Benefícios do jejum intermitente para a saúde humana: uma revisão narrativa da literatura

Abstract

Introduction: Intermittent fasting is a practice that consists of alternating periods of fasting with periods of free-demand feeding, and is currently being used as an eating strategy. Objective: The aim of the presente study was to evaluate the benfits of intermittent fasting for human health. Methods: This is a narrative review with selected studies using the descriptors “fasting”, “benefits”. For this, a bibliographic search was carried out in the following databases: Academic Google; SciELO and LILACS. Results: Scientific evidence showed that intermitente fasting promotes weight loss, reduction on Body Mass Index (BMI), and waist circumference; reduction in the concentration levels of total cholesterol, LDL and triglycerides; changes in the hematological indicators, blood glucose, insuline and insuline resistance, Among the others beneficial factors presented in the consulted literature, corrections of metabolic abnormalities, such as: obesity, diabetes, cardiobvascular disease, cancer and neurodegerative diseases. As well as decreasing the risk of developing ilnesses, improving health and increasing longevity. Conclusion: Therefore, as it is a viable and acessible intervention for most individuals, further clinical studies are needed to test the benefits of this intervention for people’s health.