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It offers numerous benefits to the body and is a popular method for weight loss. However, its effectiveness depends on the type of fasting, as there are pros and cons, and each person’s body is different.

There are various types of fasting. Some methods include:

• Daily Window Fast – This involves eating between certain hours of the day, such as between noon and 6 pm, or 10 am and 5 pm.
• Weekly Fast – This involves eating on a regular schedule throughout most days of the week but having one or two days with fewer meals.
• Prolonged Fast – This involves going without food for more than 24 hours, which can extend up to 40 days with just water.

The Benefits of Going Without Food

Many people adopt fasting regimens for weight loss purposes. Omitting food for long hours has been shown to reduce caloric intake, blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels. The body begins burning stored fat as fuel rather than the carbohydrates consumed on a regular schedule.

Fasting has also been linked to hinder cancer cell growth. Cancer cells feed on glucose, and without much of it present during fasting, they starve. The body’s cell also conserves energy by metabolizing insulin and removing glucose from the blood. Fasting puts a strain on cells and promotes cell regeneration, also known as autophagy, which works as a vacuum to destroy damage or any abnormal cells.

Health Problems Associated With Fasting

A study conducted by the American Heart Association discovered that people who ate in less than an 8-hour window had a 91% higher risk of dying from cardiovascular disease. This risk was found in those already diagnosed with heart disease or cancer. Researchers also noted that time-restricted eating did not reduce the risk of death in these patients.

The study did not analyze the type of foods consumed by participants, as certain diets can greatly contribute to health problems. In summary, the study concluded that fasting provides short-term benefits but can cause long-term health problems.

Prolonged fasting is considered riskier than other short-term fasting. While it is beneficial for insulin levels to decrease, especially for those who are diabetic, it can lead to sodium deficiencies due to the lack of food and excessive water consumption. An abnormally low sodium in the blood is called hyponatremia. Symptoms include nausea, headaches, loss of energy, spasms, and in severe cases, seizures, and coma. Hyponatremia also lowers blood pressure, making the heart work harder to pump blood, which can lead to heart failure.

Yet, it is still possible for people to consistently incorporate prolong fasting into their diet regimen. Dieticians recommend combatting the consequences of prolonged fasting by taking electrolytes to maintain sodium levels in the blood stream. These electrolyte minerals will not increase calories but will keep sodium present in the body.

Should You Fast?

It depends. Although there are many types of fasting, it is important to consult a doctor to ensure that your body can handle long periods without food. Those diagnosed with a health issue should stick to a short-term window fast. If it is your first time fasting, it is best to start by omitting one meal a day rather than restricting all meals so that the body can adjust. Once you find what works best for you, the benefits of fasting can significantly improve your life.

A randomized controlled trial that followed 100 obese individuals for one year did not find intermittent fasting to be more effective than daily calorie restriction.

Source:

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/heart-disease/expert-answers/fasting-diet/faq-20058334

https://newsroom.heart.org/news/8-hour-time-restricted-eating-linked-to-a-91-higher-risk-of-cardiovascular-death

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7221140

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hyponatremia/symptoms-causes/syc-20373711

https://www.healthline.com/health/hyponatremia#symptoms

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4977071/#:~:text=Patients%20with%20low%20serum%20sodium,=0.008;%20Table%202

https://www.health.harvard.edu/heart-health/can-intermittent-fasting-improve-heart-health

https://www.cancercenter.com/community/blog/2021/06/fasting-cancer#:~:text=Slowing%20cancer%20growth%3A%20Fasting%20may,cell%20membranes%20to%20metabolize%20insulin

https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/24058-autophagy

People with untreated tooth infections are almost three times more likely to develop heart problems, according to a 2016 study. Although researchers have not found a direct link to claim that poor oral health leads to heart disease, there is sufficient evidence to suggest that infections found in the mouth can be a possible contributor. This was discovered in autopsies of those who passed away from heart-related problems, where a variety of oral bacteria were found in the arteries.

How Are Bad Teeth Linked to Heart Disease?

Bacteria in the gums – Gum disease (periodontal disease) is inflammation of the gums, causing soreness, tenderness, and bleeding. Bacterial infection can enter through the gums and blood vessels connected to the heart valve. Once the bacteria reach the inner layer of the heart valve, it places pressure on the heart to pump blood, leading to a life-threatening heart condition known as bacterial endocarditis.

Tooth infection – A tooth infection, such as periapical abscess, is a pocket of infected pus that is formed in the dental pulp. The pulp house blood vessels, nerves, and connective tissues. When left untreated, the infection can spread to the heart via blood vessels, interrupting blood supply and increasing the risk of coronary heart disease.

