Fasting: potential risks

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Extract from the article: Although fasting is an ancient practice often associated with well-being, it is not without risk and is not suitable for everyone. It is essential to be well informed and cautious before starting, as poorly supervised fasting, whether intermit////

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Although fasting is an ancient practice often associated with well-being, it is not without risk and is not suitable for everyone. It is essential to be well informed and cautious before starting, as poorly supervised fasting, whether intermittent or prolonged, can lead to serious complications. The golden rule is to consult a healthcare professional for personalized advice.

At the beginning of a fast, mild physical symptoms are common, such as headaches, dizziness, nausea, intense fatigue, and mood disorders such as irritability. The major risk, especially for people undergoing treatment, is hypoglycemia, or a drop in blood sugar levels.

Some dangers

For longer fasts, lasting more than a few days, the risks increase. The body, seeking energy, can break down protein mass, leading to muscle loss. Nutritional deficiencies, hormonal imbalances, including menstrual cycle disruptions in women, and, for periods exceeding two weeks, bone loss may occur. Fasting should therefore be practiced with caution and, if possible, under medical supervision, especially for people with pre-existing conditions.

Intermittent fasting and heart health

Recent studies challenge the idea that intermittent fasting is a safe path to better health. People who limit their eating to less than 8 hours a day have a 135% higher risk of dying from cardiovascular disease than those who eat over a 12- to 14-hour period. This study analyzed data from more than 19,000 adults. This finding is a warning sign that calls for caution. This high risk was observed regardless of age or lifestyle, and was even more pronounced in smokers and people with diabetes or pre-existing heart disease. This suggests that overly restrictive and long-term dietary restrictions could be particularly dangerous for heart health.

Contraindications and recommendations

There is a strict list of contraindications for fasting, whether intermittent or prolonged. It is strongly discouraged for people with treated diabetes, stomach ulcers, extreme thinness, or severe malnutrition, as well as those with eating disorders (anorexia, bulimia). Pregnant or breastfeeding women should not fast. Conditions such as severe kidney or liver failure, or advanced cardiovascular disease, are also formal contraindications.

For these vulnerable individuals, medical supervision is essential. For everyone, it is preferable to focus on an overall balanced diet rather than overly restrictive fasting windows.

Esther KOLANI (Source: bbc.com)