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. Author manuscript; available in PMC: 2020 Aug 10.
Published in final edited form as: Am J Med. 2020 Apr 21;133(8):901–907. doi: 10.1016/j.amjmed.2020.03.030

Figure 1. Mechanisms of Intermittent Fasting.

Figure 1.

Proposed mechanisms of how intermittent fasting reduces cardiovascular risk factors. There are three main theories: Oxidative Stress Hypothesis, Circadian Rhythm and Ketogenic State. The Oxidative Stress Hypothesis postulates that fasting reduces stress leading to fewer free radical with less mitochondrial energy production ultimately lowering the body's oxidative stress. The Circadian Rhythm component focuses on syncing eating periods to the organ's circadian rhythm, optimizing glucose and fat utilization. The third mechanism, Ketogenic State, recognizes that Intermittent Fasting induces ketogenesis, which decreases blood pressure and adipose tissue.