Intermittent fasting for heart is emerging as a popular diet pattern these days. There are two types of fasting in this. One is time-restricted, on the other hand alternate day fasting is kept. Intermittent fasting reduces oxidative stress. It corrects the circadian rhythm. Intermittent fasting for heart can reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease with the help of many other methods including ketogenesis. For this we spoke to Dr. Vijay Singh, Head of the Department (Cardiology) at Suri Hospital, Kanpur.
In addition to weight loss, intermittent fasting is said to be good for brain health, bone health, high blood pressure, diabetes and even heart health.
Cardiac ketones are cardio protective
Dr Vijay Singh explains, ‘It also improves heart and overall health by reducing cholesterol, blood pressure, insulin and blood sugar levels. Intermittent fasting lowers cholesterol levels by inhibiting liver cholesterol synthesis.
Serum TC and LDL-C levels are the most important risk factors for major atherosclerosis in heart problems. Fasting prompts the body to break down toxic cells and get rid of waste material. It decreases inflammation and increases ketones. It acts as fuel for the heart. Cardiac ketone oxidation is cardio protective.
Weight loss and HDL improvement
Intermittent fasting is being tried a lot for weight loss. It is effective to some extent in reducing obesity. In fact, intermittent fasting induces a ketogenic state. It is detected in an overweight person. Fasting increases their β-hydroxybutyrate levels. Ketone levels can be detected after 8-8 hours of fasting.
This signals the beginning of a decrease in fat utilization from fat deposition. There is a decrease in low-density lipoprotein (LDL). High-density lipoprotein (HDL) levels increase. The body uses glucose as energy.
Effects on Metabolism
According to Dr. Vijay Singh, fatty acids and ketones are used for energy during this fasting. This change is called intermittent metabolic switching. Intermittent fasting improves both weight and lipids. This benefits heart health.
Intermittent fasting is more beneficial than taking a ketogenic diet. Consuming too much fat in a ketogenic diet can be harmful. It is associated with high levels of trimethylamine N-oxide. This is a metabolite associated with cardiovascular risk, which has been found to be higher in the ketogenic diet.
Intermittent fasting for heart
According to research published in PubMed Central’s journal Author Manuscript Medical Journal, the Intermountain Heart Collaborative Study Group looked at the effects of fasting on approximately 648 patients. In its conclusion, it was told that even after having problems in heart health, intermittent fasting can provide protection to the heart. The study included people who used to fast during the month of Ramadan.
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People with a history of ischemic cardiomyopathy showed a decrease in the incidence of heart failure during Ramadan compared to other months of the year. The researchers found a comparative reduction in the incidence of coronary heart disease. People who fasted for a month were found to have a lower risk for coronary heart disease.
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