Malaika Arora, who recently opened up about her fitness and diet habits, also shared that she does intermittent fasting but with a twist.
“I do my intermittent fasting…but do it every alternate day,” Arora told CurlyTales.
While she didn’t reveal the reason for the pattern, we spoke to experts to understand how doing intermittent fasting every other day impacts the body.
Dt. Vaishali Verma, consultant, nutrition and dietetics, Manipal Hospital Dwarka, said that Intermittent Fasting (IF) is an eating pattern that cycles between periods of eating and fasting.
“Unlike traditional diets that focus on what you eat, IF focuses on when you eat. During fasting periods, your body switches from burning sugar to burning stored fat,” explained Verma, adding that it’s not a specific diet with restrictions on what foods you can eat, but rather a timing schedule.
When properly followed, IF can be beneficial as it leads to weight loss, improved blood sugar control, reduced inflammation, and improved brain function, said Verma.
But what happens if you fast alternate days?
Dr RR Dutta, HOD, internal medicine, Paras Health, Gurugram, said that intermittent fasting every other day, when practiced carefully, can offer a range of health benefits, including improved insulin sensitivity, better metabolic function, and enhanced cellular repair processes like autophagy, which helps in removing damaged cells.
“It may also support weight management, reduce inflammation, and improve overall cardiovascular health,” said Dr Dutta.
He added that it can be a little more convenient for someone who wouldn’t like to indulge in the method on an everyday basis. “It is a little less demanding on the body, which can help you manage your diet and fasting schedules,” said Dr Dutta.
Here’s what you must consider (Source: Getty Images/Thinkstock)
However, fasting isn’t without challenges—it can lead to fatigue, irritability, difficulty concentrating, and potential nutrient deficiencies if not paired with a well-balanced and nutrient-rich diet. “Moreover, individuals with underlying health conditions, those on medications, pregnant or breastfeeding women, and those with a history of eating disorders should be particularly cautious,” said Dr Dutta.
Always consult a healthcare provider before starting intermittent fasting to ensure it’s safe and aligned with your health goals.
DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine.
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