Have you heard of the term ‘intermittent fasting’?
It basically means that you eat food and then go a certain number of hours before you eat again.
The time spent not eating is the fasting period.
The usual number of hours to fast is around 16, but many people will fast for 24 hours, up to two days per week. Some people will fast by consuming only a limited number of calories two days per week, and then eat normally for the other 5 days of the week. The basic premise is to give your body a break from digesting food and unleash some great benefits to your health.
Fasting is a very natural process. Back in early history, it was normal for people to go long periods of time without eating while they found, hunted, gathered, and prepared food in the wild. Fasting has been recognized for its benefits for a long time, and has helped some people with weight loss or other health concerns. It helps by changing how your hormone levels behave, which then increases your metabolism. Not only are you eating fewer calories, but you can help your body process the calories you eat when you are done fasting.
How the body responds to fasting:
1. HGH – The Human Growth Hormone will increase as much as 5x the normal level, to help you gain muscle and lose fat
2. Insulin – Your body’s sensitivity to insulin will improve, and insulin levels will drop. Lower levels of insulin will help your body digest and get rid of stored body fat.
3. Cell Repairs – Your body’s cells actually repair the most while you fast. Your cells will digest and get rid of old or unnecessary proteins inside of them.
4. Genes – In relation to protection against diseases, fasting can help you express genes that will help you fight off unwanted health issues.
Due to the processes listed above, you might experience multiple benefits. These include reduced inflammation, lower blood sugar, weight loss, a healthier heart, an increased lifespan, a boost in your brain health, and prevention of cancer.
Although this article makes it sound pretty good, you should always consult your doctor before attempting any changes to your health, diet, or lifestyle. You might end up causing more problems than you intend to fix. Do your research, get as much information as you can, and make sure that this type of healthcare is right for you!
