Intermittent fasting, which involves alternating periods of fasting and eating, has become a popular method for losing weight and improving health. Among the different approaches, the “16-8”, which involves fasting for 16 hours and eating during an 8 hour windowis one of the most widespread. According to Professor Gabriel Perlemuter, head of the hepato-gastro-enterology and nutrition department at the Antoine Béclère hospital in Clamart: “intermittent fasting allows you to maintain a certain freedom, less frustration and to have a beneficial effect on your metabolism.”
Adherents of intermittent fasting tout its positive effects on weight lossregulating blood sugar levels and reducing inflammation. “You will improve in the medium term your weight, your sugar level, your fat level, and even your blood pressure,” explains Professor Perlemuter. However, he warns against extremes : “Medicine hates extremes. If you do intermittent fasting and then you gorge on sweets, it’s obvious that it won’t work.”
It is crucial to choose your foods carefully during feeding periods. Favor foods with low glycemic indexsuch as vegetables and whole grains, is recommended to avoid insulin spikes. Moreover, some people should avoid intermittent fastingespecially diabetics on insulin, pregnant women and growing adolescents.
Necessary support
To take full advantage of intermittent fasting, medical support is often recommendedespecially for those with pre-existing health conditions. Indeed, each individual has specific nutritional needs and health conditions that must be taken into account. “Intermittent fasting is not a universal solution”warns Professor Gabriel Perlemuter. “It is crucial to adapt this practice to each person, taking into account their general state of health, their medical history and personal goals“, he insists.
Medical monitoring helps avoid nutritional deficiencies and monitor the effects of fasting on parameters such as blood sugar and blood pressure. In addition, some people such as pregnant women, growing adolescents or people with chronic illnesses, should approach fasting with caution. A healthcare professional can also help establish a balanced eating plan that maximizes the benefits of fasting while minimizing the potential risks.
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