Case Study: Does Intermittent Fasting Really Help or Harm? #IntermittentFasting #Health #Wellness #Diet #Fitness
Patient Profile:
A female patient from the Middle East presented with health issues, including high TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone), high cholesterol, and low vitamin D levels. She follows an intermittent fasting regimen with an 8-hour eating window from 2 PM to 10 PM and a 16-hour fasting window from 11 PM to 2 PM. Her sleep schedule involves going to bed around 1 AM and waking up at 11 AM. She also takes yoghurt in each meal as a probiotic and calcium supplement. Despite adhering to these dietary rules, she continued to experience significant health issues, prompting a deeper examination of her lifestyle and fasting routine.
Health Concerns:
Despite adhering to the dietary rules of intermittent fasting, the patient experienced high TSH levels, high cholesterol, and low vitamin D. These issues prompted a deeper examination of her lifestyle and fasting routine.
Meal Timing:
Eating the first meal at 2 PM and the second meal at 10 PM can disrupt the body's natural circadian rhythm and metabolic processes. A large gap between meals and late-night eating might affect digestion, metabolism, and sleep quality.
Sleep Patterns:
Sleeping at 1 AM and waking up at 11 AM might not align with the body's natural circadian rhythms, potentially affecting hormone production and metabolism.
Yogurt as Probiotic:
While yoghurt can be beneficial, the type and quality of yoghurt matter. But as per ayurvedic pharmacology ( Rasapaancka) regular use of curd, specially at night may lead to metabolic and inflammatory disease due to its guru ( Heavy )Property and hot potency ( Ushan verya)
Importance of Keeping Circadian Rhythm:
The circadian rhythm is the natural, internal process that regulates the sleep-wake cycle and repeats roughly every 24 hours. It is influenced by environmental cues such as light and temperature. Maintaining a consistent circadian rhythm is crucial for several reasons:
Metabolic Health: Eating and sleeping in alignment with the circadian rhythm supports efficient digestion and metabolism, reducing the risk of metabolic disorders such as obesity and diabetes.
Hormone Regulation: A stable circadian rhythm helps regulate the production of essential hormones like melatonin and cortisol, which are vital for sleep quality and stress management.
Overall Health: Disruptions to the circadian rhythm can lead to various health issues, including cardiovascular diseases, immune dysfunction, and mental health disorders.
Aligning meal times and sleep patterns with the body's natural circadian rhythms can enhance the benefits of intermittent fasting and contribute to overall well-being
Recommended Adjustments:
Revise Meal Timing:Breakfast: Around 8 AM - 9 AMLunch: Around 12 PM - 1 PMDinner: Around 6 PM - 7 PM
Adjust Sleep Patterns:Sleep Time: Aim to be in bed by 10 PM - 11 PMWake-Up Time: Around 6 AM - 7 AM