الصيام المتقطع.. فوائد وتحذيرات صحية

Intermittent fasting has become one of the popular dietary systems in recent years, as it relies on alternating between periods of eating and fasting, such as eating within a specific time window or limiting oneself to one meal a day on certain days. Despite its popularity as a means to reduce calorie intake, health institutions like "Johns Hopkins" warn that research has not proven its superiority over traditional balanced diets. A study involving 20,000 people revealed a 91% increase in the risk of death from heart disease among those who practiced intermittent fasting compared to others. Experts believe that this system is not suitable for children under 18, pregnant and breastfeeding women, or individuals with type 1 diabetes. As an alternative to strict diets, specialists recommend following a balanced dietary pattern that includes whole grains, vegetables, fruits, and healthy proteins, while paying attention to hunger and satiety signals and avoiding restrictive diets that may lead to weight regain or eating disorders. A moderate approach and awareness of nutrition is considered the safest option in the long term.