GASTRO DOCTOR DR PAL EXPLAINS BENEFITS OF DIET TRICK BEHIND ALIA BHATT’S 16 KG WEIGHT LOSS AND MALAIKA ARORA'S IMPROVED SLEEP

Intermittent fasting has emerged as a popular health practice among fitness-conscious individuals and celebrities alike. According to a Mid-Day report, Bollywood actor Alia Bhatt successfully shed 16 kilograms in just three months by adhering to the 16:8 intermittent fasting pattern, as revealed by her nutritionist, Dr. Siddhant Bhargava. The regimen involves fasting for 16 hours and limiting meals to an 8-hour window, allowing the body to recover and metabolize efficiently.

Actor and fitness icon Malaika Arora is also an advocate of this method. As shared in a conversation on 32ND – Lifestyle, Investments & Residences’ YouTube channel, Arora follows a 17-hour fasting schedule every alternate day. She typically finishes her last meal by 7 p.m. and refrains from eating until noon the following day. To gently break her fast, she consumes a spoon of ghee before her first substantial meal, which usually includes wholesome Indian staples such as rice, roti, and vegetables.

Arora believes this disciplined routine revitalizes her system, enhances sleep quality, and helps her wake up feeling lighter and more energetic—proving that consistency, balance, and mindful eating are key to sustainable wellness.

“It just resets my entire system. I sleep better, I wake up better, I don’t feel heavy,” she said

Gut health expert Dr. Pal Manickam recently spoke about the various benefits of intermittent fasting. Taking to Instagram, the gastroenterologist explained that intermittent fasting allows the gut to rest and repair hormones to get to work. He described this phenomenon as the “real detox your body needs.” He also emphasised the importance of staying hydrated whether or not you are on a fast.

“Everyone should drink at least 2 to 2.5 litres of water daily.” He also claimed that a lot of the time, we are being bothered by the gnawing sense of hunger, which may be only thirst. He also debunked claims of intermittent fasting causing heartburn and reflux.

He explained that our body produces acid during the time it expects food. If you suddenly change your eating time, the acid may feel uncomfortable, especially if you have chronic acidity. However, this stops once your body gets acclimated to a fixed eating window, or your circadian rhythm gets “beautifully aligned.”

Final Words of Advice

Dr. Manickam concluded his message by reminding followers to stay hydrated and consume well-balanced, nourishing meals during their eating periods. According to him, fasting is not about deprivation but about allowing the body to regain its natural balance through mindful eating and rest.

Understanding Intermittent Fasting

As explained by Johns Hopkins Medicine, intermittent fasting is a dietary approach where individuals eat only during specific time windows. This controlled pattern of eating and fasting has been shown in research to yield significant health benefits. Some people fast for certain hours each day, while others eat one meal a few days a week.

Key Health Benefits

Studies reveal that intermittent fasting can enhance cognitive performance by improving memory and focus. It also supports heart health by stabilising blood pressure, heart rate, and other cardiovascular indicators. Physically, it promotes fat loss while helping preserve muscle mass. Research on both animals and humans shows its potential in preventing obesity and managing type 2 diabetes by improving insulin sensitivity and balancing key hormones. Additionally, in animal models, fasting has been shown to reduce tissue damage during surgical recovery, proving its wide-ranging impact on health and longevity.