This is what happens to the body when you combine intermittent fasting with regular walks for 3 months – The Indian Express

AI News Q&A (Free Content)

Q1: What are the potential health benefits of combining intermittent fasting with regular walking?

A1: Combining intermittent fasting with regular walking can enhance metabolic health, improve insulin sensitivity, and reduce inflammation. The combination promotes weight loss by increasing the breakdown of body fat, improving heart health markers, and inducing cellular repair processes like autophagy. Walking, as a form of exercise, independently contributes to cardiovascular and metabolic health, making it an effective partner to intermittent fasting.

Q2: How does intermittent fasting affect cardiovascular markers according to recent studies?

A2: Recent studies indicate that intermittent fasting can positively impact cardiovascular markers by reducing blood pressure, cholesterol levels, triglyceride levels, and inflammatory markers. However, its effect on lowering blood pressure is less pronounced than continuous energy restriction. Overall, intermittent fasting supports heart health by promoting a healthier lipid profile and reducing oxidative stress.

Q3: What is the scientific basis for intermittent fasting's role in weight management?

A3: Intermittent fasting aids weight management by reducing calorie intake and enhancing hormone functions that promote fat breakdown. It lowers insulin levels, raises human growth hormone (HGH) levels, and increases norepinephrine, facilitating fat usage for energy. This hormonal shift, coupled with fewer meals, leads to a calorie deficit and weight loss.

Q4: Can intermittent fasting improve outcomes for individuals with metabolic syndrome?

A4: Yes, intermittent fasting can benefit individuals with metabolic syndrome by decreasing waist circumference, fat mass, and fasting insulin levels while increasing high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C). These changes improve overall metabolic health and reduce the risk of complications associated with metabolic syndrome.

Q5: What are the safety considerations and potential risks associated with intermittent fasting?

A5: While intermittent fasting is generally considered safe for healthy individuals, there are potential risks such as low energy, hunger, and adverse effects in individuals with insulin-dependent diabetes. It may not be suitable for everyone, and those with specific health conditions should consult healthcare professionals before starting an intermittent fasting regimen.

Q6: How does concurrent exercise and fasting influence health during Ramadan for specific populations?

A6: During Ramadan, engaging in physical activities like walking football alongside fasting can enhance cardiometabolic and psychological health, especially for physically challenged and aged populations. Such activities provide cardiovascular and metabolic benefits while promoting social interactions, making them suitable for sustaining long-term health improvements.

Q7: What are the implications of intermittent fasting on aging and chronic disease prevention?

A7: Intermittent fasting has shown promise in extending lifespan and preventing chronic diseases such as obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases. It achieves this through weight reduction and improvements in cardiometabolic parameters, potentially offering a strategic approach to healthy aging and disease prevention.

References:

• Intermittent fasting
• Walking Football During Ramadan Fasting for Cardiometabolic and Psychological Health Benefits to the Physically Challenged and Aged Populations
• Metabolic syndrome and the benefit of a physical activity intervention on lower-extremity function: Results from a randomized clinical trial
• With the prevalence of obesity reaching epidemic proportions worldwide
• 10 Health Benefits of Intermittent Fasting
• Our findings suggest that IF may have beneficial effects on a range of health outcomes for adults with overweight or obesity