Weight Loss: What Is Circadian Rhythm Fasting? Know Its Advantages And Disadvantages

Fasting, a practice that entails intentionally not eating for set periods of time, has drawn the interest of a growing number of academics and laymen alike in recent years. According to studies, fasting may provide advantages like a longer lifespan, a lower chance of cardiovascular issues, and improved cognitive function. 

Circadian rhythm fasting, also known as eating in sync with your body clock, calls for a particular eating pattern that is believed to have numerous health advantages. We go over the specifics of circadian rhythm fasting, its advantages and disadvantages, and advice for those who wish to give it a try. Let's understand how circadian rhythm fasting works and whether or not it is healthy.

How does the circadian rhythm diet work?

In time-restricted feeding (TRF) known as circadian rhythm fasting, all of a person's meals are consumed in the early hours of the day. Although there is no set schedule for circadian rhythm fasting, various experts have recommended that it entails restricting meals and snacks to a time period that can be anywhere between six and twelve hours per day.

It's possible that between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. are the best feeding times for a circadian rhythm fast, but further research is required to confirm this. Given the daily waxing and waning of several hormones including cortisol, insulin, and leptin, this schedule recommends eating when it makes the most sense. In this fictitious schedule, from 6 p.m. to 8 a.m., a person would fast, or refrain from eating, for 14 hours each day.

Chrononutrition, or the study of how nutrition and circadian cycles interact, includes the practice of rhythmic fasting. Daily cycles that the body naturally follows are known as circadian rhythms; they are controlled by a master clock in the brain and are influenced by outside variables like light and food. Circadian cycles have a significant impact on sleep patterns, body temperature, hormone levels, and digestion. Increased health risks are frequently caused by irregular circadian rhythms.

Is the circadian rhythm diet healthy?

Based on the studies on circadian rhythm studies, it may benefit us in a variety of ways. Even though those who practice circadian rhythm fasting are free to eat as much as they like, they frequently take in fewer calories as a result. According to one study, those who followed a time-restricted eating schedule unwittingly consumed 20% fewer calories than they would have otherwise. 

Additionally, studies have shown that early time-restricted eating decreases hunger in overweight or obese adults. This decrease in hunger might be brought on by timing meals with the body's production of particular hormones.

Furthermore, a person can increase their metabolism by timing their meals in accordance with their circadian rhythm. When eating, eating-related hormones like ghrelin and adiponectin are at their highest levels. These planned meal times increase the likelihood that food will be metabolised and digested more effectively, decreasing the likelihood that it will be stored as fat.

Now that you better understand how the circadian rhythm diet works, you can incorporate it into your routine to achieve its benefits. 

Disclaimer: This content including advice provides generic information only. It is in no way a substitute for a qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist or your own doctor for more information. NDTV does not claim responsibility for this information.