Learn about the numerous health advantages of intermittent fasting for women, which go beyond weight loss.
What should you know about intermittent fasting for women? Fasting is typically thought of as a therapeutic tool that has been used by many cultures and religions for thousands of years because they think it has benefits for human health.
The intermittent fasting diet depends on eating food within a specific time frame, that is, completely or partially refraining from eating food for a specific period of time for several hours during the day or for several days. Studies and research have demonstrated a variety of advantages that point to the effectiveness of intermittent fasting, particularly for women when done properly.
Benefits of intermittent fasting for women
Intermittent fasting has numerous effects and advantages for human health in general and women's health in particular, in addition to helping women lose weight. These include:
1. Intermittent fasting and cancer
One of the main causes of death worldwide and a common illness, cancer. Breast cancer, colon cancer, rectal cancer, lung cancer, and cervical cancer are the most common types of cancer in women.
Women who fast intermittently may be able to prevent the growth and metastasis of cancer as well as improve how well tumours respond to radiotherapy and chemotherapy.
2. Intermittent Fasting and the Health of the Musculoskeletal System
Intermittent fasting for women may have an effect on enhancing the secretion of hormones from the thyroid gland, which improves bone health and prevents bone fractures. Additionally, it may have a positive impact on a number of illnesses, including osteoporosis, arthritis, and lower back pain.
3. Intermittent Fasting and Reproductive Health
The most prevalent endocrine disorder in women is polycystic ovary syndrome. Studies on PCOS-afflicted women found that intermittent fasting with sufficient calorie intake helped them, as it lowers neurohormonal levels and raises luteinizing hormone levels. (Luteinizing hormone) and improves physical and mental health.
Women who practise intermittent fasting experience weight loss, which has a positive impact on diseases linked to weight gain, including menstrual irregularities, low fertility, and high blood pressure during pregnancy.
4. Intermittent fasting and mental health
Women's intermittent fasting has been shown to be effective in lowering stress and self-esteem issues as well as the anxiety and depression linked to menopause.
5. Intermittent fasting and metabolism levels
It was noted that intermittent fasting helps women who may experience metabolic imbalances after menopause, including increased body fat, particularly abdominal fat, a higher risk of atherosclerosis, high levels of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, low levels of HDL cholesterol, elevated glucose and insulin levels, and more.
Weight loss from intermittent fasting lowers blood pressure, heart rate, adipose tissue mass, and cholesterol levels.
Women's waistlines are also reduced by fasting, which enhances insulin sensitivity and prevents metabolic process imbalances.
The mechanism of intermittent fasting
As the time is divided between hours when eating is permitted and hours of fasting that may extend up to 24 hours, intermittent fasting refers to following a specific pattern of eating fasting.
The most popular method of intermittent fasting involves eating wholesome foods and staying within the recommended daily calorie allowance for 6 to 8 hours at a time, followed by a 16 to 18-hour period of fasting.
Other mechanisms and techniques for intermittent fasting exist, such as a 12- or 24-hour fast.
Side effects of intermittent fasting for women
Despite the health advantages and advantages for women of intermittent fasting, there may be some negative effects, such as:
- Feeling very hungry.
- Mood Swings.
- Lack of focus.
- Bad breath.
- Headache and lethargy.
- constipation.
- Increased appetite and thus overeating.
Contraindications to the intermittent fasting system
Although intermittent fasting may be suitable for the majority of women, it is not advised to do so without first consulting a specialist doctor if any of the following conditions exist:
- Diabetes.
- Take medications to treat high blood pressure or heart disease.
- Take medications that require eating beforehand.
- Having nutritional problems such as being underweight or malnourished.
- Having fertility problems or menopause .