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Lifestyle

Intermittent Fasting

Also known as: Time-restricted eating, IF, 16:8 fasting, 5:2 diet

A dietary pattern alternating between periods of eating and fasting. Common protocols include 16:8 (16 hours fasting, 8-hour eating window) and 5:2 (two days per week at 500–600 calories). Used for weight management, metabolic health, and insulin sensitivity. Evidence in perimenopausal women is mixed; some practitioners advise caution regarding cortisol and HPA axis effects.

This page contains self-reported experiences from the Narrated community — not clinical data. Outcomes are subjective. Always consult your doctor or specialist before starting, stopping, or changing any approach.

Regulatory status does not mean an approach is safe or unsafe. Laws vary by country — check your local regulations.

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Research Context

Research context compiled from published sources

How does Intermittent Fasting work?

Extended fasting periods reduce insulin levels, promoting fat oxidation and improving insulin sensitivity. Activates autophagy (cellular repair processes) after approximately 12–16 hours of fasting. May improve metabolic flexibility and reduce inflammatory markers. However, prolonged fasting can increase cortisol, which may be counterproductive in women with HPA axis dysregulation.

Research Depth

Unknown

Long-Term Evidence

Unknown

Reported Contraindicated Populations
History of eating disordersType 1 diabetes (risk of hypoglycaemia)Pregnancy and breastfeedingUnderweight individualsAdrenal/HPA axis dysfunction (extended fasting may raise cortisol)
Published Dose Ranges
1220 hours fasting/daydietary · daily (16:8) or two days per week (5:2)
Clinical trials/NHS

Dose ranges from published research. Individual dosing should be determined with your healthcare provider based on your specific circumstances.

Factual research context from published sources — not a safety assessment or recommendation. Research classifications may change as new data emerges.

Related Approaches

Other Lifestyle tracked on Narrated.

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