Background
Intermittent fasting entails an eating plan that switches between eating and fasting on a regular schedule. Intermittent fasting has been used to manage obesity and some form of the disease. The prevalence of obesity among U.S. adults is at 41.9% in 2022 (Gurka, et al., 2018). During this practice, one can only eat during specific times and is involved in fasting for several hours each day to help the body burn fat. The history of intermittent fasting appears to have come from laboratory experiments of animals in the 1940s in which the researchers discovered that restriction of helped extend the lifespan of animals (Levy & Chu, 2019). Fasting is an ancient tradition practiced among many religions and cultures over centuries and considered one of the most healing traditions in the ancient world. Fasting has been supported by various individuals such as the great scientist Aristotle, Plato, end Hippocrates of Cos (Levy & Chu, 2019). Intermittent fasting was also viewed as a way of increasing cognitive abilities where one may feel mentally active and energetic afterwards (Lichtash et al., 2020). The modern form of intermittent fasting is all about including fasting gradually into one’s diet routine.
Pathophysiology
Fasting entails a radical change in cellular metabolism and physiology. Blood glucose levels initially rely on glycogen stored in skeletal muscles and the liver during fasting. Intermittent fasting changes the functioning of cells, hormones, and genes. During the fast, insulin levels dropped significantly, facilitating fat burning. Human growth hormones may increase, and the high levels of hormones result in a fat burn and muscle gain. Cellular repair is enhanced, and the gene expression that results in longevity and protection against infections is altered. Generally, intermittent fasting makes someone eat fewer meals and take fewer calories, hence the justification for weight loss advantages.
Short-term fasting increases metabolic rates that help burn more calories. Intermittent fasting can help reduce insulin resistance and reduce blood sugar levels, lowering risks of type 2 diabetes. Oxidative stress is one of the major steps towards ageing and many chronic illnesses. It involves unstable molecules called free radicals that react with other important molecules, such as DNA and proteins and cause damage to them. Some studies have shown intermittent fasting helps the body’s with resistance to oxidative stress (Lichtash et al., 2020). This form of fasting needs additional help to fight inflammation which is another major cause of illnesses.
Treatment
Intermittent fasting may be more beneficial than other diets as a non-pharmacological treatment in improving conditions associated with inflammation and reducing inflammation. Intermittent fasting may be used to prevent Alzheimer’s disease (Levy & Chu, 2019). Intermittent fasting may delay the onset and reduce the severity of this illness. The beneficial effect on the metabolism of intermittent fasting may lead to reduced cancer risk. Most of the foods eaten today have been a leading cause of cancer growth. Intermittent fasting results in eating fewer meals hence reduce the risk of cancer. Fasting can been used as a non-traditional treatment to help reduce heart diseases, where it improves different risk factors, including blood pressure inflammatory markers, blood sugar levels, blood triglycerides and cholesterol. Additionally, it has helped increase levels of brain hormones called brain-derived neurotrophic factors, where deficiency is implicated in depression and other forms of brain problems.
Application for Advanced Practice Nurses
Advanced practice nurses can incorporate intermittent fasting practices to help patients with the challenges and risks of obesity. The fast will result in the patients eating fewer calories and helping burn fats. The nurses may additionally use the practice on patients with illnesses that result from inflammation, such as arthritis, multiple sclerosis, and asthma. Fasting is beneficial in reducing inflammation and improving such conditions.
References
Gurka, M. J., Filipp, S. L., & DeBoer, M. D. (2018). Geographical variation in the prevalence of obesity, metabolic syndrome, and diabetes among US adults. Nutrition & diabetes, 8(1), 1-8. Web.
Levy, E., & Chu, T. (2019). Intermittent fasting and its effects on athletic performance: A review. Current Sports Medicine Reports, 18(7), 266-269. Web.
Lichtash, C., Fung, J., Ostoich, K. C., & Ramos, M. (2020). Therapeutic use of intermittent fasting and ketogenic diet as an alternative treatment for type 2 diabetes in a normal weight woman: A 14-month case study. BMJ Case Reports CP, 13(7), e234223. Web.