
Fasting – Could you? Should? How? When?
Should You Try Fasting? Exploring Its Benefits and Pitfalls for Women’s Health
With the new year now well underway, are you tempted to try something new for your health? After the festive indulgence, many of us feel ready for a reset, and fasting often comes up as a question in my clinic. “Should I fast?” It’s a great question, and the answer is: it depends (as always 😉)
Fasting has been gaining popularity, and for good reason: it offers benefits beyond weight loss, is especially for gut health and and can be helpful for hormonal balance. But fasting isn’t for everyone. And that includes me.
Post-Holiday Reset
Coming out of Christmas, you might feel overindulged, sluggish, or just ready to focus on your health again. Fasting could be an excellent tool, but it’s not just about losing the mince pie weight.
Every time you eat or drink, your digestive system gets to work. It’s one of the hardest-working systems in your body! By taking a break, fasting gives your gut time to heal and repair. This downtime allows beneficial bacteria to flourish, improving digestion, boosting energy, and even enhancing your mood.
Hormonal Balance
For women, especially those in perimenopause, fasting can support hormonal balance. Oestrogen plays a huge role in regulating metabolism, and its ups and downs can make weight management challenging. During perimenopause, when metabolism slows, fasting may help by improving metabolic flexibility, i.e. your body’s ability to switch between burning carbs and fat. This is the ultimate goal in optimal health.
But it’s not just about hormones. Fasting has also been shown to boost brain health by increasing brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), which supports memory and focus. Anyone experiencing brain fog at the moment? Or difficulty in finishing something they’ve started – now that’s something I continually struggle with!
Is Fasting Right for You?
Fasting isn’t a magic solution, and it’s not suitable for everyone. Here are some key considerations:
- Blood Sugar Balance:
If you experience dizziness, fatigue, headaches, or irritability when skipping meals, fasting may not be ideal for you. Blood sugar imbalances need careful attention before trying any fasting. - Stress Levels:
If your body is already under stress, whether from work, life, or chronic health issues, fasting can add extra strain. It’s better to support your body with nourishing, balanced meals. - Life Stages:
Pregnant? Breastfeeding? Fasting is an absolute no-go during these times. Your body needs consistent nourishment for you and your baby. - Your Cycle:
Hormones fluctuate throughout the menstrual cycle, and syncing fasting with your cycle can be a game-changer. For example, avoid fasting during the luteal phase (the week before your period) when your body craves more energy.
Gut Health, Hormones, and You
If you’re curious about fasting, it’s not just about trying the latest trend; it’s about understanding how it fits into your life. Your gut health, hormones, and unique body deserve a personalized approach. While tools like Zoe might provide general insights, they can’t replace the tailored support of working with someone who knows you, your health history, and your goals.
My Personal Fasting Journey
Here’s a secret: I don’t fast in the conventional sense. While I do stop eating after dinner to create a natural overnight fast of 12–13 hours, I don’t do 24-hour or extreme fasting. It just doesn’t work for me – I need the nutrients – and that’s fine by me. I love eating tasty food – it’s a pleasure! Fasting isn’t about following rigid rules; it’s about finding what feels right for your body.
Ready to Explore Fasting?
Fasting is a tool, not a one-size-fits-all solution. If you’re curious about how fasting could benefit you—whether for hormonal balance, gut health, or a New Year reset—I’d love to help you explore it in a way that suits your unique body and lifestyle.
Want to understand more? Contact me today to learn more about fasting and if could work for you.