Why Intermittent Fasting Is the New Trend for Healthy Living
In this article, we will talk about an interesting topic, which is intermittent fasting. We will talk about the health benefits of intermittent fasting, how to use intermittent fasting to lose weight, how to start intermittent fasting, and the individuals who cannot follow it.
Fasting in the monotheistic religions
Fasting is one of the topics that occupied the minds of many doctors and scientists for a long time, because it is mentioned in all the heavenly religions and certainly has a purpose.
There are many verses in the Holy Qur’an that talk about fasting, such as “And that you fast is better for you if you know.” And in the honorable hadith “Fast and you will wake up.” Fasting is not only for its worshipers, but it has to do with health. Recently, research has appeared that talks about intermittent fasting and its benefits.
Fasting Journey
What happens in the human body when he fasts for long periods We will enter into the journey of fasting to know what happens in the body when fasting
When a person stops eating, the body within 8 hours consumes the glucose in the blood, and the liver and muscles break down the stored glycogen and convert it into glucose to maintain the blood sugar level, after which the cells recycle amino acids and proteins and use them as a source of energy. Over time, the body searches for a source of energy, which is the fat stored in the body, which is broken down and converted into ketone bodies that the body uses as a source of energy as an alternative to glucose
Benefits of intermittent fasting?
First benefit
Helping to lose weight due to the breakdown of fat, so the body gets rid of some excess weight through intermittent fasting and exercise.
The second benefit
Reducing inflammation in the body in general.
The third benefit
Increasing insulin sensitivity, which is very useful for a type 2 diabetic, as it improves his sugar and reduces his use of diabetes medications. It is also useful in the event of a genetic predisposition to diabetes, as it delays infection.
Fourth benefit
Fasting increases a hormone in the brain that reduces depression.
Fifth benefit
When fasting, the cell gets rid of excess proteins and amino acids, which if accumulated in the cell may cause cancer or Alzheimer's.
Sixth benefit
Fasting reduces the risk of heart problems because it reduces blood pressure, bad cholesterol and triglycerides.
The seventh benefit
Research also found that intermittent fasting extends life by experimenting with two groups of mice, one group fed them daily and another group fed them day after day.
This is clearly seen in the desert Bedouins who depend for their food on plants and simple food, and we find that their age exceeds 100 years.
How to Start Intermittent Fasting?:
There are several methods of intermittent fasting, including:
Intermittent fasting 16/8:
It is the method that Muslims follow by fasting on Mondays and Thursdays by fasting 16 hours and eating for 8 hours a day. This system can be followed without fasting by reducing the number of meals. This method is called 16/8 and it is considered the easiest way to fast.
The eat stop eat method:
It is fasting day after day, but it is not preferred because it is stressful for the body.
Intermittent fasting 5/2 method:
It is to reduce calories on two days a week to 500 calories per day, and it is required to be followed by a nutritionist to determine the exact calories and quality of food.
Intermittent fasting how much weight loss per week:
The rate of weight loss varies from person to person, for example, a person weighing 90 kg differs in the rate of weight loss from a person who weighs 130 kg, but in general, the average weight loss in the first week is 7 kg, then the rate of weight loss gradually decreases with successive weeks.
People who are prohibited from following intermittent fasting:
Diabetics who take insulin are prevented from fasting, and in the case of fasting, they should be aware of the symptoms of hypoglycemia, which are palpitations, sweating and rapid heartbeat.
Intermittent fasting for women:
Intermittent fasting is very beneficial for women, especially those who suffer from polycystic ovaries and delayed childbearing, as the intermittent fasting system leads to rapid weight loss and thus increases the chances of pregnancy for these women.
Common questions he asks about intermittent fasting:
Is it necessary to stop drinking during the intermittent fasting period?
All drinks, such as coffee, tea, and others, are allowed, provided that no sugar or any sweeteners are added.
Is milk allowed during intermittent fasting?
It can be taken in small quantities.
Is skipping breakfast bad for health?
This is a completely wrong belief, as skipping breakfast will not affect the health of the intermittent fasting system.
Is there an open day in the intermittent fasting diet?
There is no open day system in this diet, in which the person eats what he wants, but it is a trick that the doctor may resort to if the weight is stable for a long time to increase the rate of burning in the body.
Can I take vitamins and nutritional supplements while fasting?
There is no problem as long as it is free of calories.
Does intermittent fasting cause muscle weakness?
All methods of losing weight may cause this, so it is recommended to eat an adequate amount of protein with regular exercise to strengthen the muscles.
Is intermittent fasting recommended for pregnant women?
Definitely not recommended so as not to affect the development of the fetus.
Is intermittent fasting suitable for children?
Intermittent fasting is not appropriate for growing children.
Is the intermittent fasting system suitable for nursing mothers?
Intermittent fasting is not suitable for breastfeeding women completely, to maintain their ability to produce milk.
Are there specific meals in the intermittent fasting system?
There are no specific meals, we recommend only sticking to healthy food that is low in calories.
Conclusion
Intermittent fasting has many health benefits, not only for slimming and weight loss but is beneficial for the overall health of the body. I hope I answered your questions and I will leave you now with a subtitled video about the same topic.