After a four-week round of cortisone my weight reached a new height I am totally not comfortable with. I feel and am bloated everywhere. Of course, I needed the cortisone due to my allergic asthma because as I always say: breathing has top priority. But it is one of the main reasons I gained so much weight. I had lost weight with the “Food Doctor Diet” successfully twenty years ago, which is a restrictive low-carb diet. And I have tried Paleo for a couple of years. But both don’t suit my needs and my family situation right now.
For my thyroid I need more carbs than in a low-carb diet. I had tried this before and my thyroid was not happy. We also often have to cook an extra meal for dinner: either it is gluten-free for both my kid and me. Or it is (still gluten-free) a meal that my hubby and I enjoy, and our kid gets something different. So I didn’t want to make this even more complicated by adding another extra meal for me. That’s why I started to research intermittent fasting and have already started to try it.
What Is Intermittent Fasting?
Intermittent fasting is a flexible eating pattern that involves alternating periods of eating and fasting. Unlike traditional diets, it doesn’t dictate what to eat but rather when to eat. You can choose from various fasting methods, such as the 16/8 method which I follow. It means fasting for 16 hours and eating within an 8-hour window. Or there is the 5:2 approach in which you eat normally for five days and reduce calorie intake for two non-consecutive days. Don’t try to compensate for missed meals during your eating window. Just eat as you normally would during that time or try to limit your calorie intake. At the moment I eat normally, but I will make changes in my diet to cut some calories.
Intermittent fasting has some general health benefits, and some that are especially important to people with chronic diseases.
Benefits and Advantages of Intermittent Fasting
Reduction of Inflammation
The most important benefit of intermittent fasting for people with chronic illnesses definitely is the reduction of inflammation. Research on this indicates that intermittent fasting may reduce chronic inflammation, potentially providing relief for those with inflammatory conditions.
Cellular Repair and Autophagy
During fasting times, the body starts various cellular repair processes and autophagy, which can aid in cleansing and rejuvenating our cells. This is one of the most important benefits for people with fatigue symptoms like in ME/CFS, Long Covid, but also Hashimoto and so on.
Improved Insulin Sensitivity
Studies suggest that intermittent fasting can enhance insulin sensitivity, which may be particularly helpful for people managing conditions like type 2 diabetes.
Weight Management
Intermittent fasting can support weight management efforts, as it often helps regulate calorie intake and metabolism. Too much body fat can lead to inflammation of fat tissues. As inflammation is one of the main effects of chronic illnesses, anything that works against it will be great in supporting your health!
Enhanced Brain Health
Intermittent fasting has been linked to increase the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a protein that supports brain health and cognitive function. So it can actually be helpful if you suffer from brain fog.
There are also a few advantages:
Flexibility
Intermittent fasting can be adapted to your schedules and preferences, offering a flexible approach to eating. This was an important thing for me!
Empowerment
By embracing intermittent fasting, you can take an active role in managing your health. You might experience positive changes in your overall well-being.
Drawbacks and Dangers of Intermittent Fasting
Not Suitable for Everyone
Depending on your chronic illness, it might not be suitable for you. If you suffer from diabetes or any kind of eating disorder you should consult with a healthcare professional before trying to fast. The same goes for pregnant or lactating women, and anyone suffering from an immunodeficiency.
Potential Discomfort
You may experience discomfort or hunger during fasting periods, which might be challenging to manage, especially if they have chronic health conditions. Again, please consult your doctor or any other health care professional before embarking on this journey!
Individual Variability
Intermittent fasting effects can vary from person to person, so it’s essential to listen to your body and tailor the approach to your unique needs. There is not one rule that fits everybody – as it is with every diet.
Nutrient Deficiency
If not planned thoughtfully, intermittent fasting might lead to nutrient deficiencies, so it’s crucial to eat a well-balanced diet during eating windows. This doesn’t mean you only should eat salad – which wouldn’t be well-balanced anyway.
Overexertion
Overexerting yourself with fasting schedules can make you tired and make chronic illness symptoms worse. So, pay attention to your body and avoid pushing too hard. Don’t start with a rigid 20:4 schedule, but rather try 12:12 and work your way up from there!
Obsession
While intermittent fasting can be beneficial, it’s essential to maintain a balanced perspective and avoid becoming overly obsessed with food and fasting.
Medication Interactions
Some medications may require adjustments in fasting schedules, so consulting with a healthcare professional is crucial to ensure your safety. I talked with my doctor about it. As I take l-thyroxine in the morning it is actually better for me to fast till about 11 am, as this way it has more time to be effective. Of course, I will get a check-up of my thyroid if I need to change the dosage.
Other medications need to be taken while or after a meal. This is especially true for painkillers!
Conclusion
Embracing intermittent fasting can be really beneficial if you have a chronic illness. It offers an opportunity for improved health, weight management, and potential symptom relief. Approach this eating pattern with an open mind and adapt it to your individual needs. Consult your healthcare provider to make sure it suits your condition and treatment plan. Remember, your well-being comes first, and with the right approach, intermittent fasting can be a valuable tool in your arsenal for a healthier, happier life.
I also created a little 3-month planner for intermittent fasting, which is available on Amazon! (Affiliate link)
