A recent study has linked intermittent fasting to an increased risk of heart disease-related death, casting doubt on the supposed health benefits of this dietary trend. The study, which was published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology, clarifies any possible negative effects of this widely adopted eating habit.
With variations like the 16/8 approach (fasting for 16 hours and eating within an 8-hour window) or alternate-day fasting, intermittent fasting entails cycling between periods of eating and fasting. Its proponents frequently highlight how well it works to reduce weight, increase insulin sensitivity, and lengthen life. The long-term health effects, however, are still up for discussion.
The National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), which was carried out between 1999 and 2014, collected data from over 200,000 adults. The project was headed by researchers from Johns Hopkins University. Based on their self-reported fasting habits, participants were divided into groups, and over a median follow-up of ten years, the health outcomes of each group were monitored.
Remarkably, the results showed a worrying correlation between the chance of dying from heart disease and intermittent fasting. Researchers discovered that those who reported intermittent fasting had a 6% increased chance of passing away from heart-related problems as opposed to non-fasters.
This observed relationship could be the result of several things. Blood sugar swings brought on by intermittent fasting may eventually have a negative impact on cardiovascular health. Prolonged fasting intervals may also cause physiological stress reactions, which can result in oxidative stress and inflammation, two conditions linked to the onset of heart disease.
The study also emphasizes how crucial it is to take into account personal characteristics and the caliber of food ingested throughout mealtimes. When coupled with a well-balanced diet full of whole foods, intermittent fasting may have advantages; but, if processed or high-calorie meals are consumed during eating periods, these benefits may be outweighed.
It is important to note that the study did not prove a cause-and-effect link between the death rate from heart disease and intermittent fasting. To better understand the underlying mechanisms and investigate any confounding factors that might affect the observed correlation, more research is required.
Given these results, anyone who are thinking about incorporating intermittent fasting into their lifestyle should be cautious and speak with medical specialists, especially if they already have cardiovascular risk factors. Moderation and balanced nutrition are still essential for preserving general health and wellbeing, as they are with any dietary strategy.
This study serves as a reminder of the significance of carefully assessing intermittent fasting’s long-term effects on cardiovascular health, even as interest in its possible health advantages continues to grow. A comprehensive knowledge of the advantages and disadvantages of intermittent fasting will be crucial for making well-informed decisions about nutrition and health outcomes as this field of study develops.