Accepting New Patients - We take Medicare, BCBS, Aetna, Cigna, UHC and many more
Accepting New Patients - We take Medicare, BCBS, Aetna, Cigna, UHC and many more
At St. Petersburg Arthritis Center, we believe in empowering our patients with tools to manage their health. Intermittent fasting (IF) is a powerful approach that involves timing your meals to promote a “non-fed” state, where your body shifts from burning sugar and glycogen to using fat for energy. This metabolic switch typically occurs after 12–16 hours of fasting and can support weight management, reduce inflammation, and improve overall health—key factors for those managing arthritis and related conditions.
What is Intermittent Fasting?
Intermittent fasting is not about restricting what you eat but when you eat. By extending the time between meals, IF allows your body to enter a non-fed state, which can lower insulin levels, enhance fat burning, and reduce inflammation. These benefits may help manage arthritis symptoms, improve joint health, and reduce the risk of chronic diseases like heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and more.
Common Intermittent Fasting Methods
Here are popular IF approaches to suit different lifestyles:
Benefits of Intermittent Fasting
By spending more time in the non-fed state, IF offers potential health benefits, including:
How to Start Intermittent Fasting
Transitioning to IF is a gradual process. Follow these steps to ease into it safely:
Caution: Prolonged fasting without medical guidance can increase cortisol levels, potentially raising blood sugar, suppressing thyroid function, or hindering weight loss.
Tips for Intermittent Fasting Success
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the non-fed state beneficial?
In the non-fed state, your body burns fat for energy, reduces insulin levels, and fights inflammation. This can improve arthritis symptoms, support weight loss, and lower the risk of chronic diseases.
How does insulin resistance affect health?
Insulin resistance is linked to chronic conditions like heart disease, type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and even worsened arthritis symptoms. IF helps improve insulin sensitivity, reducing these risks.
Isn’t calorie restriction the same as IF?
No. Calorie-restricted diets can slow metabolism, making weight loss unsustainable. IF focuses on meal timing, not calorie counting, to maintain a healthy metabolism.
Why not eat frequent small meals or prioritize breakfast?
Frequent meals and sugary breakfasts spike insulin, contributing to weight gain and chronic disease. IF aligns with our evolutionary biology, where humans often went hours without food while hunting or gathering.
Start Your Intermittent Fasting Journey
Intermittent fasting can be a transformative tool for managing weight, reducing inflammation, and improving overall health—especially for those with arthritis. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting IF, especially if you have chronic conditions or are on medications.
Ready to learn more? Contact St. Petersburg Arthritis Center at 727-290-1444 or REQUEST APPOINTMENT ONLINE to discuss how intermittent fasting can complement your arthritis management plan.
Medical Disclaimer
The information on this website is for general informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your physician or a qualified healthcare provider before starting intermittent fasting or making significant dietary changes. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking treatment based on information from this website.
St. Pete Arthritis & Rheumatology
710 94th Ave N Ste 306 and 307, St. Petersburg, FL 33702
P: 727-290-1444 F:727-290-1449