Today’s blog is something I find interesting and would not have given much credence to prior to a few months ago. That is before I did some extensive research. The subject matter is intermittent fasting. Why you ask? Let me tell you what I’ve learned.
ANOTHER FAD?
A few months ago, I rejected the idea of intermittent fasting. I lumped it into the category with other fad diets, weight loss gimmicks and other nonsensical miracle quick fixes. Research is showing that it has numerous health benefits including but not limited to weight loss!
EXPLANATION
Intermittent fasting means that you don’t eat for a period of time each day or week. There are different approaches from alternate day fasting to daily time restricted fasting. Obviously, approaches and results vary.
CHANGES
Fasting changes where your body gets its energy. Typically, your energy comes from sugar. If you eat continually or sporadically while awake and don’t exercise, your body runs on the calories you consume. If you don’t use all the sugar you ingest during the day, your body stores it as fat. When you go for hours without eating, your body eventually runs out of stored sugars to use. Instead, it begins to burn fat for energy. If you opt for intermittent fasting, be active throughout the day so you don’t lose muscle while torching fat.
HEALTH IMPROVEMENT
Losing weight and being physically active helps lower your risk of obesity related diseases such as diabetes, sleep apnea and some types of cancer. Healthline.com gives us a few evidence- based benefits of intermittent fasting (AKA IF).
- IF helps you eat fewer calories while boosting slightly metabolism. It’s an effective tool to lose weight and visceral fat.
- IF decreases your risk for diabetes by controlling blood sugar and reducing your body’s resistance to insulin, the hormone that helps control the amount of sugar in the blood.
- IF reduces oxidative damage and inflammation in the body helping to slow the aging process and the development of numerous diseases.
- Studies show that IF can improve numerous risk factors for heart disease such as blood pressure, cholesterol levels, triglycerides, and inflammatory markers.
- Fasting triggers a metabolic pathway called autophagy which removes waste material from cells.
- IF may have important benefits for brain health. It may increase growth of new neurons, protect the brain from damage as well as neuro degenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease.
NOT FOR EVERYONE
While intermittent fasting is safe for many people it is not for everyone. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, have kidney stones, diabetes, eating disorders or other medical issues, consult your health care provider. Although it’s not always easy, it is definitely not difficult and like anything else, it requires patience and commitment to reap the benefits.
HDD
I hope you found the content of today’s blog interesting and informative. John and I are planning on this IF endeavor to become part of a healthier lifestyle. Whatever lifestyle or improved health plan you embark upon, if you and your health care provider determine diagnostic ultrasound is indicated, call us at 505-350-3397.