Latest news with #BhavikaPatel
Hindustan Times
22-05-2025
- Health
- Hindustan Times
Fitness coach shares 5 major side effects of intermittent fasting: Digestive discomfort to slow metabolism and more
Intermittent fasting is a dietary approach that emphasiases when you eat rather than what you eat. Known as one of the more effective strategies for accelerated weight loss, it involves alternating periods of eating and fasting, allowing the body to tap into fat stores for energy. But while its popularity continues to rise, an important question remains: Is intermittent fasting truly healthy in the long run? Also read | Following calorie deficit? Study reveals this intermittent fasting type that's more practical and efficient Fitness coach Bhavika Patel, in a post on May 10, shared, 'Intermittent fasting helps regulate insulin levels, supports digestion, and boosts fat-burning by giving your body a break from constant eating. But here's the truth. Intermittent fasting isn't for everyone.' Bhavika further added, 'Especially for women dealing with PCOS, thyroid issues, or hormonal imbalances, intermittent fasting can sometimes backfire and do more harm than good.' The fitness coach shared five side effects of intermittent fasting: A post shared by Bhavika Patel | Lifestyle and Fitness Coach (@fit_wit_bhavika) Long fasting periods can signal your body that it's under stress, increasing cortisol levels. This may lead to anxiety, fatigue, and even belly fat gain. For women, fasting can disrupt estrogen and progesterone levels, affecting menstrual cycles, mood, and even fertility. Excessive fasting can trigger survival mode, slowing down your metabolism and causing weight loss plateaus or even weight gain over time. Irregular eating patterns can lead to bloating, acidity, and constipation — all signs your gut isn't happy. Some may develop an unhealthy obsession with food, leading to binge eating, guilt, and an unsustainable cycle that harms your relationship with eating. Also read | Want to burn weight fast with intermittent fasting? Nutritionist shares anti-inflammatory diet: 'I lost 7 kg in 21 days' In a March 2025 interview with HT Lifestyle, Dr Bhavna Garg, Senior Consultant Dietitian and Nutritionist at Yashoda Super Speciality Hospital, Kaushambi said, 'Intermittent fasting naturally reduces calorie intake and improves insulin sensitivity, promoting fat burning. It also supports digestion, reduces inflammation, and may enhance brain health.' It is best for people who prefer a flexible diet without eliminating food groups, the nutritionist added. Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.
Hindustan Times
21-05-2025
- Health
- Hindustan Times
Are you eating too much sugar? Fitness coach shares 7 ‘warning signs'
Too much sugar is unhealthy and can cause long-term health complications. But how much sugar is too much sugar? It seems that the body always knows when it is overloading on sugar and starts showing signs. Fitness coach Bhavika Patel shared an Instagram post on May 19 and addressed the warning signs that the body shows when we consume too much of sugar. Also read | Diabetes: Too much sugar is damaging our heart, liver and brain; a nutritionist explains how A post shared by Bhavika Patel | Lifestyle and Fitness Coach (@fit_wit_bhavika) Highs followed by crashes? That's unstable blood sugar. Pair carbs with protein and fiber for smoother energy. Sugar fuels more sugar cravings, especially around PMS. Balance your plate to break the cycle. Blood sugar dips can mess with your mood. Ditch added sugars and eat regularly for mental calm. Hormone-related blemishes? Sugar can make them worse. Support your skin by cutting back on processed snacks. Late-night sugar spikes can disrupt your cortisol and melatonin, wrecking sleep. Focus on protein + fiber at dinner. Excess sugar feeds bad gut bacteria, leading to digestive drama. Swap for whole foods to support your microbiome. Excess sugar often parks itself around the midsection. Prioritize protein, healthy fats, and fiber to encourage fat loss. In a February 2025 interview with HT Lifestyle, Dr. Tanu Gupta, physician and diabetologist, founder PeachX Health said, 'When we consume too much sugar, our digestive system experiences dysbiosis—a reduction in beneficial bacteria like Bifidobacteria and Lactobacillus while harmful bacteria flourish. This imbalance not only impairs digestion but also weakens the gut barrier, allowing toxins and bacteria to leak into the bloodstream and trigger systemic inflammation. Chronic inflammation is a known precursor to metabolic disorders, including insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes.' Also read | Anxiety to infertility: Nutritionist shares 8 hidden ways sugar may be ruining women's health Dr. Tanu Gupta also added that overconsumption of sugar can lead to hormonal disruption, further triggering conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.
