Comment by steve_adams_86 | Hacker News Reader

Comment by steve_adams_86 | Hacker News Reader

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I’m not an authority on this so my comment is layman internet garbage, but my somewhat-researched understanding is that IF is only problematic when it exacerbates existing issues. Examples could be eating disorders or conditions where fasting can cause acute issues.

Some studies suggest the benefits are significant, others suggest they’re neutral, but I’ve yet to find anything indicating that it’s innately risky to fast intermittently. Me not being aware of studies showing harm doesn’t mean it’s not possible, but it seems unlikely at this point. I’ve been doing it for the better part of 10 years or so and I always regret it when I stop. Fasting in general appears to be good for people when it’s controlled and done sensibly.

In the developed world it really does seem we do more harm to ourselves with what we do consume rather than what we don’t. Less is more (health) with common western diets.

I'm no authority either, but I've worked in the field of metabolic health for a couple of years and read a few dozen studies and books on the topic.

You're pretty much correct:

The most relevant contraindication for any kind of fasting are eating disorders like anorexia. Also, don't try out fasting if you're taking metabolism related medication without consulting with your doctor.

A lot of research suggests that most lifestyle diseases that are prevalent in the developed world (like obesity, diabetes, heart attack, even some types of cancer and possibly also neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimers) can be prevented and sometimes treated with a dietary intervention.

The optimal diet seems to be whole foods and mostly plant-based (though some people seem to thrive on meat) with occasional fasting periods.

It makes a lot of sense from an evolutionary perspective: Our ancestors didn't have all that sugary and industrially processed food and often spend extended periods fasting and searching/hunting for food. Processed foods highjack our preference for calorie rich, sweet and savory food but are often deficient in nutrients.

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