect on the liver such as not allowing fat to accumulate and improving insulin sensitivity. However, the results of this research are not yet clear.
There may be a deficiency of nutrients in the body
During intermittent fasting, one should consume foods rich in nutrients. If there is a deficiency of nutrients in the body, then many other types of physical problems can occur.
Practice intermittent fasting only after consulting a health expert
If you also want to start intermittent fasting, then you must consult your health professional. This can increase liver problems and there is also a possibility of a drop in blood sugar level. In such a situation, it is important that you get the right information about it.
Disclaimer: This article is for general information only. It cannot in any way be a substitute for any medicine or treatment. Always consult your doctor for more information.
