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4 popular myths about intermittent fasting including ‘poor diet’ debunked by researchers
People are always looking for easy ways to lose weight without counting calories and luckily, one type of diet offers the desired outcome. However, widespread myths downplay its benefits.
If you haven’t guessed yet, we are talking about intermittent fasting – the dieters eat on alternate days or only during specific hours of each day while fasting the rest of the time. Researchers assure the said diet is “safe” despite the misconception that stems from poor knowledge and lack of awareness.
4 myths about intermittent fasting debunked
Researchers at the University of Illinois Chicago dispel common myths that question the safety and effectiveness of intermittent fasting.
The lead author, Krista Varady, who has been studying intermittent fasting for 20 years, said: There is a lot of misinformation out there. However, those ideas are not based on science; theyre just based on personal opinion. ��
Intermittent fasting is of two types – alternating between days of eating restricted calories and days of eating what they want or eating whatever you want during a four- to 10-hour window each day and fasting during the rest. Experts claim either is safe despite following myths.
1. It doesn’t lead to a poor diet – Little evidence shows the impact of intermittent fasting on your intake of sugar, saturated fat, cholesterol, fiber, sodium, and caffeine, which remains the same as before taking up the diet.
“And the percentage of energy consumed in carbohydrates, protein, and fat doesnt change, either,” researchers at UIC say.
2. It doesn’t cause eating disorders – Even though people with eating disorders or a history of the condition are strictly advised not to try intermittent fasting, it doesn’t result in developing one.
3. You don’t lose lean muscle mass – Researchers highlight studies that show the loss of the same amount of lean muscle mass whether theyre losing weight by fasting or with a different diet. This can be avoided by increasing your intake of protein during intermittent fasting.
4. It doesn’t affect sex hormones – As for your sexual drive, the researchers say intermittent diet doesn’t affect fertility, libido, or any other related hormones.
Who should avoid it
Though intermittent fasting is generally safe, it can adversely affect some people. Nephrologist Dr. Jason Fung while appearing on an episode of The Food Chain by BBC said fasting has several health benefits, but not everyone’s cut out for it.
You must not attempt fasting if youre underweight or if youre severely malnourished because people who are anorexic or have very low body mass index dont have the storage body fat to sustain themselves.
He also warned people with pre-existing�health�issues on medications as they are recommended specific diets and any changes in your food intake can cause fluctuation in the blood glucose.�
