Intermittent Fasting

Definition

Intermittent fasting is a dietary pattern that involves cycling between periods of eating and fasting.

Scientific / Technical Definition

Intermittent fasting is a method of eating that involves brief, regular fasting periods with no or minimal caloric intake, interspersed with normal eating intervals. It is not about the types of food that should be eaten, but rather about when food should be eaten.

Benefits

• May help with weight loss
• Can improve metabolic health
• May reduce inflammation
• Can improve brain function
• Might extend lifespan through cellular regeneration

Examples

• 16/8 method: fasting for 16 hours and eating within an 8-hour window
• 5:2 diet: eating normally for 5 days of the week, and restricting calories to 500–600 on two non-consecutive days
• Eat-Stop-Eat: involves fasting for 24 hours once or twice a week

Additional Information

• Side effects: Potential side effects may include headaches, feeling dizzy, and irritability due to hunger during fasting periods. It's important to stay hydrated and eat nutritious food during eating windows.

Related Terms

• Caloric Restriction
• Keto Diet
• Metabolism
• Insulin Sensitivity

References

• Intermittent fasting: Surprising update
• Effects of intermittent fasting on health, aging, and disease