Cavities and other types of tooth decay – Tooth decay, such as cavities, can lead to atherosclerosis or clogged arteries. This occurs as the tooth decays due to unaddressed cavities, allowing bacterial infection to enter through the gum and blood vessels. This causes blockage of blood flow as fats and other substances builds up in the artery walls, potentially leading to death or disability.

How to Prevent Heart Disease Linked to Bad Teeth?

To prevent dental infections that can lead to heart disease, doctors recommend maintaining healthy oral hygiene paired with a nutritious diet and exercise. This reduces the chances of heart disease caused by dental infections but does not eliminate the risk entirely. Genetics, alcohol, and air pollution are other known risk factors related to heart disease. Here are some helpful hygiene and lifestyle tips for maintaining healthy oral hygiene:

• Brush and floss teeth at least twice a day.
• Consume less sugary and acidic foods and drinks.
• Avoid smoking and tobacco products.
• Schedule routine dental checkups every six months.

Although poor oral health is not the number one risk factor for heart disease, doctors still recommend that patients take good care of their teeth to prevent other diseases and infections and for an overall great smile.

ADA recommends seeing a dentist twice a year.

Source:

https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/24099-rejection-sensitive-dysphoria-rsd

https://www.webmd.com/add-adhd/rejection-sensitive-dysphoria

https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/friendship-20/201907/what-is-rejection-sensitive-dysphoria

https://www.healthline.com/health/mental-health/rejection-sensitive-dysphoria

https://psychcentral.com/adhd/what-is-rejection-sensitive-dysphoria

https://www.verywellhealth.com/rejection-sensitive-dysphoria-5224953

https://neurodivergentinsights.com/blog/how-to-deal-with-rejection-sensitive-dysphoria

https://www.npr.org/2023/11/03/1200586419/why-rejection-hurts-so-much-and-how-to-cope

Studies have found that time spent outside in a natural environment regulates the sympathetic nervous system, helping to decrease a myriad of mental health issues such as stress, PTSD, depressive disorders, and ADHD — many of which are top issues plaguing the Black community.

In a 2021 survey on Outdoor Participation trends taken after COVID-19 lockdowns, it was reported that only 9% of Black people spend time outdoors for recreation purposes, compared to 72% of White people. Blacks also held the lowest participation rate, with only a 0.3% annual increase from the past three years.

Why Aren’t More Black People Spending Time Outside?

Systemic Inequities – Some researchers have theorized that Black people spend less time outside due to psychological pain caused by a prolonged history of stigma and discrimination. Urban environments of the 19th to 20th century were filled with unsafe living conditions and were known to house people of color and immigrants, while clean and green environments were reserved only for white people. In 1931, recreational parks such as the California State Park Commission sought to preserve their grounds for the “Nordic” race. Proponents of eugenics and conservationists believed that Nordics were more capable of controlling wilderness environments, while those they deemed inferior were incompetent. The opening of the National Park Service in 1916 prohibited admissions to Black Americans. Although Jim Crow laws were removed in 1965, many national parks, pools, campgrounds, and beaches in the South maintained segregation practices, leaving small, unappealing sections of recreational spaces for Blacks. Today, statistics show that many Black Americans live in polluted inner-city environments with fewer trees and less grass. This contributes to mental health issues and limits accessibility for Black families to enjoy the benefits of nature.

Misconceptions – There is a common false belief that “Black people don’t hike.” Since the beginning of time, every racial and cultural group have vastly engaged in the great outdoors, whether for survival or leisure. Notable African American figures who participated in outdoor ventures include hiker Robert Taylor and surfer Nick Gabaldon. In the past decade, numerous nonprofit groups focused on increasing Black people’s involvement in outdoor activities has emerged. These groups aim to dismantle stigmas and stereotypes about Black people spending time in nature and provide opportunities to combat mental health problems.

Ways Nature Can Improve Mental Health

In recent years, conservationists and other environmental activists have protested for more green spaces in urban areas. Studies conclude that people who live near green spaces are more physically fit, happier, and likely to live longer. Here are some more ways nature benefits mental health:

• Stepping outside even for only five minutes can significantly improve emotional well-being.
• Receiving direct sunlight can help improve sleep and decrease depression symptoms.
• Being outside promotes the motivation to exercise.
• Spending time in nature, whether by picnicking or by going for a walk, encourages relaxation and focus.
• Nature promotes civic engagement and nurture social connections, such as community gardens.

For more information about the Black Nature Conservation nonprofits, visit https://www.braidedseeds.org/bipoc-resources-blog/blackoutside.

Stepping outside even for only five minutes can significantly improve emotional well-being.