Medical Intermittent Fasting Program

Over the last decade, intermittent fasting has been considered one of the best diet plans to lose weight without serious side effects. People who have experienced the health benefits of following the intermittent fasting plan swear by the eating pattern. The effects of intermittent fasting are long term, and it helps in managing appetite and weight while supporting optimal health.

What is intermittent fasting?

Intermittent fasting follows fasting and eating patterns alternatively. While following this diet plan, one has to refrain from consuming any calories for a prolonged period of time. Usually, this fasting period lasts for at least 12 hours, extending up to 40 hours. During the fasting period, one can consume calorie free drinks like water, coffee, etc. Consumption of solid foods or any calorie-containing food or drinks is not permitted.

Many people choose to fast for 24 hours, either from breakfast to breakfast or lunch to lunch. 24 hour fasting may be extreme and not easy for most people to follow. People should opt for fasting periods depending on their body capacity and capability.

Below are some of the most popular eating patterns that can be followed during intermittent fasting:

• Time-restricted eating: This pattern involves fasting every day for 12 hours or more. The 16/8 method is the most popular pattern. It involves daily fasting for 16 hours followed by an 8-hour eating window.
• 5:2 diet: The 5:2 diet involves an eating pattern where you eat normally for 5 days a week and on the remaining 2 days, restrict your calorie intake to 500–600.
• Eat Stop Eat: In this diet, one needs to follow a 24-hour fast once or twice per week.
• Alternate-day fasting: Fasting on alternate days of the week.

What are the benefits of enrolling in a Medical Intermittent Fasting Program?

Below are some benefits of intermittent fasting:

Improves Memory – Research shows that intermittent fasting helps boost verbal memory in adults.

Healthy Heart – Intermittent fasting improves blood pressure and resting heart rates.

Fat Loss – Studies show that young men who fasted for 16 hours experienced fat loss without losing muscle mass.

Diabetes and Obesity – Intermittent fasting is known to help weight loss, helping control obesity and its related illnesses like diabetes.

Is intermittent fasting safe? Are there any side effects of intermittent fasting?

Intermittent fasting is utilized by most people for weight loss. Many people suffering from chronic health issues like cholesterol or irritable bowel syndrome, etc. take up intermittent fasting to address their health conditions.

Though intermittent fasting is safe, it is advisable to consult a medical professional or your primary care practitioner before starting intermittent fasting.

Below are certain categories of people who should avoid intermittent fasting:

• Children below the age of 18
• Pregnant or breastfeeding women
• Patients suffering from diabetes or blood sugar problems
• People with a history of eating disorders

Though intermittent fasting is safe and can help bring great lifestyle change, it can cause different effects on different people. Get in touch with your doctor immediately if you start experiencing anxiety, headaches, nausea, etc. after starting intermittent fasting.

Is exercise permitted during the fasting period?

Yes, you can exercise, as the key to weight loss is not only following a diet, but also doing regular exercise. However, some people may feel unwell or report dizziness or low blood sugar/blood pressure if they exercise while fasting. It is recommended to start with a low intensity workout in the beginning.

WildBerryMD offers a number of weight loss programs focusing on liver detox, gut health, muscle gain, intermittent fasting, keto diet, etc.