A Full Intermittent Fasting Guide: Does it Really Work?

Food and dieting are two aspects that often go hand in hand, especially for those seeking a healthier lifestyle. The latest trend in the fitness and health world is intermittent fasting. It is all over social media platforms, with people sharing their intermittent fasting schedules. But what is intermittent fasting? And does intermittent fasting work? And, most importantly, is intermittent fasting healthy? In this Foodie Fit blog, we examine these and other questions.

What is Intermittent Fasting?

Intermittent Fasting involves choosing to eat for specific hours, and fasting for the rest of the time. The pattern of eating and fasting is constant despite the intermittent fasting schedule you decide to follow. The two most common types of intermittent fasting, meanwhile, are full-day and time-restricted fasting/eating.

The Supposed Science and Benefits Behind Intermittent Fasting

Intermittent fasting has been purportedly backed by science, with articles published on reputable websites such as Johns Hopkins Medicine, Healthline, and Mayo Clinic. According to a 25-year study by neuroscientist Mark Mattson, the human body is capable of going without food for hours and even days. He opines that this is an adaptation from a time when farming, hunting, and gathering were the primary means of obtaining food. People became conditioned to go for long periods without food. Is intermittent fasting healthy? By this research, yes, it is. The next logical question is, does intermittent fasting work? As we will cover in this blog, its efficacy is heavily impacted by the type of intermittent fasting. 

Meanwhile, when done correctly, there are many benefits to intermittent fasting, including but not limited to:

Brain Health

It seems like a far-fetched question, but does intermittent fasting work to improve brain health? Research has, on a preliminary basis, shown that this dietary pattern may boost verbal and working memory. The mind is sharper, and there is an increased release of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). This brain hormone helps in the growth of new nerve cells. Note that more research is needed to holistically support such a claim. 

Heart Health

Triglycerides, high blood pressure, and bad cholesterol are some of the elements that trigger heart problems. Research has shown that individuals following specific types of intermittent fasting schedules exhibit better heart health, characterized by improved blood pressure and lower resting heart rates. 

Physical Health

The primary reason people want to start an intermittent fasting plan is weight management, as your body burns fat during fasting periods. Individuals on this pattern have reported excellent results, ranging from improved appetite management to weight loss. An intermittent fasting schedule that involves fasting for up to 16 hours can promote fat loss without compromising muscle mass. Other related health benefits include reduced tissue damage, insulin resistance, and inflammation.

A Preliminary Intermittent Fasting Schedule

Many individuals should not participate in any intermittent fasting schedule due to pre-existing health variables or conditions. Specifically, if you are pregnant, under 18 years old, breastfeeding, prone to bone loss, have Type 1 diabetes, or are prone to eating disorders, intermittent fasting is not recommended. 

If you have consulted with a primary care physician and are not high-risk, there are two primary fasting schedules that are utilized to improve weight management: the 5:2 and 16:8 approach.

The 16:8 Approach

In the daily 16:8 daily approach, you will eat for 8 hours and fast for 16 hours. You can drink water, black tea, and coffee during the 16-hour fasting period. A well-balanced, nutritious diet during the 8 hour eating period is encouraged, featuring leafy greens, lean protein, whole grains, and healthy fats. 

The 5:2 Approach

This is an alternate-day fasting where you eat regular meals for 5 days and fast for 2 days. The meals can be regular or lower-calorie, but the general rule of thumb is to consume no more than 600 calories per day for 5 days. Again, your response to Is intermittent Fasting healthy will be determined by the foods and drinks you choose to have during the eating phase.

When considering these two approaches, note that the 16:8 approach is regarded as the healthier, less restrictive pattern of eating. Although it elicits a fasting schedule, there is no inherent restriction of caloric intake, but rather, a structured schedule of eating and not eating that encourages deliberate food intake. 

The Case Against Intermittent Fasting

Before engaging in intermittent fasting in any capacity, be sure to consult your primary care physician to ensure that fasting does not exacerbate current health conditions. 

Although intermittent fasting – if done carefully, deliberately, and with the consultation of a health professional – may yield beneficial results for certain individuals, it is not a one-size-fits-all solution for weight management or overall dietary health. Specifically, those attempting to intermittently fast have struggled with side effects including but not limited to:

• High hunger levels
• Prolonged digestive issues
• Fatigue and low energy levels
• Mood swings 
• Inconsistent sleep patterns
• Dehydration
• Lack of proper nutrients
• Eating disorders
• Muscle loss
• Decreased metabolism

If you are considering intermittent fasting, consider more deliberate, less invasive practices before engaging fully such as intuitive and slowed eating, which allows one to listen to their body without extreme fasting practices.

Summary

Regardless of your health needs, pre-existing conditions, or goals, intermittent fasting should be done in a measured, calculated, and educated manner. Always consult with your primary care physician before deciding upon intermittent fasting, and begin with less restrictive practices such as intuitive eating to start. 

Meanwhile, when deciding upon an intermittent fasting schedule, focus upon a strategy that limits time eaten, not foods eaten. This will ensure a sustainable solution that focuses on deliberate and nutritious eating patterns to support your holistic self.