By Dee Griffin
Intermittent fasting (IF) is a dietary practice that cycles between fasting for a set period and then eating within a certain amount of time. Intermittent Fasting has surged in popularity with millions embracing IF for the promise of weight loss, sharper focus, and even longer life.
The concept is simple, instead of eating all day you restrict your food intake into a specific window of time such as 8 hours and the remaining 16 hours is fasting. There are several variations to the 16 hour fast/8 hour eating window. There is a 5:2 method where you have five normal days of food intake followed by two low calorie days. There is another method that is called alternate day fasting. The general concept is that this type of eating mimics how our ancestors ate. Given that there was not a fast-food restaurant on every corner 100 years ago, the concept seems to make sense.
There are several reported benefits to this type of eating. Some supporters report that IF improves insulin sensitivity, reduces inflammation, and it also aids in weight loss. When participating in IF correctly, the body will try to switch from using glucose to using fat as a source of fuel.
Critics of this type of eating cite that IF is not for everyone. Suggestions of hormonal issues in women, increasing cortisol levels, stressing the body, irritability and fatigue are some of the more common complaints of using IF.
One of the reasons for this dietary practice is the flexibility it offers. Intermittent fasting adapts to many different lifestyles and there are several diet apps that you can use to easily track your eating. Word of caution: it is not a cure all for your dietary wishes. It is a tool that you can use. It is important that you work with your provider to develop a customized plan that will work for you.
Dee Anne Griffin owns Dynamic Health Solutions, LLC and is a Family Nurse Practitioner. She has worked in the medical field for more than 20 years. She listens and recommends different options to create a unique plan that fits each individual. When not practicing medicine Griffin spends time on her family farm tending to her animals and is very active in her church. Contact her at 803-454-1661. Her offices are located at 169 A Medical Circle, West Columbia.
