Recent Analysis Suggests Intermittent Fasting May Not Be Good for Heart Health
A recent analysis presented at the American Heart Association’s scientific sessions has challenged the popular belief that intermittent fasting is beneficial for heart health. Researchers from Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine found that restricting food consumption to less than eight hours per day actually led to a 91% higher risk of dying from cardiovascular disease.
This analysis, one of the first to investigate the association between time-restricted eating and cardiovascular disease risk, is based on data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. The research looked at responses from approximately 20,000 adults who recorded their eating habits.
However, it’s important to note that the analysis has not been peer-reviewed or published in an academic journal, and the researchers themselves caution against making specific recommendations regarding intermittent fasting. Experts warn that limiting eating to a short window of time may have negative effects on cardiovascular health due to decreased lean muscle mass in individuals following this regimen.
Some theories suggest that fasting could potentially increase stress hormones, leading to a short-term increased risk of heart problems in vulnerable groups. While past research has indicated potential benefits of intermittent fasting for weight loss and heart health, experts urge caution and further research.
Despite the findings of the recent analysis, some experts believe it may be too narrow in scope. They point out limitations such as relying on self-reported food consumption data and not taking into account factors like nutritional quality or caloric intake. While some recommend pausing intermittent fasting until more information is available, others note that patients have reported positive results such as weight loss, decreased blood pressure, and improved cholesterol levels from fasting regimens.
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