How does fasting work and is it healthy for everyone?

Is fasting healthy?

Fasting can be a way to improve your health if done correctly. Some people experience benefits such as weight loss, better blood glucose control, and improved heart health. However, fasting should not be considered a miracle cure, and it is important to find an approach that suits your individual needs. If you want to fast, consider making it a regular part of your lifestyle to increase the chance of long-term benefits.

Fasting can be healthy for some people, but it is not necessarily suitable for everyone. It depends on individual factors such as health status, nutritional needs and lifestyle. 

When should one not fast?

Pregnant women, nursing mothers, people with eating disorders, the elderly, people with underlying health problems, and people taking medications should avoid fasting or only do so under the close supervision of a doctor.

Since it is important to get a certain amount of nutrients and calories for good health in these circumstances, it is important to consult a doctor or nutritionist before embarking on a fasting plan, especially if you have underlying health problems.

What is intermittent fasting?

Intermittent fasting is a type of diet that alternates between periods of fasting and periods of eating. There are different methods of intermittent fasting, including the 16/8 method (16 hours of fasting and an 8-hour eating window) and the 5:2 method (5 days of normal eating and 2 days of reduced calorie intake).

Many people feel attracted to fasting as a diet, as you primarily have to deal with eating and not eating, compared to other diets where you have to measure calories, the amount of different nutrients or certain foods to avoid. 

Does fasting work for weight loss?

Fasting can help with weight loss because it can reduce overall calorie intake. When you fast, you eat fewer meals and therefore have fewer opportunities to consume excess calories. However, it is important to note that fasting is not a miracle cure, and successful weight loss still requires a healthy and balanced diet as well as an appropriate amount of physical activity.

Weight loss occurs when you are in a calorie deficit and this can be achieved by burning more calories than you consume, either by eating less or doing more physical activity. 

How does fasting affect metabolism?

Fasting can have different effects on metabolism. When you fast, your total calorie intake decreases, which can result in a temporary decrease in your metabolism.

However, research also shows that fasting can increase fat burning and improve metabolic flexibility in the long term. It is important to note that individual results may vary.

Can fasting be harmful to the body?

Fasting can be harmful, especially if not done correctly. It should beremembered that fasting will not be beneficial without a healthy and varied diet at the same time, where the body gets the necessary nutrients and amount of energy. 

Fasting can also negatively affect appetite regulation, making it more difficult for us to independently act on the body’s signals of hunger and satiety.

For people with diabetes, low blood sugar, eating disorders, or underlying health problems, fasting can be dangerous. It is important to seek advice from a doctor before starting a fasting plan. 

Osteopathy and digestion

Fasting affects the body’s digestion as food intake is excluded for an extended period of time. Osteopathy treats digestion and many problems related to digestion.