Dr Sakina - The Power of Intermittent Fasting
The Transformative Power of Intermittent Fasting
Alternate between periods of fasting and eating the right way and you will feel a healthier you over time. Dr Sakina Patrawala of Zeal Wellness Nutrition enlightens on the two types of intermittent fasting
| Do you know what intermittent fasting is? Have you ever tried it? It’s a common trend that many individuals enquire about when they visit our clinic, expressing their desire to adopt intermittent fasting for rapid weight loss. However, before diving into its potential benefits and considerations, let’s explore what intermittent fasting truly entails. |
Intermittent fasting (IF) is a dietary approach that alternates between periods of eating and fasting. The primary goal of IF is to optimise the body’s metabolic processes and promote various health benefits.
Dos: I’m sure you’ve heard plenty of advice on what you should or shouldn’t do. When it comes to intermittent fasting, consider incorporating essential elements like:
• Ensure adequate water intake.
• Opt for nutrient-dense meals.
• Pay attention to your body’s signals.
• Most importantly, choose a method that aligns seamlessly with your lifestyle.
Don’ts: Amid the various intermittent fasting recommendations, it’s crucial to be mindful of a few don’ts.
• Avoid overindulging during eating windows.
• Refrain from skipping a balanced diet.
• Avoid exerting excessive physical pressure on your body.
• Avoid extreme fasting methods without proper guidance.
Mechanisms: Gene expression, fat metabolism, and cellular repair pathways are all influenced by intermittent fasting. The most popular approaches are the 16/8 method, which entails a 16-hour fast followed by an 8-hour window for eating, and the 5:2 method, which calls for five days of normal eating followed by two non-consecutive days of calorie restriction.
Duration: Depending on personal preferences and medical situations, the length of intermittent fasting varies. While some people integrate short-term ambitions into their long-term lifestyle, others find success with them. Prolonged fasting, however, should be done with caution, and you should often reevaluate how it is affecting your health.
When to Do It: Blood sugar regulation, weight loss, and general wellness can all benefit from intermittent fasting. For those looking for a sustainable nutritional plan and with stable medical problems, it might be appropriate. Before beginning, it is imperative to speak with a healthcare provider, particularly for individuals who already have health issues.
When Not to Do It: People who have a history of eating disorders, pregnant women, or those with underlying health conditions may find that extended durations of intermittent fasting are not good for them. The sustainability and health consequences of intermittent fasting must be reevaluated if you suffer negative side effects or nutritional deficits.
In conclusion, many people find that intermittent fasting is a useful strategy, although individual circumstances determine how effective it is. For intermittent fasting to be safe and successful, one must find balance and be aware of the dos and don’ts. A healthcare provider should always be consulted before making big dietary changes.