SEO Description: Wondering if fasting is the right option for you? Here are 5 science-backed benefits of fasting, from weight loss to improved brain function!
Introduction
Though fasting has recently gained a lot of popularity, it’s been around for centuries. In fact, it plays a very important role in lots of religions and cultures.
There are many health benefits that come with fasting, from weight loss to a healthier brain.
This article will highlight 5 Science-Backed Benefits of Fasting.
What Is Fasting?
Before we get into the 5 benefits of fasting, it would help to understand what fasting is.
Fasting is abstaining from all / some drinks or food for a specific amount of time, and there are many different ways to do it.
Usually, most fasts last over 24-72 hours. Then there’s Intermittent Fasting, which is all about cycling between eating and fasting, from a few hours to even a few days.
5 Science-Backed Benefits of Fasting
Now that you know what fasting is, here are 5 Science-Backed Benefits of it:
1. Fasting Helps With Blood Sugar Management
Lots of studies have been done that have shown fasting to help improve blood sugar control. This reduces the risk of diabetes as well.
2. Prevents Diseases
When you lighten your usual intake of food and drink, your body has more time to focus on different important functions, like disease prevention. Fasting also speeds up your body’s ability to manage chronic inflammation. This in turn leads to a lower risk of diseases like multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, and heart disease.
3. Supports Brain Function
Studies done on animals have shown that fasting might prevent or improve Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s, and even improve overall brain function, helping with memory and brain health. These animal studies also showed that fasting can protect the brain and help produce more nerve cells. A few human studies proved that fasting could help with anxiety symptoms, as well as symptoms of depression, and increase social connection.
4. Aides in Delaying Ageing & Support Metabolism and Growth
Fasting in animal studies has usually resulted in extended life expectancy, especially in low-protein diets. Fasting promotes the levels of the human growth hormone, which plays a key role in your body’s repair and overall growth, weight loss, muscle strength, exercise performance, and metabolism.
5. Fasting Supports Weight Loss
Fasting is seen as a very healthy and do-able approach to losing weight. Lots of studies have shown that fasting can help with weight reduction, improve blood lipids, and fat loss. Different studies have also proved that fasting can increase your ability to switch metabolism to full-on fat-burning, and this can help you with muscle mass preservation, and improve your overall consumption.
Can Everyone Fast?
In all honesty, you never know if fasting is the right choice for you unless you check in with your doctor first. Before you make any significant changes to your diet or your food intake, check in with your doctor. Fasting isn’t an option for every single person, as people have different bodies. If you have a pre-existing medical condition like high blood pressure or diabetes, you’ll want to adhere to the diet prescribed by your doctor. Before you start any new diets, make sure to ask your doctor, especially if you are under 18. Fasting isn’t a good option for you if you are already underweight, or if you’re pregnant or breast-feeding. Fasting is not right for you if you are battling with an eating disorder, or have done so in the past. (If you have dealt with an eating disorder or are dealing with one, please seek help. You are loved and valued.)
Conclusion
If you think you may need to fast to help improve your health, and are looking for natural alternatives, this is the place for you.
Here at Hijama, we offer wellbeing coaching and natural remedies to help with daily life. Visit our shop / contact us if you have any questions or queries.
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