Can intermittent fasting improve the health of the heart? What doctors want you to know – healthy health and sustainable wealth

Can intermittent fasting improve the health of the heart? Intermittering fasting (IF) has risen in popularity as a choice of lifestyle focused on weight management and overall health improvement. One of the advantages recommended is the potential to improve the health of the heart, a claim that has fueled both enthusiasm and caution within the medical community. This article investigates what research reveals about the relationship between intermittent fasting and heart conditions, weighing his advantages and disadvantages and presents experts from experts about whether fasting is a suitable strategy for the health of the heart. Moreover, the alternatives for people who are looking for cardiovascular disease without fasting emphasize.

What research says about intermittent fasting and heart disease

Scientific research into intermittent fasting reveals a complex picture. On the one hand, countless studies suggest that if it can have a positive influence on different cardiovascular risk factors. For example, intermittent fasting has been shown that the weight loss promotes, reduces the waist circumference and improves cholesterol profiles by lowering LDL (“bad”) cholesterol and triglycerides while increasing the HDL (“good”) cholesterol. These changes can reduce the risk of heart attacks and strokes. Research also indicates that if blood pressure can lower an average of 3-5 mmHg and markers of inflammation such as C-reactive protein (CRP) can reduce on average, both of which are crucial in preventing cardiovascular disease.

Moreover, Intermittering Improves insulin sensitivity, reducing insulin resistance by 20-30%, which reduces arterial inflammation and plaque structure, important contributors to atherosclerosis. Activation of autophagia during fasting helps to remove damaged cells and oxidative stress, so that the cardiovascular function is further protected.

However, contrasting findings have emerged. A remarkable 2024 study Due to the American Heart Association, worries by linking a eating window of 8 hours (a common as a pattern) to a 91% higher risk of death due to cardiovascular causes. This association was mainly observed in people with existing cardiovascular diseases. The limitations of the study-such as dependence on memory reminder and lack of long-term data means that the conclusions must be carefully interpreted.

Jennifer Cheng confirms the advantages and disadvantages of fasting for heart health –

Jennifer ChengDo, head of endocrinology at Hackensack Meridian Jersey Shore University Medical Center, emphasizes that intermittent fasting can be beneficial, but requires careful consideration. The pros include:

• Effective weight loss, which reduces heart load and improves metabolic parameters.
• Improved cholesterol levels and blood pressure.
• Improved insulin sensitivity and reduced inflammation.

Yet she warns of potential disadvantages:

• Increased cortisol (stress hormone) during fasting can increase blood pressure and heart rate if they are not managed.
• The risk of shortcomings of nutrients when fasting is accompanied by poor food choices.
• Not suitable for everyone, especially those with existing heart conditions, diabetes or on certain medicines.

Dr. Cheng emphasizes the importance of medical supervision in fasting fasting, in particular for persons with cardiovascular risk factors.

Do you have to try to fast for the health of the heart? Doctors weigh

Medical experts generally agree that intermittent fasting can benefit the health of the heart due to weight loss and improved metabolic health. However, the effectiveness and safety of IF vary greatly in individuals. Dr. Gregory Katz, a cardiologist at Nyu Langone, notes that only those who reach weight loss through fasting have the tendency to see cardiovascular benefits. For others, if it may have little impact or can even be harmful if this leads to stress or poor food.

Doctors advise advising care providers to consult before they start with ALS, especially for people with heart disease, diabetes or other chronic disorders. The variability in sober protocols and individual reactions means that a personalized approach is essential. For some, traditional balanced diets in combination with regular physical activity can be safer and equally effective for the health of the heart.

An alternative to fasting for heart conditions prevention

For those who hesitate about intermittent fasting or are unable to fast, there are alternative strategies to protect the health of the heart:

• Balanced diet: Emphasizing fruit, vegetables, full grains, low -fat proteins and healthy fats can improve cholesterol and blood pressure.
• Regular exercise: Physical activity strengthens the heart, improves blood circulation and AIDS weight management.
• Weight management: Even modest weight loss (5-10%) significantly reduces cardiovascular risk.
• Stress reduction: Managing stress through mindfulness of therapy helps to lower cortisol and blood pressure.
• Medical: Control of diabetes, hypertension and cholesterol with medicines as prescribed.

These approaches, supported by extensive research, offer proven benefits without the potential risks related to fasting.

In summary, the intermittent fasting promise for improving heart health due to weight loss, better cholesterol and reduced inflammation. Nevertheless, rising evidence also emphasizes possible risks, especially with certain sober patterns and in vulnerable populations. Experts such as Jennifer Cheng, Do, argue for care, medically supervised use of fasting. In the meantime, traditional heart-healthy lifestyle measures remain reliable and accessible alternatives. People who are interested in intermittent fasting must involve care providers to adjust a plan that matches their unique health profile and goals.

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We offer the most up -to -date information from top experts, new research and health authorities, but our content is not intended as a replacement for professional guidance. When it comes to the medicine that you take or other health questions you have, you always consult your care provider directly.