Some people fast as part of religious practices or lifestyle choices, but how exactly does fasting affect one's health? Is it good for the heart? Does it lower blood pressure? Can it be dangerous at times?
Fasting and the Heart
Interestingly, studies have seen that fasting can help reduce blood pressure, weight, and cholesterol. It can also aid with diabetes management.
Studies have been trying to see how fasting is capable of reducing blood pressure. Interestingly, there are actually several mechanisms at work in this process. For one, caloric restriction has been seen to reduce blood pressure levels. Since fasting is typically linked to lower calorie consumptions, it could partially explain some effects.
There are also studies that show that during fasting, the nervous system is in a more relaxed parasympathetic state. This is opposite to the state of alertness, which is linked to a higher blood pressure.
Dr. Dennies Bruemmer, MD, PhD, an endocrinologist and cardiologist, also explains that four of the major heart disease risk factors are high cholesterol and blood pressure, weight, and diabetes. Hence, if these factors can be reduced, heart disease risks can also be reduced.
Dr. Bruemmer explains that generally, it is better to eat less. In fact, there are studies that also suggest that fasting could help prevent one from getting cancer or boost chemotherapy treatment effects.
However, there is still so much to learn about fasting and its effects, as the majority of fasting-related research is still in its early stages.
ALSO READ: Can Drinking Lots of Water Lower Blood Pressure? How Does Dehydration Affect Hypertension?
Dangers of Fasting
While fasting yields benefits, it is not safe for everyone. Because fasting is capable of decreasing blood pressure levels, those with low blood pressure need to be extra careful that their blood pressure levels will not plummet too low to a point of hypotension.
Prolonged periods of fasting may also result in hypotension because of dehydration. Hence, it is important to ensure sufficient hydration when fasting.
There are also specific groups of people who are not advised to fast. These include pregnant or breastfeeding women, teenagers, children, type 1 diabetes patients, those who are underweight, people with immunodeficiencies, and those who are dealing with eating disorders.
It is also important to keep in mind that fasting may result in electrolyte imbalance. In such cases, the heart could end up unstable and vulnerable to arrhythmias. Hence, when extremely low-calorie diets or protein-sparing diets are prescribed, this should be done with medical supervision.
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