Fasting: Energizing Yet Potentially Harmful

Fasting increases cortisol levels, leading to heightened production of catecholamines such as epinephrine and norepinephrine, which can create a feeling of energy. This response is thought to be an evolutionary adaptation, enabling the search for food during periods of scarcity. However, for individuals already experiencing stress from factors like overtraining or demanding lifestyles, adding intermittent fasting can exacerbate existing issues, leading to hormonal imbalances and symptoms like hair loss, decreased libido, and nail problems. Frequent recommendations against fasting for these individuals highlight the need to assess lifestyle balance and stress levels before adopting fasting as a practice.