The Hidden Dangers Behind Intermittent Fasting

May 18

There is currently a great deal of misinformation posted on the internet about dieting, and topics that pertain to diet culture. So-called “influencers” try to promote bodies, lifestyles, and restrictive diets that are all unrealistic for the average person. One “diet hack” that seems to have gotten a lot of attention is intermittent fasting. People with large, impressionable audiences preach this lifestyle on the internet, claiming it has eliminated their bloating, and thus made them feel better than ever. In reality, chronic fasting is extremely unhealthy for both the body and mind - in this article, we will explore the side effects this may cause that no one seems to be discussing.

What is Intermittent Fasting?

Intermittent fasting is when you only eat during a specific time. For instance, if you would normally eat from 9 am to 10 pm, fasting could entail cutting that late-night snack and only eating from 10 am to 6 pm. Instead of being like a normal diet where you watch what you eat, fasting is all about the time slot.

Why do people engage in this behavior?

Although there may be many reasons behind this behavior such as the possibility of OCD tendencies or underlying health conditions, the primary reason for fasting is to consume fewer calories to lose weight. After hours of being deprived of food, the body uses up all the calories consumed and starts burning fat to properly function. While short periods of fasting may be beneficial to those who are overweight and/or have diabetes, there is no substantial reason why a person of a healthy weight should be engaging in this practice. Most importantly, it is ill-advised to try intermittent fasting if you are a child or teen under 18.

The Side Effects

Generally, healthy individuals and ones who are still growing, underweight, or pregnant/breastfeeding will experience unwanted symptoms. Fasting will likely lead to an increase in cortisol, a stress hormone, due to the lack of energy being fed to the body. It may also induce more food cravings, leading to binge eating - intermittent fasting is highly associated with individuals suffering from bulimia nervosa (a cycle of binging and throwing up) due to the cyclical routines formed throughout the day. Not eating for long periods leads to fatigue, and coupled with stress, can disrupt your sleep patterns and throw off your body's sense of circadian rhythm.

A lack of nutrients can even affect the dopamine and serotonin in your body, two crucial hormones that release a sense of well-being and happiness into the body. This explains why extreme diets such as fasting can lead to anxiety and depression; the body is shutting down its functions!

Many individuals who hyperfocus on intermittent fasting or other diets may become more irritable than others, and even get defensive more easily. Even people who do not struggle with their relationship with food may feel upset when they are hungry. This is all because, under levels of high stress and low energy, the body is less likely to make calm and rational decisions.

Fasting and its Relationship with Cardiovascular Disease

A study conducted by the American Heart Association Epidemiology and Prevention organization reviewed information about the dietary patterns of participants in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys (NHANES) from 2003-2018 and compared it with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s National Death Index (CDCPNDI) database. They found that individuals who limited their eating schedules to less than 8 hours per day had a 91% higher risk of dying due to cardiovascular disease while eating from 8-10 hours per day showed a 66% higher risk of death from heart disease or stroke. Based on the data, they found that individuals who ate for periods of 16+ hours were associated with a low mortality rate.

This article's significance lies in its message; fasting can build up underlying health issues that won't (at least for heart disease) benefit individuals in the long run, doing more harm than good.

While intermittent fasting is often hailed as a quick fix for weight loss and better health, the hidden dangers associated with this practice are significant and should not be overlooked. It’s crucial to approach dieting with a balanced perspective, considering the potential long-term impacts on both physical and mental health. Being informed and cautious on this topic can help individuals make healthier choices that promote overall well-being.

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