YOGYAKARTA - Can fasting lower high blood pressure? This question often arises, especially during Ramadan or when you try intermittent fasting patterns. Based on a number of studies, fasting does have many benefits for health. But does it affect blood pressure, especially in people with hypertension. Of course the effect is not automatic and can be different in each individual depending on their health conditions and lifestyle patterns.
One of the 2022 studies on 16-hour fasting or time-restricted eating reported that study participants with high blood pressure experienced a decrease in blood pressure during the day after one day of fasting. Interestingly, this effect was not seen in participants with normal blood pressure. This means that the benefits of fasting seem to be more pronounced in those who do have hypertension. This study was published in the scientific journal Disease Markers with the title The Effect of Fasting on Human Metabolism and Psychological Health, written by Yiren Wang and Ruilin Wu from Beihang University, Beijing. In the publication it is explained that fasting affects the body's metabolic system, including glucose and fat regulation, which plays a role in blood pressure stability.
In addition to the study, citing Health, Wednesday, March 4, a 2021 scientific review was conducted on the alternate-day fasting method. In the review it was mentioned that after being carried out for several months, the fasting pattern can lower systolic and diastolic blood pressure, especially in overweight individuals. This strengthens the suspicion that metabolic changes due to fasting contribute to blood pressure improvement.
Physiologically, fasting can help lose weight, increase insulin sensitivity, and reduce inflammation in the body. When weight is more controlled and metabolism improves, blood vessels can work more efficiently. This efficiency then has an impact on more stable and controlled blood pressure.
However, fasting is not the only solution to overcome hypertension. Dehydration or electrolyte imbalance can occur if fluid and nutrient intake is not well-observed during Iftar and Sahur. Therefore, those of you who have a history of high blood pressure or are taking antihypertensive drugs are still advised to consult a medical professional before implementing a certain fasting pattern.
So, can fasting lower high blood pressure? Based on the explanation according to research, fasting has the potential to help lower blood pressure, especially in individuals with hypertension. However, the results still depend on the condition of your body and the consistency of your overall healthy lifestyle.
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