Teens: Intermittent fasting affects long-term health

Posted by EngineeringProfit > 2024-03-12 19:52 | Report Abuse

Intermittent fasting and dehydration in young children have detrimental long-term health, psychological, metabolic, and epigenetic implications. Here's why: 1. **Nutritional Deficiency**: Young children have high nutritional requirements for growth and development. Fasting can lead to inadequate intake of essential nutrients such as vitamins, minerals, and protein, which are crucial for their physical and jeopardize their cognitive development irreversible. 2. **Dehydration**: Fasting from dawn till dusk without consuming water can lead to dehydration, especially in young children who may not be able to communicate their thirst effectively. Chronic dehydration can impact various bodily functions, including kidney health, cognitive function, and overall well-being. 3. **Metabolic Imbalances**: Prolonged fasting can disrupt metabolic processes in growing children. Fluctuations in blood sugar levels due to fasting can lead to metabolic imbalances, potentially increasing the risk of insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes, and other metabolic disorders later in life. Innmany of these countries, the prevalence of diabetes is increasing exponentially as children fast at progressively younger age. 4. **Psychological Impact**: For young children, fasting may lead to feelings of fatigue, irritability, and difficulty concentrating. These psychological effects can impact their academic performance, social interactions, and overall mental health both during and after fasting. 5. **Epigenetic Changes**: There is emerging evidence suggesting that nutritional and environmental factors, such as fasting, can influence gene expression through epigenetic mechanisms. Exposing young children to fasting during critical periods of development may lead to lasting epigenetic changes that could predispose them to obesity, diabetes and various cardiometabolic conditions later in life.

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3 comment(s). Last comment by EngineeringProfit 2024-03-12 20:12

EngineeringProfit

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Posted by EngineeringProfit > 2024-03-12 20:00 | Report Abuse

Intermittent fasting in teens could activate thrifty genes, which would contribute to obesity later in life:

1. Evolutionary Perspective: Our ancestors often faced periods of food scarcity, leading to the development of thrifty genes that enabled efficient energy storage during times of plenty to survive during times of famine. Intermittent fasting mimics this cycle of feast and famine, potentially activating these thrifty genes in teenagers.

2. Hormonal Changes: Intermittent fasting can lead to hormonal changes, such as increased production of ghrelin (the hunger hormone) and decreased production of leptin (the satiety hormone). These hormonal shifts may trigger the body to store more energy as fat when food is available, which could contribute to obesity over time.

3. Metabolic Adaptations: Intermittent fasting can prompt metabolic adaptations aimed at conserving energy, such as decreased metabolic rate and increased insulin sensitivity. While these adaptations may be beneficial during periods of food scarcity, they could predispose individuals to weight gain and obesity in environments of food abundance.

4. Adolescent Development: Adolescence is a critical period of growth and development, during which dietary habits and metabolic patterns established can have long-lasting effects. Intermittent fasting during this period may disrupt normal metabolic processes and programming, potentially leading to an increased risk of obesity in adulthood.

5. Genetic Predisposition: Some individuals may have a genetic predisposition to obesity, and intermittent fasting could exacerbate this risk by activating thrifty genes that promote energy storage. Teens with a family history of obesity may be particularly susceptible to this effect.

In conclusion, while intermittent fasting may offer some health benefits for adults, its effects on teenagers, particularly in activating thrifty genes that promote energy conservation, would contribute to obesity later in life.

EngineeringProfit

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Posted by EngineeringProfit > 2024-03-12 20:09 | Report Abuse

**Risk of psychological distress:** Children may experience anxiety or stress related to food restrictions and fasting.

**Impaired organ function:** Prolonged fasting without proper nutrition can negatively impact organ function, including the liver and kidneys.

**Gastrointestinal issues:** Skipping meals or fasting for extended periods can lead to digestive problems like constipation or gastric distress.

**Sleep disturbances:** Hunger and discomfort from fasting may disrupt sleep patterns in children.

**Increased risk of fainting:** Low blood sugar levels can increase the risk of fainting episodes, especially in physically active children.

**Impaired wound healing:** Inadequate nutrition can slow down the body's ability to heal wounds and injuries.

**Hair loss:** Severe calorie restriction can lead to hair thinning or loss in children.

EngineeringProfit

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Posted by EngineeringProfit > 2024-03-12 20:12 | Report Abuse

**Delayed puberty:** Inadequate nutrition can delay the onset of puberty and secondary sexual characteristics.

**Electrolyte imbalances:** Extended fasting can disrupt electrolyte balance, leading to complications like dehydration and irregular heart rhythms.

**Hypoglycemia:** Fasting can cause dangerously low blood sugar levels, leading to hypoglycemia.

**Impaired cognitive function:** Insufficient energy intake can impair cognitive function, affecting memory, attention, and learning abilities.


**Muscle loss:** Extended fasting periods without proper nutrition can lead to muscle breakdown.

**Hormonal imbalances:** Fasting may disrupt hormone levels, affecting various bodily functions.

**Bone health issues:** Inadequate nutrient intake can compromise bone development and lead to issues like osteopaenia


**Impaired growth:** Inadequate calorie intake can lead to stunted growth in children.

**Developmental delays:** Insufficient energy intake may affect cognitive and physical development.

**Reduced academic performance:** Hunger and low energy levels can impact concentration and learning abilities.

**Mood swings:** Fluctuations in blood sugar levels from fasting may lead to irritability and mood changes.

**Decreased immune function:** Malnutrition resulting from fasting can weaken the immune system, making children more susceptible to infections.

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