7 Potential Intermittent Fasting Risks to Watch Out For: 3rd Point Will Surprise You
Be aware of the risks before starting out
Did you know that this Japanese Buddhist monk fasted from food, drink, and sleep for 9 days?
Also, Angus Barbieri holds the world record for the longest fast ever, having spent 382 days just on soda water, tea, coffee, and some vitamins.
Don’t worry! Intermittent fasting is nothing close to what these people did.
Intermittent fasting is a type of eating pattern in which you completely fast for certain hours of the day and eat during a set eating window. However, there are no dietary restrictions. This is the deciding factor that draws many people down this rabbit hole.
While there are numerous potential benefits to Intermittent Fasting, this rapidly growing fasting technique also has its drawbacks.
You’ve probably heard of the expression
“There are two sides to every coin.”
And it’s always a good idea to know both sides.
Having said that,
Here is a list of 7 potential risks of intermittent fasting, as well as how to avoid them:
- Tired and depressed: Fasting for extended periods (alternate day fasting) can cause fatigue and mood swings.
Stick to 14:10 or 16:8 fasting methods for long-term success.
2. Headache, dizziness, and nausea: Fasting for long periods can cause your blood glucose levels to drop. While a small decrease is beneficial to overall health, it can be dangerous if dropped too low, causing lightheadedness, dizziness, and even frequent headaches.
Before embarking on this Fasting craze, it is best to consult your doctor if you have any medical issues.
3. It can still lead to weight gain: If you think it’s okay to eat whatever you want during your non-fasting period because you’ll be fasting for 16 hours, you’re mistaken.
Here’s the deal… Fasting for a prolonged time can make you prone to bingeing, and eating more calories than you can burn will increase body fat regardless of diet or fasting period.
Surprisingly, you can avoid making that mistake by eating nutritionally dense foods and not exceeding your daily calorie limit.
4. Can lead to disordered eating: Any diet that promotes restrictive eating or meal skipping can cause trauma in people who already have a negative relationship with food.
Such people should avoid Intermittent Fasting or work with a certified professional to develop a meal plan that is both mentally and physically beneficial to them.
5. Cause Digestive problems: The reduced food intake and extended fasting periods associated with Intermittent Fasting can have a negative impact on digestion.
In addition to digestive issues such as gas, indigestion, bloating, cramping, and abdominal pain, some people may experience dehydration.
The most secure solution is to eat fiber-rich foods and stay hydrated while practicing Intermittent Fasting.
6. Affects Mental Health: No two people are alike. There is a limitation to understanding the long-term consequences of intermittent fasting on humans due to a scarcity of human studies. Also, it restricts understanding of how Intermittent Fasting can affect people’s mental health.
The last but not least significant risk it can cause is
7. Mess up with Social Life: Intermittent fasting has a high likelihood of interfering with one’s social life. Because there is a time limit on eating, some people may find it difficult to keep up with friends and family for a meal to avoid disrupting their eating window.
Bottom Line
Although studies have shown that Intermittent Fasting has numerous health benefits (weight loss, reduced heart disease risks, improved Blood Sugar control, and more), certain people may be more vulnerable to risks and side effects.
As a result, before diving in, it’s best to determine whether Intermittent Fasting is a good fit for you. It’s advisable to consult a doctor and tailor the plan according to your needs if you’re facing any medical issues.
In the end, the decision is yours to make.
If you’re excited to explore more about Intermittent Fasting, you can read Intermittent Fasting 101: Guide to the Powerful Fat Loss Tool
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