Atherosclerosis is a condition when the arteries are clogged due to plaque formation. Plaques are formed due to cholesterol deposits on the artery walls which is caused by bad cholesterol. As the plaque takes up space in the thin artery, it becomes increasingly difficult for blood to flow through it. Clogged arteries can cause a heart attack or stroke that can be fatal. Atherosclerosis is the number one cause of death across the world.
Various studies have been conducted to see if there is a way to reverse atherosclerosis. While many studies failed to give a conclusive result, recent studies on intermittent fasting have given promising results. This fasting diet, if done correctly has the potential to reverse atherosclerosis or at least reduce your risk of many diseases.
What is Intermittent fasting?
Intermittent fasting is a practice where you restrict your consumption of food to a short period in a day. The most common time followed is to fast for 16 hours and eat within 8 hours’ time-span. This diet technique is generally used for weight loss but it has many more benefits than that. It should not be surprising, considering that almost all major religions in the world preached fasting in one way or another.
There are many ways in which this fasting diet is followed. One need not do this every day to reap benefits. Fasting even a day or two in a week is said to have great results.
Benefits of Intermittent fasting
Intermittent fasting has proven to be very effective in weight loss. The risk associated with clogged arteries increases considerably when a person is overweight or obese. Following this fasting method can help these people lose their extra-pounds fast and in a healthy way.
It has also found to help blood pressure and blood sugar levels which are both a risk factor for clogged arteries. High blood pressure can cause plaque to rupture and sometimes block the artery causing sudden heart attacks or strokes. So, maintaining your blood pressure is very important.
Regular fasting is linking with increased metabolism. It allows the body to take a break from digesting food and allows for a reset. This in turns helps in better digestion of food that you consume.
During fasting, our body breaks down cholesterol instead of glucose to provide energy. As a result, you will be left with lesser fat cells in the body which is a good thing. Also, intermittent fasting does not affect muscle mass in this process.
Other benefits of Intermittent fasting include a reduction in the chance of getting type 2 diabetes, reduction of free radical formation, better functioning of the nervous system, improved stress response system and improved self-control.
When not to do intermittent fasting
Intermittent fasting is not advisable for all the people. There are some situations where the fasting can worsen your condition then help you.
- If you cannot control what you eat in the window of time you are allowed to eat, the intermittent fasting would be useless for you.
- Especially, people with eating disorders struggle with this. They end-up binge eating after the fast which is not good.
- People who take up intense workouts need to think twice before following this diet. Exercising leads to low blood sugar, which when not replenished by food can lead to dizziness or light-headedness.
- People who take diabetes medication should not take up intermittent fasting as it can cause serious problems.
- It is advised that people with any other serious illness consult their doctor before taking up this fasting diet.
There is no proof that intermittent fasting can reverse atherosclerosis. However, there are so many benefits that are closely related to heart health and other issues that it is worth our time.
With that said, we would like to introduce you to a program that offers a natural way to tackle atherosclerosis. Please watch the video below.
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