Introduction:
If you are looking to improve your overall health and well being, then you are in the right place! In this post we are going to discuss the benefits of fasting and if it something for you to consider along your health journey. We here at Full Rep Media have taken advantage of fasting and listed our top 5 benefits! Please continue reading and discovery if fasting could benefit you and improve your health.
Weight Loss:
Coming in at our top benefit, weight loss was definitely our top benefit. When we talk about fasting, weight loss is often one of the most significant benefits people mention, and it’s no surprise why. When you fast, your body shifts from using glucose (sugar) for energy to burning stored fat instead. This process is known as ketosis, and it can lead to some significant weight loss.
When fasting it is important to understand how the body works. With that said, let’s talk about how our bodies use energy. Simply put, when we eat our bodies convert the food we consume into glucose which our cells use as fuel. Any excess glucose that our body doesn’t need now gets stored in our fat cells for later use. So, when we fast, our body starts using those stored fat cells for energy, which results in weight loss.
Lets discuss some studies that have proven this weight loss benefit. One study took two groups of people. Group A was to fast for 12 hours while Group B was to eat three meals a day as we normally do. The study discovered that Group A, who fasted for 12 hours a day lost more weight than Group B, those who ate three meals a day. The key fact about this study, was Both groups A & B consumed the same number of calories! Diving even deeper, another study found that people who fasted for 16 hours a day lost more weight and body fat than those who ate three meals a day. Both groups even consumed the same number of calories in this study as well.
In addition to helping with weight loss; fasting can also help reduce the production of insulin in our bodies. Insulin is responsible for storing excess glucose as fat. So when our insulin levels are high, our bodies are more likely to store fat. But when our insulin levels are low, our bodies are more likely to burn fat for energy, which is exactly what we want when we’re trying to lose weight.
It’s important to note that fasting isn’t a magic solution for weight loss, and it’s not suitable for everyone. Fasting for long periods of time can be dangerous, and it’s essential to talk to a healthcare professional before trying any kind of fasting regimen. Additionally, sustainable weight loss requires a balanced, healthy diet and regular exercise, in addition to fasting.
Improved Brain Function:
So, when you fast, your body switches from using glucose as its primary source of energy to using stored fats. This process leads to the production of ketones, which are byproducts of fat metabolism. The increased production of ketones during fasting is one of the key mechanisms behind its beneficial effects on the brain.
Ketones are an excellent source of fuel for the brain, especially when glucose is in short supply. Studies show that ketones can provide up to 70% of the brain’s energy needs during fasting.
In addition to providing an alternative source of fuel, ketones have also been found to have neuro-protective benefits! Ketones help reduce inflammation and oxidative stress in the brain. Reducing these effects on the brain limit our potential to develop neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.
We arent done! Fasting boosts the production of a protein called brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). BDNF is essential for the growth and maintenance of neurons in the brain. BDNF promotes the growth of new neurons, strengthens existing ones, and enhances the connections between them. This process is known as neuroplasticity and it is is critical for learning and memory retention.
Research has shown that fasting can increase BDNF levels by up to 400%. This increase in BDNF production can lead to significant improvements in memory, learning, and cognitive function. In addition to brain function, we encourage that you check out our post around beet root powder. The benefits provide you with strong brain function!
Improved Cardiovascular Health:
It’s really incredible how much fasting can do for our health, isn’t it? One of the biggest benefits is its impact on heart health! Fasting can improve our heart by lowering our blood pressure, cholesterol levels and inflammation. Reducing and improving these items can significantly reduce our risk of heart disease. And when our blood vessels are functioning better thanks to improved endothelial function, we can enjoy improved blood flow and a reduced risk of heart attack and stroke. It’s like a double whammy of benefits!
But that’s not all – fasting has also been linked to other health perks. For example, some studies suggest that it can help regulate blood sugar levels, which is great news for those with diabetes or other blood sugar-related conditions. Fasting may even help with weight loss by reducing the number of calories we consume and boosting our metabolism.
