Is Intermittent Fasting Good for Your Health?
By Genevieve Cunningham
Good health is the ultimate goal. For a lot of people, good health is also a challenge. We know many of the things that we should be doing -- like quality sleep and regular exercise. But other aspects of good health are a bit more complicated. Like diet. There are so many healthy diet options -- vegetarianism, veganism, various other diets. And then something new and different comes along and we wonder whether it's the magic pill we need to lose weight and feel our best. This is how a lot of people feel about the newly popular trend of intermittent fasting. You've probably heard of it, but is it right? Should we be intermittent fasting or is it just another fad? If you've been curious about this hot diet, take a look at the role of intermittent fasting in good health.
What is Intermittent Fasting?
Intermittent fasting isn't complicated. It simply means eating within a certain window of time every day and fasting for the rest of the time. For many, the magic numbers are 16 and 8 -- eating in an 8-hour window and fasting for 16 hours. Anything that is to be consumed (besides water) should be done within this time frame. This often boils down to skipping breakfast and eating only lunch and dinner. Though the biggest part of intermittent fasting is the very limited time frame, you should still plan on a healthy, well balanced diet and regular movement.
Are There Benefits?
Those who follow intermittent fasting claim many benefits. Though it can be challenging at first, many claim that they both lose weight and gain energy with this lifestyle. Another great benefit has to do with convenience. Planning for fewer meals means it's a lot easier to prepare healthy food every day. And in our busy world, who doesn't want life to be a little easier? Though these benefits are common, the only way to know how intermittent fasting is going to affect your body is to try it for yourself.
Is It Dangerous?
It's true that intermittent fasting is effective and safe for most people, but like anything else, it can be dangerous for certain individuals. What are the potential dangers? If you suffer from blood sugar issues, it may be difficult to regulate with intermittent fasting, especially at first. This lifestyle may not provide enough lasting energy for those in extremely difficult situations including physically demanding jobs. It may not be the right choice for families with young children. How do you know if it's the right choice for you? Consult your healthcare professional to discuss the pros and cons and to monitor the situation as you embark on this journey.
Intermittent fasting has become incredibly popular as of late. Many find the benefits far outweigh any potential negative side effects. But nothing is right for every person. Do your research, talk to your doctor, and make choices that are right for your body and lifestyle. Whether you choose intermittent fasting or another approach to diet, expect positive changes to your health and wellness moving forward.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Livermore, Calif.