Have you ever gone through a really rough break-up or other traumatic experience/heartbreak where you barely ate for days? I’ve had two real bad heartbreaks my entire life, each left me queasy for weeks at the thought of food. One happened post-diagnosis of autoimmune conditions. While I remember feeling weak and shaky and awful during the heartbreak a long time ago, the more recent one, I actually felt better without eating. While I definitely don’t encourage barely eating for weeks, it really showed me that my body is still either suffering from food intolerances or that “intermittent fasting” was showing some positive benefits in spite of the stress I was undergoing.
My bloating was gone. My extreme fatigue was gone (although
I was still mildly tired from not consuming enough calories and at a weight
that was too low for my body). While previously leery, this has led me to
really look into/research intermittent fasting for autoimmune conditions and
health.
*Controlled periods of fasting this time, where I’d maintain a healthy
weight still
The Bloat
While gluten-free, paleo, and wellness life have really helped with the majority of my health issues, even on strict Paleo AIP, the bloating I’d been getting on my tiny frame made me look pregnant at times. Unable to narrow it down to a particular food, I decided to look into my habits/lifestyle. My stomach often seemed less bloated on the weekends and sometimes in the morning, so I wondered if late night eating contributes to bloating.
When to Eat/Late Night Habits
A quick search on Google confirmed that that was definitely a likely contributor. One article, displayed some other suggestions/bad habits that may cause bloating as well – make sure to look them over and make sure you have no other contributing factors. In fact, many research studies suggested that not only does late night eating potentially cause bloating, but can cause heartburn/indigestion, issues sleeping, weight gain, and more! Most articles on the web suggested having your last meal of the day at least several hours before you lay down to sleep.
Intermittent Fasting Benefits
Per Harvard Health, the studies done on intermittent fasting have been short and with limited numbers of participants. As there is limited research in this area, the best way to determine if it works for you is to research other people’s experiences (for example, there are many firsthand accounts online where people describe their experiences with it). Then determine what you think will work for your body (if you have serious health conditions start VERY slow), try it out with caution, and pay attention to see if you’re getting the results you desired >> if you should be doing more, less, or none at all. Below are some of the acclaimed benefits:
- Improvement in some autoimmune symptoms
- Weight loss, less cravings, reduced bloating
- Clearer skin
- More efficient detoxing
- Improved, better quality sleep
Why I’m Trying Intermittent Fasting + Listen to Your Body!!!
Since intermittent fasting is only on occasion and includes eating your last meal of the day earlier, I figured it’s be a great way make a gradual transition/get into the habit of eating your last meal earlier. Additionally, I’ve seen tons of positive results due to intermittent fasting from those with autoimmune conditions.
While I don’t have a thyroid condition, I’ve seen many articles warning those who have thyroid issues and that want to try to try intermittent fasting, to err on the side of caution. The safest thing you can do is to listen to what your body tells you (this is how I got my health to a manageable level). So, due to my body’s fragile nature, I’ll also be following suite, and beginning with caution. I advise you to do the same and do what feels right for you.
The Results
I’m just writing what I plan to do, so will report back in a few months! I plan to do one day a week the first few weeks where I eat only in a 8-10 hour window (10 a.m. – 6 p.m.) until I feel comfortable, then a few weeks doing that twice a week. Then will take it from there. Eventually I’d like to make it up to a full day on occasion.
Have you done intermittent fasting? How did it (or didn’t it) work for you? Please let me know in the comments below 👇 👇 👇 , contact me at [email protected], or let me know on social media so I can update my post to let people know about other experiences as well!
Here’s to hopefully less bloating, improved sleep, weight loss, and of course – regaining our sparkle together,
✧❈✯✦Jenn✦✯❈✧
Leave a Reply