Starving or eating too little will put your body in a state of starvation and nutrient deficiency. If losing weight is your goal, starving your body like this can hinder your weight loss efforts, according to the health website Healthline (USA).
Frequent fasting can cause stomach ulcers and even increase the risk of colorectal cancer.
If you often fast, your body will have the following problems:
Energy levels drop
One of the main effects of not eating when hungry is a decrease in the body's energy levels, leading to fatigue and lethargy. Food provides the nutrients needed to sustain the body and mind. When you fast for too long, your blood sugar levels drop, creating a state of glucose deficiency.
This is an essential sugar that provides energy to the body. Glucose serves as the main fuel source for body functions, especially muscle activity and brain cognition. When the body's glucose reserves are depleted, an endocrine response is immediately triggered.
Stress hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline are released to mobilize the body's glucose reserves, followed by fat mobilization to compensate for nutritional deficiencies.
Slow metabolism
Skipping meals may seem like an effective way to lose weight quickly. But in fact, research shows that it can actually hinder weight loss. That's because fasting negatively impacts your metabolism.
Metabolism is the process of taking in food and converting it into energy for the body. This process happens continuously. Even when resting, the body burns calories at a certain rate. This phenomenon is called the basal metabolic rate.
Frequent fasting triggers a physiological response that causes the body to prioritize the few calories it has available to the brain and vital organs, while reducing the amount of calories it provides for other non-essential activities. This change helps conserve energy for survival purposes, which in turn slows down the metabolism. A slower metabolism means the body burns fewer calories and makes it harder to lose weight.
Causes digestive problems
The stomach regularly secretes acids and enzymes to digest food. Without food to digest, these digestive juices will be in excess and irritate the stomach lining, leading to heartburn and reflux.
This acidic environment can also disrupt the balance of gut bacteria called the gut microbiome. This can cause bloating, gas, and constipation, among other digestive problems.
The consequences of skipping meals are not just temporary. If you skip meals regularly, it can lead to more serious problems such as gallstones, stomach ulcers, and even an increased risk of colorectal cancer, according to Healthline .
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