Intermittent Fasting: Is it Healthy?

Intermittent Fasting, or in other words occasionally or periodically fasting, has garnered some widespread popularity in recent times. But the question that remains is whether it is healthy or not. Although there is somewhat intense debate from both sides of the argument, the main thing to considered is that no one diet or one health routine is all-encompassing for the vast number of people in the world. Another important concept to consider, as with many aspects of our lives and society, is to consider the lifestyles of humans throughout history. Throughout mankind's existence, people had for the most required to fast, simply because there was not enough food, and no refrigerator, to eat as often as in our modern society. This explains why in the modern age is the first time in history that there are more obese people than there are people underweight. This is a very telling statistic, and one that might explain how the opposite of overweight, which is fasting, might at the very least be better than the current diets of the majority of people in the world.

But besides just looking at human history for clues about how fasting might be just something our bodies are more adapted to, as opposed to eating many meals throughout the day, there are studies that show overall health improvements for people who incorporate some sort of fasting in their diets. Although there are just as many studies opposed to this conclusion, the main health reason that most agree upon is that lower overall calories usually suggests overall better health and longer lifespan. And fasting, even just periodically is one of lowering the overall amount of calories.

But some of the risks in fasting is that you may not get the right amount of nutrients in your diet. So it is important to first speak with a doctor or registered health practitioner before undergoing any diet, including one that incorporates fasting.

From my personal experience I have noticed intermittently fasting from the last moment the day before, to about 17 hours the day after, has greatly improved my overall health, both physically and mentally. In doing so, I no longer eat breakfast, but rather "break my fast" usually at evening time. This has worked well for me, and I recommend everyone to at least try something similar, because the main thing to realize is: there are no set diet rules for people, let alone each person individually, so it is good to mix up what, when, and how often you eat and listen to what your body thinks is best.

Sources:

1. http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2014/06/14/intermittent-fasting-longevity.aspx
2. http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/295914.php
3. http://www.webmd.com/diet/features/is_fasting_healthy#1

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