In recent years, The intermittent fasting has taken more popularity as a method to carry a better Weight control or as one more form of feeding. Although the list of its benefits is long, experts indicate that intermittent fasting is not good for all people.
Fasting is understood intermittent to the action of abstaining totally or partially of eating for a certain time, before eating regularly.
“When practicing this action, what happens is that the body changes its source of energy. It is usually glucose and glycogen, when they end up passes to fats. That is, with the intermittent fasting the body uses the fat stored as a source of energy and spends it,” explains Gabriela de León, nutritionist.
Fasting is characterized by being 12 hours or more without eating solid foods that provide nutrients. Liquids such as soups, water or coffee can be consumed. “During this time, the digestive separation is self -limp and helps to reduce blood pressure, blood glucose levels are controlled, improve gastrointestinal health, among other benefits. But everything will depend on each person,” he adds.
Types of intermittent fasting
For some people, intermittent fasting is just one more manage to eat, while for others it is a method to control your calorie intake.
Depending on the need of each person, the May Clinic portal indicates that there are some more popular intermittent types of fasting.
- Fasting alternate days: A normal diet is followed one day and a small meal (less than 500 calories) is done the next day.
- Fasting 5: 2: You eat a normal diet five days a week and fast two days a week.
- Daily fast with restricted time: It is eaten normally, but only within a period of eight hours every day. For example, do not have breakfast, but lunch at noon and dinner no later than 20 hours.
Although There are also fasts of more than 16 hours, These are used to perform some medical exams. That is, they must be requested by a medical specialist.
Some studies suggest that fasting on alternate days is almost as effective as a low calorie diet to lose weight. That seems reasonable because reducing the amount of calories consumed should help lose weight.
Is intermittent fasting for everyone?
Although there are several benefits granted by intermittent fasting, experts indicate that some people should refrain from doing so, since it could cause side effects on their health. It is not recommended in:
- Pregnant
- Women in breastfeeding period
- Children, adolescents and elders
- Diabetics
- Athletes with specific nutritional needs
- Person suffering from eating disorders
- Extreme stress and anxiety cases
Intermittent fasting is not a harmful strategy, however, it is recommended to make it accompanied by a health professional.
BENEFITS AND RISKS OF THE INTERMITTENT FAST
Intermittent fasting generates numerous benefits in the body, because prioritizing the consumption of fats stored as a source of energy.
Among the main benefits, weight loss, control of levels of insulin and glucose In blood, regulation of blood pressure, inflammatory reduction, better concentration and productivity, more energy and better mood.
Negative risks or effects are still under investigation. So far, scientific studies have determined that intermittent fasting is not for all people, since the changes that occur in the body can affect more people.
Among the risks is mentioned: stress, irritability, Dehydrationdizziness, halitosis, hunger attacks, hormonal changes, malnutrition and headache.