Is Fasting Right for Me?

There are many different methods of fasting, the most mainstream now being what we call intermittent fasting. 

Intermittent fasting is an eating plan that alternates between fasting and eating, usually on a regular schedule. When it comes to this type of eating plan, you’re not changing what you eat, just when you eat. 

With intermittent fasting, you only eat during a specific time. While this form of fasting may not be suitable for everyone, it can have myriad health benefits.

Kathryn Langbehn, a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist at LWell, says people who fast are “generally healthy,” and benefits may include weight loss, simplified lifestyle, the lowering of total cholesterol, and improvement of blood glucose levels. 

Johns Hopkins neuroscientist Mark Mattson, who has been studying intermittent fasting for over 25 years, says: “Many things happen during intermittent fasting that can protect organs against chronic diseases like type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and many cancers.” 

Some of the negative effects of fasting can include irritability, difficulty sleeping, anxiety and just feeling hangry. That’s why it’s important to have a plan and speak with a health professional before starting any fasting regimen, especially if you have been diagnosed with any medical conditions including Type 1 diabetes diabetes, Type 2 diabetes, or autoimmune disorders.

LWell’s Registered Dietitian Nutritionists will consider your current health, weight, medical conditions and other factors and help you determine if fasting could be beneficial to you as part of a total health transformation program.

This article was adapted from the LWell Program of Excellence “Fasting” recorded live on 8/4/21.