Intermittent fasting (IF) is a form of diet that alternates between fasting and eating times.
It doesn’t tell you which foods to consume, but rather when you should eat them.

Some common techniques of Intermittent Fasting:

  • Switching days

A person completely fasts on the first day or has a small meal (less than 500 calories), then goes back to a normal diet the next day, and so on.

  • The 5-2 fasting

It means eating a normal diet five days a week and fasting for two days a week.

  • Fasting specific times every day (16:8 diet)

A person eats normally but only for 8-hour each day and abstains from food for the next 16 hours of the day.

Why IF? What are the benefits?

Intermittent fasting is associated with many health and aesthetic benefits, the most important of which are:

  • Slow Down Aging

It has been found that intermittent fasting may significantly delay the aging of the body and the manifestations of aging. 

  • Help Prevent Diabetes

IF reduces blood glucose by 3-6% in people with prediabetes, while there is no change in the glucose level in healthy people. On the other hand, it was found that insulin is also reduced in the body by 11-57% after 3 weeks of intermittent fasting. 

  • Losing Weight Excess

It reduces the amount of food consumed during the day, and thus the calories entering the body are reduced. Which helps improve metabolism, and leads to burning more body fat. 

  • Boosted Brain Function 

It has been said that IF helps protect against the decline in memory that comes with age. As it increases the brain hormone BDNF, and boosts the blood that is being pumped to the brain which allows it to function more efficiently.

Some research suggests that intermittent fasting may be more beneficial than other diets in reducing inflammation and improving associated conditions, such as:

  • Alzheimer’s disease
  • Arthritis
  • Asthma
  • Multiple Sclerosis
  • Brain strokes

When To See A Doctor?

Intermittent fasting is safe for many people, but it is not suitable for everyone. Skipping meals may not be the best way to control weight for pregnancy or breastfeeding.

If you have kidney stones, stomach reflux, diabetes, or other medical problems, talk to a doctor before embarking on intermittent fasting. 

Go to Okadoc.com or download our Mobile App and book an appointment with a Dietetics & Nutrition doctor instantly.

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