by Julie Pace, RDN | Jan 11, 2021
There are so many different diets out there that claim to help with weight loss and disease prevention: low-fat, low-carb, ketogenic, paleo, whole 30, vegetarian, vegan, DASH, Mediterranean, MIND, etc. With so many choices, how do you know which one is right for you?
What is intermittent fasting?
You may be used to eating three meals every day, plus snacks. That’s pretty common. With intermittent fasting you can essentially eat how much of whatever you want—but here’s the catch: you have to stay on schedule. With intermittent fasting there are scheduled periods of time when you can eat and others when you have to fast. Unlike most other diets, intermittent fasting tells you when to eat, not what to eat.
Most diets that help achieve weight loss work by reducing the number of calories consumed. Intermittent fasting does the same thing, but in a different way. This way of eating significantly limits calories (requiring fasting) for certain durations of time (intermittently), while allowing little or no restrictions the rest of the time.
Here are a few different approaches to intermittent fasting:
- Time-restricted feeding—Having all of your meals during an 8-to-12-hour window each day, drinking only water the rest of the day.
- Alternate day fasting—Eating normally one day but only a minimal number of calories the next; alternating between “feast” days and “fast” days.
- 5:2 eating pattern—Consuming meals regularly for five days per week, then restricting to no more than 600 calories per day for the other two. This happens by eating very little and drinking only water on those two fasting days.
- Periodic fasting—Caloric intake is restricted for several consecutive days and unrestricted on all other days. For example, fasting for five straight days per month.
It is important to note that going for long periods of time 24, 48, 72 hours of fasting periods are not necessarily better for you and may actually be very dangerous. In addition, going for too long without eating may encourage the body to start storing more fat in response in starvation.
Benefits of intermittent fasting
Studies show that intermittent fasting can promote weight loss. However, when it comes to weight loss, intermittent fasting seems to work just as well—not better—than other diets.
Research suggest eating this way suppresses appetite for some people by slowing down the body’s metabolism. With a smaller appetite, you simply eat less and that is going to help you lose weight. Other people who try intermittent fasting struggle with hunger and are much more uncomfortable during the fasting days. As a result, those who struggle with hunger during fasting may overeat during periods of eating.
Most of the research on calorie restriction and intermittent fasting have been conducted in cells (e.g., yeasts), rodents, and even monkeys. Some, but not all of these studies show it may help to increase exercise endurance, support immune function, and increase longevity. Intermittent fasting may also support the body’s ability to help resist some diseases like diabetes, heart disease, certain cancers, and Alzheimer’s.
When it comes to clinical studies on intermittent fasting, most have been pretty short—a few months or less. What we know so far is that it may help reduce markers of inflammation like C-reactive protein, diabetes, blood glucose levels, insulin sensitivity, and help to reduce high blood pressure and cholesterol.
Other research supports the beneficial effect that intermittent fasting has on sleep cycles and the gut microbiome. Fasting gives the gut microbes a period of rest time and improves and maintains the population of good bacteria.
Overall, research on the effect of intermittent fasting on people’s health is still emerging as to whether it is beneficial for weight loss and disease prevention.
How does intermittent fasting affect overall health?
Naturally, our bodies have survival mechanisms allowing us to adjust to periods of fasting. This has been necessary, as throughout history, humans have endured many periods where food was scarce.
What happens when we don’t take in sufficient calories is that our body starts using up stored carbohydrates called glycogen. The liver stores enough glycogen to last about 12 to 16 hours before it runs out of fuel. Beyond 16 hours, the body switches fuels and begins to use fat as an energy source.
This is when your metabolism shifts from a carbohydrate-burning state to a fat-burning state. Some of the fat is used directly as fuel, while some is metabolized into biochemicals called ketones. This new fat-burning metabolic state is called ketosis. The state of ketosis brings on other changes throughout the body. It’s these changes that are thought to underlie some of the health benefits seen with intermittent fasting.
Ketones are a more efficient source of energy for our bodies than glucose. They help keep many of our cells working well even during periods of fasting. This is particularly true for brain cells and this may be part of the reason some animal studies show protection against age-related disease like Alzheimer’s.
Ketones may also help to ward off some cancers and inflammatory diseases like arthritis. They are also thought to reduce the amount of insulin in the blood which may help protect against type 2 diabetes. On the other hand, too many ketones may be harmful, so more research is needed to better understand the links between fasting, ketones, and health.
Before you start intermittent fasting
Before considering intermittent fasting, you should understand that there are certain health conditions that can make it dangerous. For example, if you have diabetes you need to eat regularly to maintain your blood sugar levels, therefore, fasting is not recommended. Also, if you’re taking certain medications like diuretics for high blood pressure or heart disease, intermittent fasting increases your risk for electrolyte abnormalities.
