Is Intermittent Fasting Safe For Everyone Dietitian Shares Who Should Be Careful

That may be an overgeneralisation. Anything that surges in popularity and is quickly adopted into everyday routines requires closer scrutiny before people jump on the bandwagon.

Whether it is the 16:8 method, where you fast for 16 hours and eat within an eight-hour window, or the 12:12 method, where fasting and eating hours are divided equally, intermittent fasting comes in different forms. Some people move away from strict time windows and focus on meal frequency, like how Katrina Kaif eats only two meals a day.

But no matter how trendy or flexible the format looks, the real question is, can everyone try intermittent fasting safely?

Dr Kanchana Dayanand, dietitian at Apollo Sugar - Apollo Hospitals, Secunderabad, told HT Lifestyle in an interview that intermittent fasting is not suitable for everyone. While it does have its advantages, she mentioned that it may help improve metabolic health and give the digestive system a break from constantly processing food. However, the caveats are important, and intermittent fasting should not be followed blindly.

The warning applies to people who may require steady nutrition for growth and nourishment, along with those who have organ-related ailments.

Along with the benefits, there are a few negative effects that can also occur. The dietitian stated that headaches may happen during long fasting periods. Similarly, fatigue and dizziness may also occur because of long gaps between two meals. The expert also mentioned gut-related problems, such as bloating and diarrhoea, which may happen if one consumes too much fibre in one meal because of disproportionate nutrition. On the other hand, constipation may occur due to low water intake and reduced fibre intake, as the expert noted.

Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.