Although weight loss is a big reason people try intermittent fasting (IF), there are plenty of other health benefits. You may experience reduced inflammation, enhanced digestion, reduced bloating, greater mental clarity, better sleep, and a grip on sugar cravings and food addiction.

You're ready to check it out, so you need to be mindful of some of the not-so-awesome side effects that you're likely to feel at the beginning.

Headaches

When the body gets used to this new eating routine, dull headaches that come and go are very normal. Dehydration might be one cause, so make sure you drink lots of water during both your fasting and feeding windows.

Cravings

You're going for extra long stretches without eating during intermittent fasting. But odds are you're just going to be able to think about eating. That's when the cravings kick in. You'll probably find that you're more likely to want sweets and/or refined carbohydrates when your body is waiting for that glucose hit.

Do whatever you can to stop worrying about food, and make sure to treat yourself a little bit after your eating window so that you have the opportunity to fulfill those cravings.

Heartburn, Bloating, Constipation

Your stomach produces acid to help digest your food, but if you don't eat, you can experience heartburn (this side effect isn't as frequent as others). This could vary from moderate discomfort to day-long burping to full-on agony.

Time can cure this side effect, so just keep drinking water, protect yourself while you're sleeping, and when you're hungry, avoid fatty, spicy foods that could make your heartburn worse. Talk to your doctor if it doesn't go down.

Intermittent fasting can also cause constipation if you don't stay hydrated, which can cause bloating and discomfort. Drink loads of water to prevent this, which can also help prevent headaches and make you feel more energized.

Coldness

Cold fingers and toes when fasting are very common, but for a good reason! When you fast, the flow of blood increases to your fat stores. Called adipose tissue blood flow, this helps transfer fat to the muscles where it can be burned as fuel.

As your blood sugar drops, it will make you more susceptible to feeling cold. Battle the coldness by sipping hot chocolate, taking warm baths, adding extra clothes, and avoiding going outside in the cold for extended periods of time.

Always listen to your body

Intermittent fasting isn't for everyone. People with diabetes, pregnant or nursing women, and kids, for example, should not follow intermittent fasting. People who have chronic diseases should always check-up with a doctor before beginning any new food or diet. Finally, anyone with a history or risk of developing eating disorders should avoid fasting of any sort.