Is intermittent fasting meant for everyone?

By: Lifestyle Desk
New Delhi | March 27, 2023 19:00 IST

Can everyone do intermittent fasting? (Source: Getty Images/Thinkstock)

To do or not to do is the question when it comes to one of the most spoken about diet patterns — intermittent fasting — in which one can have timely meals during an eating window and fast at other times. The popular diet technique that does not put any restrictions on what one eats, is known to help manage certain health issues that stem from weight and lifestyle. But can it be followed by one and all?

According to Mayoclinic.org, intermittent fasting is considered safe for many people, but it’s not for everyone. It notes that skipping meals may not be the best way to manage your weight if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, have kidney stones, gastroesophageal reflux, diabetes, or other medical problems.

As such, we reached out to experts to learn more about it.

“While it’s safe for most people, it is not for everyone,” said Garima Goyal, a registered dietitian. “So, in case, you plan to try intermittent fasting as an option, do not do so without consulting a health professional. This type of fasting can turn out to be horribly wrong for some section of the population,” Goyal told indianexpress.com.

 Are your blood sugar levels in check? (Source: Getty Images/Thinkstock)

So, who is it not for?

– If you are a pregnant or breastfeeding woman, skipping meals is definitely not for you.

– If a person is diabetic or non-diabetic with a history of low blood sugar levels, intermittent fasting is definitely not for them as the fasting period can further progress the hypoglycaemia stage. This can make a person feel dizzy and even unconscious. Further, low blood sugar levels can cascade a series of events including the release of stress hormone called cortisol, which triggers the autoimmune condition called Hashimoto’s thyroiditis by disrupting the functioning of the thyroid gland.

– Children should refrain from such a diet plan as they are in their growing stage.

– Those with a history of eating disorders, such as bulimia nervosa or anorexia, should not do IF as it may add on to their micronutrient deficiency. Restrictive eating pattern can trigger a disordered eating pattern in such individuals.

– Those who have sleeping problems should definitely not give it a try, as if their last meal is hours before their sleeping time, individuals might find it hard to sleep. And in the absence of adequate sleep, the body cannot heal and repair well.

– Those who do an intense workout, then this type of diet is definitely not safe for you. A heavy workout needs a recovery meal after 1-2 hours of the workout and regular meals after every 3-4 hours to replace the glycogen stores and replenish the muscles.

– Those on night shifts or irratic work schedule should not try intermittent fasting as it can lead to headaches, mood swings, and even lack of concentration.

– Those who with chronic illness such as cancer, recovering from it, or have recently recovered should also stay away from such plans as they need adequate calories and nutrients to maintain a healthy immune system.

“However, if done under expert supervision, people with hormonal issues such as hypothyroidism, perimenopausal or PCOS, can benefit from it, too,” Goyal concluded.