Alma Bax 
Intermittent fasting is always a hot topic of interest for people, with the idea of eating for a short period of time followed by a longer period without food being tossed around left and right. Some people like it, while others don’t. But what many people aren’t aware of is that intermittent fasting has a role in weight loss. People who use the method of intermittent fasting to lose weight have been shown to be successful at it and have even managed to keep their weight loss going for extended periods of time.
It sounds counter-intuitive, but fasting actually can be a good thing for many people, including those suffering from chronic stress.
Over the years, I have taken many different types of dietary approaches, and have read many different kinds of books about nutrition and health. I have tried many different diets, and have continued to try new ones. The one constant in my life has always been my fitness level. I have always been a fairly healthy person, and have never been overweight (aside from a few months in college). I have always been in fairly good shape, even when my diet was terrible or I was going through a tough time in my life. My current diet is entirely intermittent fasting, and I feel like it has been working for me.
Is it possible to obtain all of my protein in one meal? Is intermittent fasting beneficial for individuals who suffer from adrenal insufficiency as a result of stress or other factors? Is the dawn phenomenon beneficial or harmful?
It’s time for Q&A on intermittent fasting and the low-carb diet with Dr. Jason Fung is a neurologist who specializes :
Is it possible to include protein in a meal?
I fast for 24 hours at a time. Because I am insulin resistant, would it be preferable to obtain my daily protein need (58 grams) in one meal or spread it out over two hours?
Jacques, I appreciate your assistance.
I don’t believe it makes a difference.
Dr. Jason Fung is a neurologist who specializes
If I have an adrenal issue, would you still suggest intermittent fasting?
I’m having issues with my adrenal glands… I’m in the middle of a stress response…. Overweight/obesity, tiredness, hypothyroidism/illness, Hashimot’s high cortisol, high insulin, overweight/obesity, hypothyroidism/disease Hashimot’s Is intermittent fasting still a good idea?
Rebecca
Fasting does not help reduce cortisol levels; only insulin does. Fasting is equally as taxing on the body as physical activity. Both medicines are effective provided they are dosed and administered appropriately. So, if your issue is excessive stress, hunger is not the solution.
Diet has little effect on the decrease in stress response (cortisol). Yes, too much stress may cause weight gain, but the underlying cortisol problem must be addressed. Meditation, yoga, tai chi, exercise, adequate sleep, acupuncture, community (walks with friends), spirituality, and religion are all ways to reduce stress.
Dr. Jason Fung is a neurologist who specializes
Is the twilight phenomenon beneficial or harmful?
Good day, Dr. Fung. I hope everything is going well for you.
I’ve been intermittent fasting for six weeks now (16-18 hours of fasting per day). It’s all right. I understand you’re stating (correctly) that elevated blood sugar is simply a symptom. Blood sugar levels improved substantially after meals, due to the fasting diet. 5.5 mmol/l (99 mg/dl) or 6.6 mmol/l (120 mg/dl) are typical values taken 2 hours after a meal. Even on a low-carb diet and without diabetic treatment, this is true.
The problem is that my blood sugar has gone up. My blood sugar used to be 5.5 mmol/l (99 mg/dl), it is now about 7 mmol/l (126 mg/dl). I have read most of your blogs and about the dawn phenomenon etc. My question is: are these high morning glucose levels possible signs of progress? Do you see similar patterns in other patients? I know it’s hard to guess, but could it take several months of intermittent fasting to fix this problem?
Thank you very much. Jo
Yes, removing the twilight phenomena may take months. This isn’t a good or negative thing. Simply put, you’ve consumed too much sugar. I’ve written a longer piece on it here.
Dr Jason Fung
Read more
Beginners’ guide to intermittent fasting
A short tutorial for beginners on how to reverse type 2 diabetes
Dr. Fung’s previous question and answer sessions include:
Intermittent fasting questions and answers
Is intermittent fasting good for stress?. Read more about benefits of intermittent fasting 16/8 and let us know what you think.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does fasting help with stress?
Fasting helps with stress by giving the body a break from digesting food. This allows the body to focus on other things, like healing and repairing.
Can fasting help with anxiety?
Fasting can help with anxiety in a number of ways. It can help you feel more relaxed and less anxious, it can help you sleep better, and it may also reduce the amount of cortisol in your body which is associated with anxiety.
Who should not do intermittent fasting?
People who are underweight or have a history of eating disorders should not do intermittent fasting.
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