Intermittent fasting is also not recommended for anyone who is under 18, has a history of eating disorders or anyone who may be pregnant or breastfeeding.
Some people who restrict their calories or start intermittent fasting may experience side effects which includes fatigue, weakness, headache, reductions in sexual interest, and a reduced ability to maintain body temperature in cold environments.
Beyond the health risks and side effects, fasting is simply hard to do voluntarily—especially when it’s for two or more days. As a result, some people may have a natural tendency to indulge too much on their “feast” days which can negate some of the benefits of fasting.
According to the National Institutes of Health, “More research will be needed to determine the long-term impact of the diet on human health and provide information on when and how such a diet might be applied.”
As with all major dietary changes, be sure to discuss it with a registered dietitian nutritionist or your healthcare professional before making significant changes to your diet. `
Intermittent fasting can be hard. If you choose to try IF, one suggestion that may be helpful is having a social support network—especially for those days when you’re fasting, Even though the idea of intermittent fasting is to restrict when you eat, not what you eat, the quality of your food choices matters because you still need your essential nutrients.
To sum it up
The main goal in dietary changes should be to create sustainable nutrition and healthy lifestyle habits that will help you meet your health goals and promote optimal wellness. Whether you’re looking to lose weight or prevent disease, support immunity, or improve your gut health, I recommend choosing a pattern of eating that is enjoyable, sustainable and practical for you.
It’s important to remember that one particular diet or eating pattern that helps some people may not have the same effect on everyone. Considering all the different diets that there are to choose from, you may find it frustrating trying to figure out which one will work best for you.
If you need some guidance in deciding which eating pattern will be most practical for you, schedule a free discovery call with me to see how my programs can help you optimize you health and reach your health goals.
References:
Harvard Health Publishing. (2017, January). Any benefits to intermittent fasting diets? Retrieved from
https://www.health.harvard.edu/diet-and-weight-loss/any-benefits-to-intermittent-fasting-diets
Harvard Health Publishing (2018, June 29). Intermittent fasting: Surprising update. Retrieved from https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/intermittent-fasting-surprising-update-2018062914156
Harvard Health Publishing. (2019, July 31). Not so fast: Pros and cons of the newest diet trend. Retrieved from https://www.health.harvard.edu/heart-health/not-so-fast-pros-and-cons-of-the-newest-diet-trend
Mayo Clinic. (2019, January 9). Fasting diet: Can it improve my heart health? Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/heart-disease/expert-answers/fasting-diet/faq-20058334
Mayo Clinic. (2019, August 14). Mayo Clinic Minute: Intermittent fasting facts. Retrieved from https://newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org/discussion/mayo-clinic-minute-intermittent-fasting-facts/
National Institutes of Health National Institute on Aging. (2018, August 14). Calorie Restriction and Fasting Diets: What Do We Know? Retrieved from
https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/calorie-restriction-and-fasting-diets-what-do-we-know
National Institutes of Health NIH Research Matters (2015, July 13). Health Effects of a Diet that Mimics Fasting. Retrieved from https://www.nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/health-effects-diet-mimics-fasting
National Institutes of Health NIH Research Matters. (2017, September 26). Calorie restriction slows age-related epigenetic changes. Retrieved from https://www.nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/calorie-restriction-slows-age-related-epigenetic-changes
National Institutes of Health NIH Research Matters (2018, March 6). Intermittent dietary restriction may boost physical endurance. Retrieved from
https://www.nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/intermittent-dietary-restriction-may-boost-physical-endurance
National Institutes of Health NIH Research Matters (2018, September 18). Fasting increases health and lifespan in male mice. Retrieved from
https://www.nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/fasting-increases-health-lifespan-male-mice
NIH Intramural research program. (2018, March 13). Intermittent Fasting Boosts Endurance in Mouse Marathoners. Retrieved from
https://irp.nih.gov/blog/post/2018/03/intermittent-fasting-boosts-endurance-in-mouse-marathoners
NIH National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences. (2018, August). NCATS-Supported Study Shows Eating Before 3 p.m. Can Improve Health. Retrieved from
https://ncats.nih.gov/pubs/features/ctsa-kl2-fasting
by Julie Pace, RDN | Dec 18, 2020
Your skin is your largest organ that plays a vital role in your overall health and wellness. Not only does it protect what’s inside your body by keeping water and nutrients in, it also keeps harmful bacteria and viruses out. In addition, your skin helps you maintain your body temperature and makes vitamin D when exposed to the sun. It’s also full of nerve endings to help you sense the outside world and avoid damage from things that are too hot, cold, or sharp.
