Diet series: Intermittent fasting
[2 MIN READ]
In this article:
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Intermittent fasting restricts when you eat, not what you eat.
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Any major change in diet can have risks.
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Talk to your Swedish physician before making changes to your diet.
Is when you eat more important than what you eat?
Proponents of intermittent fasting answer that question with a resounding, “Yes!” However, health care professionals advise caution when considering drastic changes to your eating habits.
Intermittent fasting is not a traditional diet with specific foods to eat and avoid. Intermittent fasting is a way of eating that schedules times when eating is allowed and times when fasting is practiced and no food is consumed.
Supporters of this approach claim it helps them lose weight, simplify their lives and improve their overall health. It’s important to talk to your doctor, registered dietitian or nutritionist so you can understand the health risks and determine if fasting will have benefits for you.
Here’s how it works.
At Swedish, we understand how difficult and oftentimes confusing it can be to optimize your eating habits and improve your health. Our experts can help you understand all your choices and their potential effects.
We acknowledge that you have a wide array of choices when it comes to feeding your body, and we will continue to provide educational resources to help you understand the different diet options. It is important that you know that dietary changes should be taken very seriously. Understanding the impact that dietary changes can have on your body is especially important for consumers with chronic illnesses or those with a history of heart disease. Our coverage of diet fads is simply meant to provide you with a high-level understanding of the essence of the diet. Before you make any changes to your diet, we strongly recommend you consult your primary care doctor or a nutritionist to ensure that you are making the right dietary decisions for your body.
Find a doctor
If you have questions about intermittent fasting, contact the nutrition care department at Swedish. We can accommodate both in-person and virtual visits.
Whether you require an in-person visit or want to consult a doctor virtually, you have options. Swedish Virtual Care connects you face-to-face with a nurse practitioner who can review your symptoms, provide instruction and follow up as needed. If you need to find a doctor, you can use our provider directory.
Join our Patient and Family Advisory Council.
Additional resources
Diet series: Comparing Keto and Buddha Diets
Diet series: Comparing low-carb diets Paleo vs. Whole 30
This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your health care professional's instructions.