Dr. Kassam Intermittent Fasting
Intermittent Fasting
Written By: Dr. Saira Kassam, ND
Modern lifestyle permits unlimited availability to high caloric foods and sedentary habits making us susceptible to obesity and various other chronic diseases. Hunger is a learned response triggered by social, cognitive and environmental cues. This leads to overeating simply by stimulating our sense of vision, touch and smell. Overeating denies our digestive system of well-deserved breaks from doing its job of breaking down food and eliminating wastes, which can easily be accomplished through short periods of fasting. I would like to shed some light on the concept of intermittent fasting (IF). Research suggests that we spend roughly 20 hours in the “fed state” – constantly eating, storing food and never giving it a chance to burn off. The “fasted state” begins after 8-12 hours of having a meal. 12-24 hours of fasting typically results in 20% or greater decrease in serum glucose, which allows the energy source to be switched to fats. Intermittent fasting has become quite a useful tool for weight loss. There are endless variations to IF: alternate day fasting, modified fasting regimens and time restricted fasting. Personally, my experience lies with the time restricted fasting, so I will focus on this method. It involves daily fasting intervals ranging from 14-20 hours (8 hours of digesting + 6/8 of cleansing) and feeding periods ranging from 6-10 hours. Not a day goes by without consumption of food. This form of fasting allows people to maintain caloric restriction (the only proven method of weight loss) with better compliance than constant caloric restriction. IF may be an easier long-term method to weight loss, as it involves feeling sharp hunger pangs occasionally vs. mild hunger all the time! It allows you to stress less over the foods you eat. Now, that is not to say that it is okay to splurge and reward yourself with extra large helpings or extra deserts during feeding periods, because it is NOT! Fasting simply allows for breaks to your normal routine and allows for your digestive system to rest. Many people actually report improved energy, better sleep and overall feeling of well-being with IF. I would like to bring your attention to a few fasting myths:
Here is a list of benefits that can arise with short term fasting:
Intermittent fasting reduces the burden of our digestive system giving it time to heal and detoxify. It also allows fat to be used as the primary source of energy. Unlike conventional weight loss regimens, it doesn’t change what you eat (don't over-indulge), simply when you eat. I would encourage you to view intermittent fasting as a lifestyle, not a short-term diet. The biggest issue with intermittent fasting is the hunger sensation you feel in that last 2-3 hour stretch. I can tell you with personal experience, that it becomes easier to manage and you get used to the feeling of an empty stomach. Hunger sensations do go away as long as you are staying busy. Lastly, be sure not to confuse thirst for hunger. Keep drinking water and stay hydrated!
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