Intermittent fasting is an old tradition in nutritional medicine. By abstaining from food over a specific time window, people have a healthier and longer life.
The 16:8 Intermittent fasting, for example, is a trend with 16 hours fasting time and eight hours eating phase.
But not everyone tolerates it. So, with some physical signs experts, advise stopping the fast.
Persistent headache and hunger feeling
Of course, the starvation period of up to 16 hours is not without side effects. Even if interval fasting is supposed to improve sleep and increase energy levels in the long term, the exact opposite can be the case at the beginning.
Some people struggle at the beginning of the fast with poor workout results, difficulty concentrating, and a nagging feeling of hunger during the night.
However, these symptoms, along with discomforts like persistent headaches, could also be a sign of a large calorie deficit.
Give yourself time to adjust and pay close attention to your body.
You keep overeating
Many people believe that they could eat whatever they wanted because they’re doing some intermittent fasting style.
Fasting is an excuse for an unhealthy diet because the ultimate goal is to develop a healthy and sustainable diet.
For those who tend to lose all control over their eating habits in the eight hours before hunger, intermittent fasting may not be suitable for them – and there’s nothing wrong with that.
You suffer from pre-existing conditions
Intermittent fasting can also be dangerous if you have a pre-existing condition.
Especially if you take some medications, you risk being much more sensitive without regular food intake. Several prescription and over-the-counter medicines, for example, are best taken with food.
Besides pregnant women, children, people with weak immune systems or diabetes, and undergoing chemotherapy should avoid fasting because it can cause serious side effects such as hypoglycemia, metabolic disorders, and seizures.
So, in any case, it’s wise to check with a doctor first before deciding whether or not interval fasting is for you.
