The trend of many types of fasting has increased rapidly all over the world to reduce weight and control cholesterol and sugar. A large number of people are turning to intermittent fasting. This is a method of fasting in which nutritious things have to be consumed during a fixed time. For example, if you are doing intermittent fasting, then it is advisable to fast for 16 hours in 24 hours and eat something light in about 8 hours. However, this type of fasting doesn't need to be beneficial for all people. In a recent study, researchers have made a big claim about intermittent fasting.
In the research, scientists said, although intermittent fasting has been considered beneficial in many ways, however, if you have heart disease and you do this type of fasting, then it can increase life-threatening risks. Health experts have alerted you not to start any type of fasting on your own. Keeping your health in mind, one should adopt any fasting method only on the advice of a doctor.
Research on intermittent fasting
The research paper presented at the American Heart Association conference has raised many questions about intermittent fasting. The news release states that for people who have heart problems, this type of fasting increases the risk of heart-related death by 91%.
The reports of studies done so far on intermittent fasting seem to be quite contradictory. Earlier research had said that this method of fasting is beneficial in reducing heart disease factors such as insulin sensitivity, inflammation, obesity, and cholesterol, although recent reports have said that this type of fasting can increase the risk of death from heart diseases.
Key points of AHA's report
If we look at the findings of the research paper presented at the conference, it appears that intermittent fasting can have disadvantages for people already suffering from some types of health problems. According to the study, it can also increase the risk of heart-related death in people suffering from heart disease or cancer. In people suffering from heart disease, this method of fasting can increase the risk of death from heart attack or stroke by up to 66%.
However, many experts have also objected to this study report.
Experts objected
Christopher Gardner PhD, professor of medicine and nutritionist at Stanford University, says that these conclusions are premature and misleading. The number of people included in the study group was higher in men, African Americans, and smokers, who already have a higher risk of heart disease and death from it.
Prof. Gardner says, that apart from this, the investigators also lack shift work, stress, and other data. In such a situation, intermittent fasting alone cannot be considered a risk factor for death.
Questions on the authenticity of the research
Dr. Jason Fung, a famous nephrologist from Canada and author of a book on intermittent fasting, has also questioned the study report. He says this conclusion cannot be drawn based on the results of a particular population. More studies are needed to confirm this.
However, one thing is certain it is not necessary that any fasting method fits all people, so adopting such methods without complete investigation and medical advice should be avoided.
(PC: ISTOCK)
