In tonight’s edition of NCN Health, sponsored by GTM Insurance Company Limited and Essential Care Pharmacy, the focus is on the proven safety and effectiveness of intermittent fasting, an eating plan characterized by alternating periods of fasting and eating on a regular schedule.
The report is based on research from John Hopkins Medicine.
Key Takeaways:
- Weight Management and Disease Prevention:
- Intermittent fasting has been shown to be a safe and effective method for managing weight.
- Research suggests that it may prevent or even reverse certain forms of diseases.
- How Intermittent Fasting Works:
- The eating plan extends the period during which the body burns calories from the last meal and starts burning fat.
- Different fasting routines are available, such as the 16-hour fast (eating within an eight-hour window) or the 12-hour fast (fasting for 12 consecutive hours).
- Caution and Consultation:
- Before starting intermittent fasting, individuals are advised to consult with their doctors.
- Longer fasting periods (24-, 36-, 48-, and 72-hour) may not necessarily be better and could be risky, potentially encouraging the body to store more fat in response to perceived starvation.
- Intermittent Fasting Benefits:
- Boosts memory in adults.
- Improves heart health, including reducing blood pressure, blood triglycerides, total cholesterol, and LDL (bad) cholesterol.
- Promotes blood sugar control by reducing insulin resistance, potentially lowering the risk of type 2 diabetes.
- Aids in weight loss, with studies indicating its effectiveness compared to continuous calorie restriction.
- May lead to greater reductions in body fat and belly fat.
- Considerations:
- Fasting is not recommended for children, teens under 18, pregnant or breastfeeding women.
- Conclusion:
- When combined with a nutritious diet and a healthy lifestyle, intermittent fasting could contribute to overall health and well-being.
Intermittent fasting is presented as a viable approach to enhance various aspects of health, but individuals are reminded to approach it with caution and seek professional advice before incorporating it into their routine.