The fasting diet is prevalent in our society, but often provokes wide discussions. It is of different severity and duration, which is why it is not possible to give an unambiguous opinion on the issue. The fact is that its impact depends largely on its proper application, but also on the human body itself. It is well known that young children, the elderly, pregnant women and nursing mothers should not fast. But what about patients with chronic diseases ?
Fasting for cardiovascular disease can be very helpful
Temporary abstinence from foods of animal origin can be a way to purify the human body and achieve better physical condition. Excessive food during the rest of the year can lead to a chronic overload of the digestive system, metabolism and as a result the function of the cardiovascular system. The heart is directly dependent on the amount of fluid intake and the volume of portions per day. Therefore, a lighter regime from time to time has a beneficial effect on him.
The more salt-free food typical of fasting affects the amount of fluid retained, the volume of blood and, accordingly, the pumping function of the heart and blood vessels. This is best judged by the values of blood pressure, heart rate and overall body condition. In patients with cardiac edema and pulmonary congestion, temporary or more permanent improvement may be seen.
Abstinence from alcohol is in line with the recommendations for its avoidance in heart patients. This has a beneficial effect on blood vessels and heart muscle. The effect is slow and the results are sought in the long run.
Increased intake of vegetables and fruits also supports the cardiovascular system. They are rich in fiber, pectin, vitamins and help to "cleanse" the heart system in a number of ways. Lipid levels (cholesterol, triglycerides) decrease, metabolism increases and the body regenerates. Fasting also affects the immune system as a natural immune stimulant, which affects the risk of infections. Heart disease and in particular ischemic heart disease are directly dependent on the emotional state of the patient. A lighter diet has a beneficial effect on sleep, mood, memory.
However, fasting is associated with many risks
The absence of animal protein deprives the body of essential amino acids, iron and calcium, B vitamins. In a person with more severe heart disease who has increased needs, such a deficiency can be severe. The fact is that often chronic heart disease is associated with other health problems and can very easily upset the balance of the body. With a radical fast, decompensation of these diseases is possible.
Eating large amounts of food after fasting also harms the heart. It should be noted that this system is very sensitive to fluctuations in life processes. One stress, namely the sudden, radical changes in eating style, can lead to arrhythmias, ischemic attacks, decompensation of chronic heart failure and many others.
What are the recommendations for fasting in these patients?
If you want to fast, it is mandatory to discuss this with your doctor or cardiologist. Only they will most correctly assess the extent to which a post can be held and give specific guidelines for behavior.
Cardiovascular diseases are a heterogeneous group of disorders and there are no general rules for this. There are people with a minimal problem for whom fasting would not be a real problem. In others, it must be carried out within certain limits (for example, with a shortened duration, with the preservation of certain protein products, etc.). In third patients with severe, disabling heart disease, one fast may be completely forbidden.