What Is Intermittent Fasting and How Can Ayurveda Help Optimize Fasting for Better Health? - #16046

I have been hearing a lot about intermittent fasting, and many people claim that it helps with weight loss, digestion, and even mental clarity. I recently started looking into it, but I am still confused about how it works and whether it is actually beneficial for long-term health. From what I understand, intermittent fasting is not just about skipping meals but rather about eating within a specific time window and fasting for the rest of the day. The most common methods seem to be the 16:8 method (fasting for 16 hours and eating within an 8-hour window) and the 5:2 method (eating normally for five days and reducing calorie intake for two days). But what I do not understand is whether intermittent fasting is suitable for everyone. Are there specific body types or health conditions that make fasting unsafe? I have read that intermittent fasting can help improve digestion, reduce inflammation, and even balance blood sugar levels, but I want to know how Ayurveda views fasting. Does Ayurveda recommend intermittent fasting, or is there a different approach to fasting that aligns better with the body’s natural rhythms? I have heard that Ayurveda encourages fasting based on doshas—how does that work, and how do I determine the right fasting method for my body type? Another concern I have is whether fasting can slow down metabolism if done incorrectly. I do not want to end up feeling fatigued, lightheaded, or losing muscle mass instead of fat. Are there specific Ayurvedic herbs, such as Triphala or Ashwagandha, that can help the body adapt to intermittent fasting and maintain energy levels? I also wonder about the best foods to eat during the eating window. Should I be consuming warm, cooked foods as Ayurveda suggests, or are raw foods like salads and smoothies okay? Also, does Ayurveda have guidelines for breaking a fast properly to avoid digestive discomfort? If anyone has successfully combined intermittent fasting with Ayurveda, I would love to know what worked for them. Did they notice better digestion, more energy, or weight loss? I want to try intermittent fasting in a way that aligns with natural healing rather than just following a trend, so I would appreciate any insights on how to do it the right way.