Health:Fasting: How Does It Affect Your Heart/Story:Elves and the Shoemaker.

Fasting: How Does It Affect Your Heart and Blood Pressure? Do you sometimes fast for religious reasons or as a lifestyle choice? If so, you may wonder what impact fasting has on your health. Can it reduce your blood pressure? Is it healthy for your heart? Is it dangerous in certain situations? Cardiologist Haitham Ahmed, MD, sees many advantages in fasting from food for short periods. And, given the promising findings in this “emerging area” of research, he expects that more people will want to attempt it. Though it depends on what you’re hoping to accomplish (and it’s not safe for everyone), it’s beneficial to limit your food intake, in general. “By every measure, eating less is better,” Dr. Ahmed says. Below, he answers questions about fasting and offers some tips for exploring it. Can eating less strengthen your heart? Research shows that fasting can help lower blood pressure, reduce cholesterol, control diabetes and reduce weight. “Four of the major risks for heart disease are high blood pressure and cholesterol, diabetes and weight, so there’s a secondary impact,” Dr. Ahmed says. “If we reduce those, we can reduce the risk of heart disease.” One word of caution, though: Fasting can lead to an electrolyte imbalance. This can make the heart unstable and prone to arrhythmias. “So whenever we prescribe a protein-sparing modified fast diet, we check blood tests monthly and prescribe potassium supplementation to prevent electrolyte imbalance from occurring,” Dr. Ahmed says. Some studies also show that fasting may help prevent cancer or increase the effectiveness of chemotherapy treatment. However, much of the research on fasting is in preliminary stages. “We have a lot more to learn about fasting,” he says. Is fasting a good way to lose weight? Although it offers health benefits — including reduced heart disease and weight loss — it’s not really the best way to lose weight, Dr. Ahmed says. While fasting helps you drop pounds quickly, it doesn’t help you stay in shape. “For long-term weight loss, it’s not terrific,” he says. “The only time we really recommend fasting for weight is if someone needs rapid weight loss, for instance, for surgery.” When is fasting not a good idea? Fasting is not safe for everyone — so consult your physician before you begin. Those who should not fast include: • Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding • Children and teenagers • People who have type 1 diabetes • Those who have eating disorders Fasting may also have a negative impact on people with other medical problems. Your doctor can help determine whether it is right for you, Dr. Ahmed says. What should you know about fasting before you begin? 3 tips 1. There are different methods of fasting. 2. Meal planning is essential. 3. Afterward, break your fast slowly. Don’t suddenly start eating everything in sight when you’re done fasting. By Heart and Vascular Team from Cleveland Clinic Story:Elves and the Shoemaker. By Brothers Grimm