And let’s not forget about the potential mental and emotional benefits of fasting. Some people find that it helps them feel more focused and productive, while others report improved mood and decreased feelings of anxiety or depression. Plus, there’s something very empowering about taking control of our eating habits and practicing self-discipline.
Mental Health Benefits:
While we are focused on physical health, fasting has ample benefits for mental health as well. One of the most notable benefits of fasting for mental health is the reduction of stress. When we experience stress, our bodies release a hormone called cortisol, which can have negative effects on the body if it’s consistently elevated. Fasting has been shown to help regulate cortisol levels, reducing the amount of cortisol produced and helping to manage stress levels. This can lead to improved mood and a greater sense of calm.
Another benefit of fasting on mental health is the increase in endorphins. Endorphins are chemicals in the brain that are responsible for feelings of pleasure and happiness. When we engage in activities that make us feel good, such as exercising, our bodies release endorphins. Interestingly, fasting can also lead to an increase in endorphins, which can help improve mood and reduce the risk of depression.
Fasting also has been found to improve our brain function! When we fast, our bodies produce ketones, which are an alternative source of energy for the brain. These ketones have been shown to improve cognitive function and
memory. Improving these can lead lead to an overall enhancement in mental clarity and focus.
Overall, fasting can have a variety of mental health benefits. From reducing stress and improving mood to boosting cognitive function, fasting can be an excellent tool for improving mental well-being. However, it’s important to approach fasting safely and with the guidance of a healthcare professional, as fasting may not be suitable for everyone.
Improved Digestive Health:
Have you ever felt bloated, uncomfortable, or experienced digestive issues after eating a heavy meal? It’s not uncommon to feel that way, and it’s because our digestive system works hard to break down the food we eat. However, when we fast, our digestive system gets a much-needed break from this constant work. This break can reduce inflammation in the gut, which is a common cause of digestive discomfort and can even lead to more serious gut issues like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
During fasting, the body also increases the production of gut bacteria, which are essential for good gut health. These bacteria play a crucial role in breaking down food, absorbing nutrients, and keeping our digestive system healthy. When we have a healthy balance of gut bacteria, our gut functions at its best, reducing the risk of digestive disorders.
Furthermore, fasting has been found to increase the production of a compound called butyrate, which is produced by gut bacteria. Butyrate has anti-inflammatory properties and can help reduce inflammation in the gut, leading to better gut health. Studies have shown that people who fast regularly have a higher concentration of butyrate in their gut, which can help protect against gut-related disorders.
So, if you’re looking to improve your gut health, fasting may be worth considering. However, it’s important to note that fasting should be done in moderation and under the guidance of a healthcare professional, especially if you have any pre-existing medical conditions.
Improved Longevity:
Have you ever heard of the phrase “you are what you eat”? Well, the same could be said for the aging process. The foods we eat and our overall dietary habits can play a significant role in how our bodies age. However, what if we told you that what you don’t eat could be just as important?
Fasting is one way that people are exploring the connection between what we eat and how we age. Some studies have shown that fasting can increase the lifespan of animals, and while the research on humans is still in its early stages, there is reason to believe that fasting could have similar effects on us.
Fasting can activate cellular processes that promote healthy aging and reduce the risk of age-related diseases such as cancer, Alzheimer’s, and Parkinson’s. For example, fasting can trigger a process called autophagy, which is like a “spring cleaning” for our cells. During autophagy, our cells remove damaged proteins and other waste material, which can improve cellular function and reduce the risk of disease.
I want to also touch on how fasting can reduce inflammation in the body, which is a major contributor to many chronic diseases that are associated with aging. When we fast, our bodies produce fewer inflammatory molecules, which can lead to a healthier, more youthful body.
So while there is still much to learn about the effects of fasting on human lifespan and aging, there is promising evidence to suggest that fasting could be a powerful tool for promoting healthy aging and reducing the risk of age-related diseases.
Conclusion:
Our team has enjoyed the benefits of fasting and can attest to all of these benefits. These benefits greatly impacted our physical and mental. If you’re interested in trying fasting, it’s essential to talk to your doctor or a registered dietitian to make sure that it’s safe for you to do so.
