Does Fasting Occasionally Have Any Adverse Effects? Four Long-Term Drawbacks To This Dietary Approach

Despite its growing popularity due to its potential for weight reduction and reported health advantages, intermittent fasting is not advised for everyone. Fasting intermittently is dangerous and may be detrimental to the health of those with any form of illness, including diabetes or eating disorders. Moreover, some individuals may find an extended intermittent fast difficult, which may lead to feelings of frustration and deprivation.

Intermittent fasting may not provide adequate nutrients if it is planned carelessly, which might lead to shortages and other health issues. As such, intermittent fasting may not be suitable for everyone, even if it may be beneficial for some. Thus, these are the four drawbacks of intermittent fasting, as stated by Harvard Health.

This May Cause You To Overeat

It may surprise you to learn that fasting causes your appetite and hunger centers to go into overdrive, leading to overindulgence in food. Furthermore, low-calorie diets may cause a person’s metabolism to slow down and their hunger to increase. Moreover, metabolic issues may develop from a person’s circadian cycle not synchronizing with their body clock.

Fasting Sporadically May Possibly Lead to Illness

Frequent fasting, time-restricted eating, and switching from alternate-day fasting may reduce headaches, weariness, irritability, and constipation.

Some Prescription Drugs May Be Dangerous

Before beginning an intermittent fast, it’s crucial to see your doctor since those with diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, or medications that need meals to avoid nausea or upset stomach may be at danger.

In older adults, intermittent fasting has been associated with excessive weight loss.

Although there could be benefits to intermittent fasting, it is less clear how it would affect elderly individuals. The immune system, energy levels, and bones may all suffer from excessive weight loss; however, the majority of research has focused on young or middle-aged individuals.