The Benefits of Fasting
Just the thought of fasting may make you hungry. But going without food for a time — whether for health or religious reasons — can do much more than just burn fat, evidence says.
One study published in the New England Journal of Medicine revealed data about a range of health benefits associated with the practice of fasting.
What are the health benefits of Fasting?
Promoting longevity
Protecting against many age-related diseases – including diabetes and cardiovascular diseases by improving blood pressure, blood sugar, insulin sensitivity, cholesterol, and resting heart rate, as well as other heart-related measurements.
Improving physical performance –by allowing fat loss while maintaining muscle mass and improving endurance.
Reducing oxidative stress & inflammation in the body – which protects against aging & the development of multiple diseases.
Inducing cellular repair – which may help protect against cancer & neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease.
Boosting memory and mental clarity.
How does fasting work?
When you don’t eat for a while, several things happen in your body such as:
A drop in insulin levels – which facilitates fat burning.
A rise in human growth hormone (HGH) levels – which helps in building muscle mass, boosting metabolism, & burning fat.
An activation of cellular repair processes – such as removing waste material from cells.
Changes in gene expression – these are beneficial changes in several genes and molecules related to longevity and protection against disease that follow the practice of fasting for certain periods of time.
Many of the benefits of intermittent fasting are related to these changes in hormones, the function of cells, and gene expression.
THE BOTTOM LINE – Fasting can be effective and health protective BUT, it is not meant for everyone! If you have a chronic condition or are pregnant or breastfeeding, it is better to consult your doctor or your health coach before trying it out.