Intermittent fasting is a dietary lifestyle that has been around for centuries and is a vital part of many different religions. Intermittent fasting can be performed many different ways and is described as eating on a set schedule while fasting (or not eating) for certain prolonged periods of time. It is generally fine to enjoy water and unsweetened coffee or tea during a fast, but no food should be consumed.
There is immense research on intermittent fasting, and much of the research shows great benefit to this practice, no matter how it's done. Intermittent fasting has the potential to lower levels of oxidative stress throughout your body. This means your body is better able to fight free radicals and inflammation.
Second, fasting improves your body's ability to handle stress. Essentially, fasting activates stress response systems that reinforce the fight against stress, decreasing your chances of chronic disease and the aging process in general.
Is this the fountain of youth? Well, there's much to still be determined!
We do know that intermittent fasting shows benefits such as the following:
Intermittent fasting should be thought of as a lifestyle change and not a diet. Although weight loss is one benefit, losing weight doesn't need to be the primary goal because there are many other benefits that contribute to a healthier you.
Everyone is different, and any fasting practice should be discussed with your doctor before beginning. Some women may run into issues with intermittent fasting due to hormone levels, so it's best to ease into the practice and follow some of the tips below.
The most popular ways to intermittent fast include the following (although there are many variations out there):
Where women are concerned, the above plans are not always optimal. Hormone fluctuations can easily drive a woman into starvation mode, which causes insatiable hunger and overeating due to ramped up levels of the hunger hormones, leptin and ghrelin. Women will do best to speak with their doctor beforehand, ensuring that there is no reason they shouldn't fast. Also, easing into it is key! Here are a few tips for women:
As discussed, intermittent fasting should be thought of as a lifestye shift and not a diet. There are so many great benefits to intermittent fasting, including for dry eyes. By intermittent fasting, you can decrease full body inflammation, allow your cells to turn over more readily, and therefore notice more comfortable eyes and a healthier body overall.