Nutrients to Promote Healthy Skin
Skin care isn’t only something we need to do on the outside. What we eat and drink affects all of our vital organs—including our skin. Below is a list of some of the essential nutrients you need in order to keep your skin well-nourished so that you can look and feel your very best.
Water
Did you know that up to 60% of the human adult body’s composition is water? Water plays many important roles in your body. It’s the main component in your cells and fluids, it allows you to maintain your body temperature and it provides shock absorption for your joints.
Your skin has three layers. The outermost layer—the one you see and feel—is called the epidermis. The middle layer is the dermis and underneath that is your hypodermis. When your epidermis doesn’t have enough water, your skin feels rough and loses elasticity. One clinical study found that when participants who didn’t drink a lot of water increased their intake, their skin became more hydrated and their skin’s “extensibility” improved within 2 weeks. Drinking more water can help skin hydration and may be particularly beneficial if you have dry skin or don’t drink enough water.
How much water do you need every day? According to the Mayo Clinic, women should aim for 2.7 L (11.5 cups) of fluids per day, while men should aim for 3.7 L (15.5 cups) per day. Note that these fluids can come from drinking water or other beverages, and can even come from water-rich foods like soups, fruits, and vegetables. Your personal water needs may be higher if you sweat a lot from physical activity or live in a hot, humid environment, if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you are prone to urinary or digestive tract conditions such as kidney stones, vomiting, diarrhea.
Not a fan of drinking water? Infuse your water with your favorite fruit or herbs to help you consume more throughout the day.
Protein
Protein is an essential macronutrient that plays an important role in the structure of your skin and body. Different proteins are made by combining different building blocks called animo acids. Protein makes up parts of your cells, immune system antibodies, and the enzymes needed for thousands of reactions including digestion.
Your skin is made up of several different proteins. For example, collagen and elastin are very plentiful and build up the structure of your skin. Over time, and with exposure to the elements, your body’s ability to produce collagen decreases. Keratin is another important protein in your skin. Keratin makes up the outer epidermis layer giving it rigidity and enhancing its barrier protection.
The recommended daily amount of protein is based on your body weight. For every 20 pounds you weigh you should try to get just over 7 grams of protein each day. This means a person who weighs 140 pounds needs about 50 g protein/day, while someone who weighs 200 pounds would need about 70 g protein/day. Protein is found in meat, poultry, fish, dairy, and eggs. Plant-based sources of protein include soy, lentils, beans, nuts, seeds, whole grains, and even vegetables like corn, broccoli, and asparagus.
Essential Fatty Acids
Getting plenty of healthy fats in your diet can give your skin a “glow”. On the other hand, too little fat in your diet can make your skin wrinkly and dry. Omega-3’s and Omega-6’s are two types of fatty acids that are essential nutrients for our health and our skin. Omega-3 fatty acids in particular are ant-inflammatory and have been linked to many other health benefits including improvements in rheumatoid arthritis, ulcerative colitis, diabetes, heart disease, and psoriasis, to name a few.
You can get these essential fatty acids from nuts (walnuts), seeds (flax, chia, pumpkin, sunflower, sesame), oils (soy, canola), leafy vegetables, and avocados. Essential fatty acids are also available in supplements which may contain additional vitamins and minerals. Consider taking pollutant /contaminant free yeast or algae-derived Long Chain Omega 3’s daily. Consult with a registered dietitian for supplement recommendations.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is a water-soluble powerful antioxidant that carries out many functions in the body. It provides some protection for your skin from the UV rays, however, you should always wear sunscreen for optimal protection., Another important role of vitamin C is that it helps to produce collagen. Collagen helps to keep your skin firm and elastic. Unfortunately, as you age collagen production declines, therefore making sure you get adequate amounts of vitamin C is vital in protecting and preserving your skin.
Every day you should aim for at least 75 mg of Vitamin C. It is relatively easy to consume your recommended dietary intake of vitamin C from fruits and vegetables such as bell peppers, citrus fruits, oranges, grapefruits, broccoli, cauliflower, strawberries, kiwis, blackcurrants, potatoes, rose hip, and parsley.
Vitamin E
Vitamin E is a group of essential vitamins called tocopherols. They are fat-soluble antioxidants that work synergistically with Vitamin C. When given together, vitamins C and E (and zinc) can speed up wound healing. Signs of a vitamin E deficiency is linked to dry itchy skin..
