Fasting is one of the latest diet trends. In fact, it was one of the most googled diets in the United States last year.
But does it really work?
Low-carb, low-fat, high-fat, vegan, paleo, theres no shortage of diets out there. Now, intermittent fasting is an approach thats taking the medical world by storm.
Intermittent fasting involves alternating periods of calorie restriction and normal eating. A study found mice that ate a high-fat diet around the clock developed fatty livers and diabetes. But those who ate the exact number of calories during an eight-hour span were slimmer and healthier.
Anne Haney Cross is a professor of neurology at Washington University in St. Louis.
"Intermittent fasting reduces the inflammatory profile in the blood," she said.
Researchers believe it can help with weight loss and illnesses, such as arthritis, migraines, bowel diseases and high blood pressure. It might also lower the risk of heart disease, Parkinsons, Alzheimers and multiple sclerosis. But there are some downsides.
"It's hard, I've tried it myself, Cross said.
A year-long study found those who fasted had higher cholesterol levels than those who didnt. The bottom line? While the jury may still be out, intermittent fasting is a diet that just might stick around.
There are a few different ways you can try intermittent fasting.
With alternate day fasting, you fast every other day. The "five:two plan" involves eating normally for five days a week and limiting calories to 500 or less two days a week. And theres the time-restricted approach in which you go 12 to 16 hours restricting food.
Excerpt from:
Intermittent fasting: The pros and cons | Features - WFMZ Allentown
