Eminent fasting affects womenImage Credit Source: Getty Images
In the intermittent fasting, food is eaten for a few hours of the day and the rest of the time is fasted. But have you ever thought that its effect is the same on women and men or different? Let us know how this dieting pattern affects both.
In order to lose weight, control blood sugar and improve metabolism health, new trends have started adopting people in the world of fitness, one of which which has become very popular is the intermittent fasting. Intermittent fasting affects both women and men, but its effect is not always the same. The reason for this is that the needs of both the body’s hormonal structure, metabolism and energy are different.
Effect of intermittent fasting on men
Hormonal fluctuations in men’s body are much less than that of women. Therefore, intermittent fasting proves a little easier and effective for them. Fasting in men increases fat burning, which helps in weight loss. Apart from this, insulin sensitivity is better, ie blood sugar remains under control. Testosterone levels can also be better at times, which increases energy and strengthens muscles. Men can easily do long (eg 16 to 18 hours).
Also read– Eminent fasting may increase heart diseases, claim in research
Effect of intermittent fasting on women
The body of women is more sensitive than men, because there are hormonal changes in it every month. In such a situation, the effect of intermittent fasting also appears different. If women fasting for a long time, then many times periods can be irregular. Some women may have problems like fatigue, irritability, headache and lack of sleep. But if adopted properly, it is very beneficial in women also in controlling weight loss, hormone balance and blood sugar. Especially women with PCOS and insulin resistance should start this diet only with the advice of a doctor.
Why does intermittent fasting make a different difference between women and men?
Actually, the body of women prioritize reproductive health. When the body feels that there is a lack of food, it first make hormonal changes, which can cause problems related to pregnancy and periods. This is the reason that the side effects of intermittent fasting are seen early in women. At the same time, this effect is not so deep in men, so they are able to fasting for a long time without much trouble.
How to adopt intermittent fasting?
For men- 16: 8 patterns (16 hours fast and 8 hours of eating time) are considered better, but do it only for some time. Adopting this patience can affect the health.
For women- Initially 12:12 or 14:10 pattern is more secure. That is, 1214 hours fast and the rest of the time balanced food. Both should drink plenty of water during fasting and take a diet rich in nutrition at the time of eating.
Who should not do intermittent fasting?
- Do not do pregnant and breastfeeding women.
- Whose periods are already irregular.
- Diabetes patients who have to take insulin.
- Do not do too much weak or anemic people.
Precautions of Intermittent Fasting-
Consult a doctor. If you have any problem related to heart or sugar, do not start fasting without asking experts. Whatever you eat in 8 hours of food quality, include green vegetables, fruits, healthy proteins and whole grains. Do not adopt fasting on long-term but use it as a temporary tool (adopt for some time), it can be dangerous to consider it as a lifetime solution. The most important thing- listen to the body. If there are problems like dizziness, fatigue or irregular heartbeat during fasting, then stop immediately.