A few days ago I spoke with my neighbor who asked me "What's the difference between Starving and Intermittent fasting?"
I thought the question was fantastic because Intermittent Fasting can seem daunting, or even dangerous without clarification. I believe another question that needs answers is "HOW LONG can you Intermittent Fast until you're STARVING?!"
Starving is a state of extreme malnutrition, typically resulting from a lack of access to food. People can experience starvation for many reasons; ex. war, poverty, being stranded on a deserted island..
Starving is associated with problems like fatigue, muscle weakness, and organ failure.
Intermittent fasting, on the other hand, is a dietary tool where a person alternates between periods of eating and fasting. It is a voluntary practice, often used for weight loss, religious reasons, or other health benefits. The key difference between the two is that starving is involuntary and associated with negative health effects, while intermittent fasting is voluntary and can have positive health benefits.
and I'm sure by now you're probably wondering "What are the Benefits?!"
Enhances insulin sensitivity, stimulates lipolysis and reduces blood pressure
Improves thinking and memory. Studies discovered that intermittent fasting boosts working memory in animals and verbal memory in adult humans.
Heart health. Intermittent fasting improved blood pressure and resting heart rates as well as other heart-related measurements.
Physical performance. Young men who fasted for 16 hours showed fat loss while maintaining muscle mass. Mice who were fed on alternate days showed better endurance in running.
"HOW LONG can you Intermittent Fast until you're STARVING?!"
The length of time someone can intermittent fast until they feel starving can vary greatly depending on the individual's metabolism, activity level, and overall health. Some may only be able to go a few hours without feeling hungry, while others may be able to go for much longer periods without feeling the need to eat. It's also important to note that feeling a bit hungry during intermittent fasting is not the same as being starved and it is not harmful as long as it is within a safe limit. It's generally recommended that people new to intermittent fasting start with shorter fasting periods and gradually work up to longer ones as their bodies adjust.
Hope this helps to clear any confusion!
In good health,
Max
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