Can Intermittent Fasting (Skipping Meals) Make You Healthier?
Chances are that you can’t get through your newsfeed without seeing something about intermittent fasting. In fact, it was the number 1 searched for term in 2019. Due to the fact that numerous studies suggest that it provides a wealth of benefits, this comes as no surprise. But the question that needs to be answered is, can it make you healthier? Read on to learn more.
Weight loss
One of the ways this type of fasting can make you healthier is to lose weight. Intermittent fasting consists of sticking to a time-restricted pattern of not eating. In addition to that, intermittent fasting consists of choosing not to eat calorie-dense foods on certain days as well as to significantly reduce calorie intake on alternate days.
The end result is that the user ends up consuming fewer calories and trigger several biological responses in the body. Some of those include lower insulin levels, higher levels of norepinephrine and higher growth hormone levels.
These biological responses increase the rate at which, the body breaks down fat and use it for energy. This is called metabolism rate. As such, it can make you healthier by causing you to lose weight as it boosts your metabolic responses and ultimately leads to you consuming fewer calories.
Reduces Inflammation and Oxidative Stress
Therapists are known for always saying ‘stress kills’. In actuality, a vast amount of illness, we experience occurs as a result of inflammation and oxidative stress. Oxidative stress and inflammation naturally build up in our bodies as we get older. Several prominent studies demonstrated that this type of fasting can improve the body’s ability to resist oxidative stress and inflammation in the body. This suggests that it can help to protect you from the development of multiple diseases.
Reduces Risk Of Getting Cancer
Cancer can be best described as being the uncontrolled production of cells. In general, fasting has been known to reduce the risks of getting cancer due to its effect on the body’s metabolism rate. While more human studies are required to fully understand this added benefit, numerous animal studies indicate that it can help to prevent cancer.
Improve Brain Function
Arguably, the number one issue with aging is cognitive decline. As we get older oxidative stress, inflammation and blood sugar levels accelerate that decline. Numerous studies with rats have shown that fasting can trigger the growth of new nerve cells. This can help the brain to function more efficiently.
It also leads to higher levels of the brain hormone BDNF or brain-derived neurotrophic factor. A deficiency in this hormone has been linked with depression and several other neurological problems.
Prolongs Your Life
One of the most profound ways intermittent fasting can make you healthier is by prolonging your life. Several studies in mice show that it can extend the lifespan. The results were surprising and dramatic, to say the least. Studies suggest some rats who fasted every other day, we’re able to live 83% longer than the rats who were not on a fasting routine.
Talk to the fine people at Synergy Wellness and Weight Loss for all your weight loss questions.