Fasting and Its Implications on Health

 

Fasting and Its Implications on Health  10-6-18

Research has found that fasting dramatically increases longevity and reduces the health risks like

• Metabolic dysregulation.
• Atherosclerosis.
• Cognitive dysfunction.

People who are well-fed have more chance of weight gain and insulin resistance which increases the risk of

• Diabetes.
• Hypertension.
• Cardiovascular diseases.
• Stroke.
• Cancer.
• Dementia.

Glucose and fats are body fuels for energy. If we restrict glucose intake, the body will utilize fats for energy supply.

Types of Fasting

• Alternate day fasting.

Consuming 25 % calories on fasting days and normal on nonfasting days.

• Time-restricted fasting.

1. 16:8 method

Eating within 8 hours of eating window two to three low-carb meals and 16 hours of fasting.

2. 5:2 diet

Fast for 2 days and normal eating for 5 days.

• Prolonged fasting

Consuming no caloric food or drinks for up to three days or more such as juice diet.

Benefits of Intermittent Fasting

1. Improved insulin sensitivity.
2. Increased PGC-1 alpha.
3. Reduced oxidative stress.
4. Rids body of excess fluid.
5. Decreased neurodegeneration.
6. Simulates growth hormone.
7. Stimulates brain-derived neurotrophic factor.
8. Weight loss with prevention of lean mass.
9. Improved blood pressure.
10. Cancer prevention.
11. Improved cognition.