New Delhi, March 10 (IANS). In today’s fast-paced life, people follow new diet trends to lose weight and stay fit. One of these is intermittent fasting, which many people consider a miraculous solution. Social media, fitness influencers and gym culture have made it so popular that people have started adopting it without complete information and doctor’s advice.
This method seems simple, in which food is stopped for a few hours and the food of choice is eaten the rest of the time. But both Ayurveda and science believe that not every body is the same and not every diet is right for everyone.
Intermittent fasting affects the entire body. According to Ayurveda, our digestive system, i.e. Agni, demands food at a fixed time. Staying hungry for a long time can weaken this Agni, thereby increasing Vata dosha in the body. This is the reason why many people start having problems like gas, headache, dizziness and fatigue during this diet. Science also believes that when the body does not get food for a long time, it goes into a state of stress.
Its impact is first visible on mental health. Intermittent fasting can increase the stress hormone called cortisol in the body. Due to this, the person starts complaining of restlessness, nervousness, and sleeplessness. Many people do not understand that the reason for their irritability and mood swings is their diet.
Intermittent fasting is an even more sensitive topic for women. The hormonal system of women is more delicate than that of men. It is said in Ayurveda that irregular eating can disturb the natural balance of the body. At the same time, research also shows that fasting for a long time can cause irregular periods in women, increase thyroid problems and can also affect fertility. Sugar levels may fluctuate frequently.
A major loss of intermittent fasting falls on the muscles. If the body does not get timely nutrition, then that energy starts weakening the muscles. Due to this, the body looks thin from outside, but becomes very weak from inside. It is not possible for everyone to consume essential nutrients like protein, iron, calcium and vitamins in full quantity in a limited time.
This diet can prove dangerous for people suffering from diabetes, low blood pressure, elderly and eating disorders. Intermittent fasting can cause blood sugar to drop, which can lead to fainting. Therefore, experts always advise that it is very important to understand your body before following any diet.
–IANS
PK/AS