Fasting has become a widespread practice since it possesses some health benefits. Fasting is whereby people abstain from consuming certain foods and drinks for a specific period. There are different ways of fasting. Some of the fasts can be performed for over 24 hours.
As for intermittent fasting, it entails alternating the period of fasting and eating, ranging from one day to a few hours. Fasting harbors different health benefits, including:
- Fasting Promotes Blood Sugar Control
Some studies have been carried out, and they showcase that fasting can help improve blood sugar control. If you are at risk of diabetes, you can consider fasting.
Individuals with type 2 diabetes should try out intermittent fasting since it will help lower blood sugar levels. Alternate-day fasting and intermittent fasting help limit the calorie intake, and in the process, the insulin resistance will be reduced.
A decrease in insulin resistance will help to improve the body’s sensitivity to insulin. In the process, the body can transport glucose straight from the bloodstream to the body cells efficiently.
If you are conversant with intermittent fasting, you may be wondering, what is autophagy? Well, by using individuals who have diabetes as a case study, we can say that autophagy entails ensuring that a person’s blood sugar levels have improved through intermittent fasting. The low-calorie intake improves body functioning, and the main focus is on improving insulin resistance.
- Fasting Helps to Fight Inflammation
Acute inflammation is a significant issue that usually occurs when the immune system is fighting off some infections. The main issue is that chronic inflammation can affect your health adversely. Some research has been carried out, and it has showcased that inflammation may lead to the development of chronic illnesses such as cancer and heart diseases.
Fortunately, fasting can help to reduce inflammation levels while also promoting better health.
- Fasting Improves Heart Health Through Improved Cholesterol Levels and Blood Pressure
Heart diseases have contributed to numerous deaths globally per year. To reduce your risk of incurring heart disease, you should consider changing your lifestyle and diet.
Some research has been carried out, and fasting can be beneficial when it comes to improving heart health.
- Fasting Improves Brain Function
Studies showcase that brain function can be improved through fasting. At the moment, the studies are limited to animal research.
Fasting usually increases the generation of the nerve cells while also improving the cognitive function. Since fasting helps to reduce inflammation, it may again come in handy while preventing neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease.
- Fasting Helps in Weight Loss Since the Calorie Intake Will Be Reduced
If you want to lose weight, you can try out fasting. The main reason why people opt for fasting is that it may help to reduce the calorie intake, and in the process, you will manage to lose weight.
Fasting can also help to boost the body’s metabolism since it helps to increase the neurotransmitter norepinephrine levels that, in turn, contribute to weight loss. Intermittent fasting has also contributed significantly to weight loss.
- Fasting Helps to Increase Growth Hormone Secretion
HGH (Human Growth Hormone) is a protein hormone that serves as an essential aspect of a person’s health. The hormone is involved in metabolism, growth, muscle strength, and weight loss. Some studies have showcased that fasting can help to increase the HGH (Human Growth Hormone) levels in the body.