TIMEOUT: Women Have Special Considerations for Fasting

Due to a difference in hormonal makeup, women have special considerations when fasting. Intermittent fasting is not a good idea for women under 18 years of age, those with a lean body profile, or those with medical conditions, such as hypothyroidism or a history of eating disorders. Nonetheless, recent studies suggest that fasting for periods of twelve or more hours can improve fat oxidation, induce mild ketosis and increase the metabolic rate in humans, which boosts shedding pounds. Fasting protocols have shown they can deliver many health benefits, but fast-diets don't always work well for every "Body".

• Periodic Fasting - As an extreme method of fasting, periodic fasts can last for several days. Dietary intake is limited calorie-free or low-calorie fluids to force the body into full fasting mode instead of alternating between fasting and feeding.
• Valter Longo Diet - Developed by a biogerontologist named Valter Longo, the fast mimicking diet came from years of study on the role of starvation and nutrient response genes on cellular protection against aging and chronic diseases, as a method of improving longevity.
• Occasional Prolonged Fasting - Similar to a fasting-mimicking or elemental diet, occasional prolonged fasting is followed for 3 to 4 days and is repeated up to four times per year.
• Skipping a Meal Fast - A more natural way to do intermittent fasting is to simple skip one or two meals whenever you're not hungry or don't have time to eat. But, make sure you eat healthy at the other meals.

Intermittent fasting is not an exercise in starvation. It differs from the latter in that fasting is the deliberate and controlled absence of food. When you choose intermittent fasting as a dieting solution, you follow an eating plan that restricts food intake into restricted periods; then fast the remainder of the day and night. However, completing studies on intermittent fasting can be difficult, as it is often difficult to get people to stick with a fast for any length of time. Weight loss benefits and the ease of use for weight management are two of the most compelling reasons to try restricted eating for restoring your health.

*NOTE: Due to a difference in hormonal makeup, women have special considerations when fasting. Intermittent fasting is not a good idea for women under 18 years of age, those with a lean body profile, or those with medical conditions, such as hypothyroidism or a history of eating disorders. Ask your physician about an appropriate fasting protocol for you.