Are There Any Side Effects of Intermittent Fasting?
Intermittent fasting is a popular diet trend in recent years that promises a host of benefits, including weight loss and improved health.
However, many people don’t understand the risks and side effects of intermittent fasting. In this article, we will explore some of the mental and physical side effects and how the diet can be dangerous for those who suffer from medical problems.
The most common side effect is the loss of energy. Because your blood sugar levels aren’t balanced, you may feel fatigued and sluggish.
You might also experience sleep disturbances. As your body adjusts to the new dietary pattern, the side effects will fade. Other possible side effects include constipation and bloating.
Here are some common side effects of intermittent fasting.
Potential Intermittent Fasting Side Effects
The benefits of intermittent fasting are not without risks, but it is important to know what these can be before starting. These risks range from cravings and hunger to lightheadedness and digestive issues.
1. Hunger and Cravings
The hunger and cravings you feel after fasting are normal physiological responses. You want to reward yourself for a successful fast, and you may be tempted to eat junk food and indulge in unhealthy eating habits on your non-fasting days. You should make dietary changes to minimize these effects. Another possible side effect of intermittent fasting is the increased risk of developing an eating disorder.
2. Digestive Issues
Some people experience uncomfortable gastrointestinal symptoms while fasting. These can include heartburn, indigestion, and constipation. These symptoms are often caused by not eating enough fiber. Luckily, most people do well with this side effect, and the effects of fasting generally subside after three to four days. Before beginning intermittent fasting, it is important to talk to your doctor.
3. Headaches and Lightheadedness
People who fast often experience headaches as part of the fasting process. These headaches are caused by the lack of food or by a low blood sugar level, called hypoglycemia. Sugar is a primary source of energy, and low blood sugar levels can affect the brain’s ability to function properly. When the blood sugar level drops too low, you experience headaches and lightheadedness.
4. Fatigue and Low Energy
Intermittent fasting can lead to a number of negative side effects. For starters, it can cause low energy and fatigue. Fasting also disrupts sleep and can cause you to experience hunger pangs. In addition, it can deplete your body of the necessary nutrients. In addition to the above, intermittent fasting can cause sleep deprivation, which can lead to fatigue and low energy.
5. Irritability and Other Mood Changes
Intermittent fasting can cause adverse side effects, including lethargy, irritability, and mood changes. Although most side effects are manageable, you should consult a doctor or dietitian before attempting intermittent fasting. It can also lead to depression. Some people are more vulnerable to adverse side effects than others. If you find yourself feeling miserable, it’s a good idea to discontinue your fast immediately.
6. Bad Breath
Intermittent fasting can have a number of benefits, including improving your health and losing weight. However, it can also cause bad breath. During a fast, the body starts burning fat instead of carbohydrates to generate energy. This process can cause bad breath. One thing that you can do to prevent bad breath while fasting is to improve your oral hygiene.
7. Dehydration
One of the side effects of intermittent fasting is dehydration, which can lead to fatigue, headaches, dizziness, and even kidney stones. It is important to drink plenty of water during your fast and take electrolyte-rich supplements. During your fast, try to avoid exercising unless you have plenty of time to rehydrate.
8. Sleep Disturbances
Intermittent fasting may cause some physical health problems, including sleep disturbances. However, it is not generally dangerous, and the effects are short-term. If you are undergoing intermittent fasting to lose weight, you should consult your doctor if you experience sleeping problems. Lack of sleep can also cause mood swings.
9. Malnutrition
Intermittent fasting can cause malnutrition if the food intake is insufficient or poorly balanced. The body needs a wide variety of nutrients in order to function well, and a balanced diet is important for a healthy body. However, extreme caloric restriction or eating too few calories can lead to malnutrition and other health risks. To prevent malnutrition from occurring, follow a healthy diet plan that includes several healthy ingredients.
10. Overeating
Using intermittent fasting as a way to lose weight can be dangerous. This diet involves restricting your food intake for several days, and it can increase your risk of developing an eating disorder. Intermittent fasting may cause binge eating, a behavior that triggers a cycle of extreme hunger and guilt. It can often lead to overeating.
Who Should Avoid Intermittent Fasting?
Intermittent fasting is not recommended for everyone, and some people should avoid it for various reasons. People with certain health conditions, such as diabetes and prediabetes, should not participate in this diet.
Intermittent fasting is also not recommended for people who are pregnant. This diet can affect the fetus and can cause low blood sugar levels. People with these conditions should consult a physician before attempting it.
People with eating disorders and orthorexic tendencies should avoid intermittent fasting. For them, the time frame for eating can be too rigid, resulting in binging. They may also feel shame if they do not stick to the eating window. Neither of these situations is good for their health.
Although intermittent fasting is an effective way to lose weight and treat certain conditions, it isn’t right for everyone. For the best personal use you can check Best Fasting Apps here. People who are under 18 years of age and those with heart or kidney disease should not try it. It can also be harmful to the body if it’s used for a prolonged period.