The Fact and Fiction of Fasting – How to Do It Correctly for Health

 If you are interested in fasting to improve your health, you need to do so safely. What do you need to keep in mind? 

female hands refusing big meat sandwich with ham and cheese

If you are looking to improve your overall health, there is a good chance you have heard about fasting. Fasting is the process of dividing one and how you consume your calories. Fasting comes in many shapes and forms. Some people fast for an entire day before eating again. Other people make fast for several hours a day and condense their calorie consumption into a specific area. Even though it is true that fast and can help you improve your health, there are many misconceptions out there. What are the facts and fiction of fasting? How can you do it to improve your overall health?

Fact: Fasting Will Help You Lose Weight

Fasting can indeed help you lose weight. The reality is that unless you burn more calories than you consume, you will not lose weight. By fasting, you should be able to reduce the overall number of calories you consume. For example, fasting may eliminate one meal during the day. It may also stop a snack that you typically consumed. Therefore, this should create a calorie deficit that will help you lose weight as long as you do not consume extra calories somewhere else. If you are interested in maximizing your weight loss, keep refined carbohydrates to a minimum.

Fiction: Fasting Is a Good Idea for Everyone

Fasting is not necessarily suitable for everyone. There are certain groups of people who need to avoid fasting. This includes children, who are still growing, and pregnant women who are eating for two people. Furthermore, taking medications that can reduce blood glucose levels, such as insulin for diabetes, should have white fasting. Otherwise, this can create a dangerously low blood glucose level that could lead to serious health consequences. It is critical for anyone concerned about fasting to speak with their doctor before trying this method. 

Fact: Fasting Can Help You Improve Your Metabolic Health

Fasting can also play an essential role in helping you improve your overall metabolic health. When you fast, your blood glucose levels are going to fall. Therefore, your body will not have to secrete as much insulin to keep its blood glucose levels in check. Because your body does not have to secrete as much insulin, this will reduce insulin resistance that would have otherwise led to the development of type 2 diabetes. Furthermore, this can also reduce levels of inflammation throughout your body, helping you stay healthy. 

Fiction: Fasting Will Not Lead To Any Side Effects

Fasting is a challenge. If it wasn’t a challenge, everyone will be doing it to lose weight. Unfortunately, fasting can lead to side effects from time to time. Some of the most common side effects include headaches and fatigue. If you are not consuming as many calories, your body will not have as much energy to complete its daily tasks.

 

Furthermore, some people claim that they have aches and pains throughout the day. Try to drink plenty of water to prevent yourself from getting dehydrated. As you get used to fasting, many of these side effects should fade into the rearview mirror. 

Understand the Facts and Fiction of Fasting

If you are looking for a way to improve your overall health, fasting may be a solution. On the other hand, you also need to have reasonable expectations when you start fasting. Fasting alone is not going to help you improve your health or lose weight. It is essential to treat fasting as one part of a larger plan. Furthermore, if you take medications or have chronic medical problems, be sure to speak with your physician before you start fasting.