Diet once a week: the benefits and harms of periodic 24-hour fasting

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Many have heard about the benefits of periodic 24-hour fasting. But does it really help you maintain a healthy weight? To find out, it's important to know both the benefits and the risks of this popular diet.

What is intermittent fasting?

It is the refusal of food for 24 hours once. for a week On other days you can eat without restrictions. Intermittent fasting is believed to be good for weight loss, overall health improvement, and chronic disease prevention.

How to start intermittent fasting?

Every day of the week is suitable for intermittent fasting. You can choose the time period that best fits your schedule and lifestyle. For example, it could be from 11:00 a.m. Thursday to 11:00 a.m. Friday. The rhythm of the diet: normal food for six days, and then one day of fasting, and so on.

Researchers do not yet give recommendations for how many weeks you should observe intermittent fasting. It is best to focus on your own well-being.

Benefits of intermittent fasting

The main advantage of this diet, as some studies have shown, is weight loss. It occurs due to two factors – a deficit of calories and the consumption of accumulated fat reserves. Several studies have also shown that intermittent fasting can help improve and maintain memory, enhance learning and develop cognitive abilities.

Potential Risks of Intermittent Fasting

Diets on an empty stomach are considered safe for a healthy person, but there are certain risks. Yes, fasting can cause headaches and irritability.

Patients with type 2 diabetes can fast only under the supervision of a doctor and with caution, as the process can significantly increase the risk of hypoglycemia. Pregnant or lactating women should avoid dieting because their bodies need constant nutrition to support the pregnancy and lactation process. Teenagers should also avoid crash diets, as they need constant energy for growth and development.