Intermittent fasting (IF) has surged in popularity, offering flexibility in food choices and portion sizes while promoting quick fat loss. Nonetheless, a recent study highlights potential risks to heart health. Individuals adhering to an eight-hour eating window face a 91 percent higher risk of cardiovascular disease mortality compared to those consuming meals over a 12-16-hour period.
According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, intermittent fasting works by prolonging the period when your body has burned through the calories consumed during your last meal and begins burning fat. Experts say this offers several advantages, such as diabetes prevention, weight loss, or reducing inflammation in the body.
Dr C Raghu, Clinical Director and Senior Interventional Cardiologist at Yashoda Hospitals Hyderabad, shares important cardiovascular health strategies for intermittent fasting.
Maintaining the circadian rhythm is essential for IF; that is, people should eat during the day window and avoid eating or snacking at night.
For individuals with diabetes, adjusting certain medications is crucial as fasting while on these drugs is not advised. Additionally, those taking medication for blood pressure or heart conditions may be susceptible to mineral imbalances during prolonged fasting periods. Therefore, consulting a doctor before starting intermittent fasting (IF) is imperative.If implementing IF, consider a gradual approach over several months, gradually narrowing the daily eating window to aim for fasting periods of 16 to 18 hours. Remember, alongside IF, calorie restriction is also vital for its effectiveness.
