Intermittent fasting improves mood and sleep, study reveals

A recent study has shed light on the effects of intermittent fasting on various aspects of our well-being, such as eating behaviors, mood, sleep, and overall health. Published in the Frontiers in Nutrition magazine and reported by Medical News, the study examines the potential mechanisms underlying the benefits of the intermittent fasting system.

Intermittent fasting, an approach that the Greeks have been using since the fifth century BC to regulate their eating habits, gives a flexible and satisfying alternative to calorie restriction.

The study shows the different options within the intermittent fasting system, such as the popular 5:2 method involving two days of continuous fasting and five days of regular eating in moderation.

 Intermittent fasting improves mood and sleep, study reveals

Another option is the periodic fasting system, which involves adhering to a specific calorie intake for five days a week, followed by two days without dietary restrictions.

In addition, the study highlights the ketogenic diet, which replaces sugars and carbohydrates with proteins and fats. This diet has shown evidence of reducing serum glucose levels, promoting ketone formation, and potentially aiding in weight management and disease prevention.

However, the study also emphasizes the lack of consistency between studies on the effects of intermittent fasting, including variances in sample size, duration of intervention, study population, and study design, which contribute to the mixed findings.

While intermittent fasting has been linked to various benefits, such as improved mood, increased energy levels, and potential brain cell growth, there is a need for more systematic studies to evaluate the long-term effects provide science-based recommendations for obesity treatment and improve the quality of life for people with cardiovascular disease and other health conditions.

Additionally, the study suggests that intermittent fasting may be most effective when combined with a healthy diet, adequate sleep, and calibrating meal times with the body’s biological clock.