What are the heart risks of intermittent fasting? We know that it is one of the most popular diets, used by many stars and also by the English Prime Minister Rishi Sunak.
However, a meta-analysis lasting twenty years has highlighted that the version that involves 16 hours of fasting per day in the long run doubles the risk of heart attack e stroke when you are elderly.
Intermittent fasting: positive effects in the short term
Some previous research had highlighted how this type of fasting had positive effects on many metabolic valuessuch as blood pressure, blood sugar and cholesterol levels.
In the short term, experts had noticed benefits, but the study soundly rejects this diet in the long term.
Heart risks with intermittent fasting: the new study
New research that analyzed data from 20,000 people found that those who follow this regime for a long time have avery high probability of dying from cardiovascular disease. The results of the study were at the center of the conferenceAmerican Heart Association’s Lifestyle Scientific Sessions.
The researchers reviewed information on dietary patterns from a study that covered a period between 2003 and 2018 and compared the data with death rates over the same period. Those most at risk are those who already have heart problems or suffer from cancer.
What are the limitations of the study on rischia for the heart with intermittent fasting
The research is observational. This means that it does not take into account other factors, such as weight and cholesterol. It is based on questionnaires with responses from volunteers on nutrition, cigarette smoking and level of physical activity.
New research will be needed to understand the reasons to confirm this statement. Experts underline that it is always necessary to have long-term studies when talking about new dietary regimes.
Previous studies have shown that it is better to eat throughout the day, instead of concentrating one’s diet in a more limited period. This is because large quantities of fats and sugars enter the blood which our body struggles to dispose of correctly.