Yulia Kathuria, endocrinologist at the European Medical Center (EMC), told socialbites.ca that improper adherence to intermittent fasting can lead to the development of gallstone disease.
“The fact is that any period of fasting slows down the contraction of the gallbladder walls and leads to stagnation of bile. We also need food for the gallbladder to contract. If it does not enter the body and the fasting interval is long, the gallbladder will not work. The expert explained that in this case, the development of gallstone disease may progress in people who have a predisposition to gallstone formation or what is called “lazy gallbladder”.
Additionally, if intermittent fasting is followed but the diet is not diversified enough, the body will suffer from a lack of important nutrients. This can cause an imbalance of vitamins, protein and important microelements.
“It would be useful to at least have a biochemical blood test and evaluate the level of vitamins in the body and protein in the blood. Note that even following the classic 8/16 scheme (16 hours fasting and 8 hours eating) is not always immediately possible; In some cases, it may be advisable to gradually increase the usual intervals between meals,” said Kathuria.
In his opinion, it is better to gradually increase the length of fasting periods, otherwise the wrong approach to the diet can become a risk factor for an eating disorder and not lead to the main goal – losing weight.
Kathuriya, formerly endocrinologist in the name Five contraindications for intermittent fasting.