Intermittent fasting is a diet plan that switches between fasting and regularly eating.
It works by prolonging the time between eating, so your body finishes burning calories and then begins to burn fat.
This type of eating not only helps you manage your weight but can prevent or even reverse some forms of disease. Experts say many people find intermittent eating more manageable and might stick with it longer than traditional dieting.
While some people use it to lose weight, the biggest benefit is that intermittent fasting seems to help stabilize insulin levels, said Dr. Mahmud Kara, the founder of KaraMD, a website promoting functional medicine.
When you dont eat, your body doesnt have carbohydrates to break down. If there are no carbohydrates, there is no glucose in your blood. And if there is no elevated blood glucose, there is no need for your pancreas to send out insulin, he said.
Intermittent fasting gives your pancreas a break and allows your body the opportunity to balance itself back out, Kara said. Make sure you consider how much you are eating. Its easy to eat too little (or too much).
One of the better-known intermittent fasting diets is the 5:2 plan.
Under this plan, you eat what you want for 5 days each week and then limit yourself to 500 calories on the other 2 days.
In a recent study conducted at Queen Mary University of London, researchers said the results of 5:2 intermittent fasting are similar in effectiveness to traditional dieting.
They also found, however, that people generally preferred intermittent fasting and were more willing to stick with it.
The study included 300 adults with obesity 100 received information on conventional dieting, 100 received information on intermittent fasting, and 100 received information on intermittent fasting along with 6 weeks of support.
The researchers followed participants for a year, noting weight loss. At the end of the study, they noted:
While weight loss was similar in the groups, the number of people who lost weight increased with intermittent fasting.
Researchers said the two groups who used the 5:2 diet had a more positive experience than people using the traditional diet.
This could be an essential factor for doctors recommending weight loss and weight management programs because they might be more likely to remain committed to the diet.
The best news is that there is no one-way to do it, Kara said. Depending on your schedule, personality, and lifestyle, you can pick a fasting protocol that best suits your needs.
No matter which type you choose, its important to remember to eat healthy foods during your chosen eating window, he said. These fasts wont work if you choose meals that are full of processed foods.
Besides the 5:2 plan, other types of intermittent fasting diets include:
There are numerous health benefits of intermittent fasting.
Intermittent fasting can lower cholesterol, reduce liver fat, enhance glucose management, and improve blood pressure, in addition to reducing body weight. Enhanced motor coordination, enhanced endurance, and better sleep have also been linked to intermittent fasting, Shauna Hatcher, MSPH, a certified nutritionist at The National Wellness and Public Health Network, told Healthline.
It can also lead to a longer life, a sharper mind, and protect against type 2 diabetes, heart disease, neurodegenerative disorders caused by age, inflammatory bowel disease, and some types of cancer.
It can take 2 to 4 weeks for your body to adjust to your new way of eating. During this time, you might experience headaches, said Hatcher.
Other possible side effects include digestive issues, such as nausea, diarrhea, constipation, and bloating. Low blood sugar caused by intermittent fasting might make you tired and weak. You might notice sleep disruptions, resulting in fatigue during the day, she said.
Experts say there are some groups of people who should not participate in intermittent fasting:
As helpful as intermittent fasting is, its not for everyone, said Kara. If you have a history of eating disorders or are taking medication that cannot be taken on an empty stomach, be sure to talk with your doctor or nutritionist before starting. The type of food you eat is equally, if not more important, than the time of day or hours you consume the food.
Link:
5:2 Intermittent Fasting Diet and Weight Loss - Healthline