Vitamin E is often applied directly (topically) on the skin to reduce redness and some of the effects of sun damage. Ingesting Vitamin E helps the skin from the inside by protecting collagen and fats from breaking down. One clinical study successfully improved symptoms of dermatitis (skin inflammation) in participants who took Vitamin E supplements over the course of several months.
The recommended daily allowance for Vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol) is 15 mg. You can get Vitamin E in vegetables, oils (wheat germ oil, olive oil, vegetable oil, sunflower oil), sunflower seeds, nuts (almonds, hazelnuts), spinach, broccoli, corn, kiwis, and soy.
Skin care beyond nutrition
While nutrition is essential to promote healthy skin from within, it is important to remember to incorporate other skin care practices that will help protect and nurture your skin health.
- Use gentle cleansers and warm (not too hot) water to keep skin clean
- Moisturize after taking a shower or washing your hands
- Avoid things that bother your skin such as harsh cleansers, fragrances, and irritating fabrics
- If you have allergies or intolerances (e.g., to gluten or pollen), avoid those
- Limit your sun exposure and use sunscreen as appropriate
- Be physically active
- Try to get enough quality sleep
- Use a humidifier and wear gloves when the weather is dry and cold
- Avoid tobacco
The bottom line
The nutrients you consume feed your whole body—including your skin. As your largest organ with many critical roles, your skin needs a variety of different nutrients every single day. Water, protein and essential fatty acids are important macronutrients. The antioxidant vitamins C and E are among some of the micronutrients your skin needs to heal and stay healthy.
In addition to nutrition, caring for the outside of your skin is also important. Using gentle cleansers, warm water, and moisturizers, and avoiding irritants and allergens will help. If you have any medical concerns with your skin, you should make an appointment with your healthcare professional.
For a nutritious approach to skin health, consult with a registered dietitian nutritionist who can assess for nutritional deficiencies and discuss your nutritional concerns and dietary restrictions.
Need some help to identify what foods your skin needs, or need guidance ton how o implement delicious skin-boosting foods into your day-to-day life? Schedule a free 15 minute consultation at http://www.corenutritionhw.com/services
References
Cleveland Clinic. (2016, March 17). Skin. Retrieved from https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/10978-skin
Harvard Health. (2018, May). Getting rid of the itch of eczema. Retrieved from https://www.health.harvard.edu/diseases-and-conditions/getting-rid-of-the-itch-of-eczema
Harvard Health. (2018, November). Can a gluten-free diet help my skin? Retrieved from https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/can-a-gluten-free-diet-help-my-skin
Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health (n.d.). Protein. Retrieved from https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/what-should-you-eat/protein/
Hodges, A. L., & Walker, D. K. (2017). Skin Care for Women. Nursing for women’s health, 20(6), 609–613. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nwh.2016.10.001
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27938801/
Huang, T. H., Wang, P. W., Yang, S. C., Chou, W. L., & Fang, J. Y. (2018). Cosmetic and Therapeutic Applications of Fish Oil’s Fatty Acids on the Skin. Marine drugs, 16(8), 256. https://doi.org/10.3390/md16080256
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6117694/
Keen, M. A., & Hassan, I. (2016). Vitamin E in dermatology. Indian dermatology online journal, 7(4), 311–315. https://doi.org/10.4103/2229-5178.185494
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4976416/
Mayo Clinic. (2020, October 14). Water: How much should you drink every day? Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/in-depth/water/art-20044256
Mayo Clinic. (2020, November 21). Does drinking water cause hydrated skin? Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/adult-health/expert-answers/hydrated-skin/faq-20058067
NIH National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (2019, July). Healthy Skin Matters. Retrieved from https://www.niams.nih.gov/health-topics/kids/healthy-skin#tab-id-2
NIH News in Health. (2015, November). Keep your skin healthy. Retrieved from https://newsinhealth.nih.gov/2015/11/keep-your-skin-healthy
NIH Office of Dietary Supplements. (2020, February 27). Vitamin C. Retrieved from https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminC-HealthProfessional/
NIH Office of Dietary Supplements. (2020, July 31). Vitamin E. Retrieved from https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminE-HealthProfessional/
Palma, L., Marques, L. T., Bujan, J., & Rodrigues, L. M. (2015). Dietary water affects human skin hydration and biomechanics. Clinical, cosmetic and investigational dermatology, 8, 413–421. https://doi.org/10.2147/CCID.S86822
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Schagen, S. K., Zampeli, V. A., Makrantonaki, E., & Zouboulis, C. C. (2012). Discovering the link between nutrition and skin aging. Dermato-endocrinology, 4(3), 298–307. https://doi.org/10.4161/derm.22876
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