The Dangers Of Intermittent Fasting
Last Updated on October 22, 2019 by Paula
Intermittent fasting (IF) is perfectly natural and mimics the lifestyle our ancestors had in the past. During Neanderthal times, it was either feast or famine. There were times when their hunting or foraging for food would yield no fruit.
During times like these, it was a ‘fasting’ period… and on those times they did have a good hunt or a bounty of fruit/crop, it was ‘feasting’ time.
Intermittent fasting resembles their lifestyle with its fasting and feasting windows. So, you’re not doing anything unnatural. In fact, you’re doing what you’re supposed to do. We were evolved to go through periods of feasting and fasting.
We just went haywire and ended up gorging on food all the time, which explains the obesity epidemic and why diseases are more prevalent now than ever before. It all boils down to the foods you eat and how often you eat.
That said, it’s best to speak to your doctor before embarking on intermittent fasting. Some people may have gastric issues or diabetes or other health issues that prevent them from following the IF protocol. So, your doctor will be the best person to advise you here.
- Is fasting safe?
This is the biggest concern most people have. After all, the thought of not eating for 16 to 20 hours can strike fear into the hearts of most people who are used to putting something in their mouth every 2 hours.
The answer is a resounding YES! Fasting is not only safe, it is highly beneficial. It stabilizes your insulin levels and diabetes sufferers will be able to reverse their symptoms and gain control of their disease.
People trying to lose weight will notice that the weight comes off more easily because their blood sugar levels are more stable.
IF also boosts your energy levels and boosts growth hormone. That translates to better workouts at the gym and you’ll be able to retain and grow muscle more easily. Many people who adopt intermittent fasting have reported having better moods and increased mental clarity.
We live in a very stressful world. IF will give you mental clarity and detoxify your body. This will reduce stress in your body and leave you feeling better. It also prevents diseases like Alzheimer’s and lowers your blood pressure levels and bad cholesterol.
As you can see, IF is immensely beneficial. By addressing all these other issues such as reducing inflammation in the body, reducing hunger pangs and putting an end to sugar addiction (if you’re unknowingly addicted to it), IF indirectly accelerates your weight loss.
It’s setting the right stage for you to progress faster than you normally would. Your body will struggle to lose weight when it’s inflamed. It won’t be able to lose fat easily if you keep consuming sugary foods and spiking your blood sugar levels.
It will not be as difficult for you to stick to your diet and be on a caloric deficit because you no longer have severe hunger pangs or sudden irresistible cravings for foods that don’t support your cause.
You’ll find it easier to stay on your weight loss track and will reach your goal faster and easier than you thought possible. Intermittent fasting is safe… and in fact, it’s something that you really should try if you wish to become a fat burning furnace and attain the body of your dreams in record time.
