The Benefits of Fasting
Fasting is not a diet trend that just sprouted in recent years. The practise of not eating (or drinking) anything for a specific period has been around since the ancient times. Religious fasting practices have used the fast period to pray or meditate.
Today, fasting is used to describe any form of withholding one's self from food intake. Some go on a juice fast, which means they only drink a type of juice for a short number of days.
Meanwhile, intermittent fasting has become a favourite for all people of different ages. Some can opt-in on a short 12-hour fast, while others go up to 16 hours or longer.
Whatever type of fasting you intend to practice. Or if you're still on the fence on whether fasting is good for you or not, research suggests that this practice has tons of benefits, weight loss is just the beginning of it.
Fasting Can Help Lose Weight
Fasting done right is an effective way to lose weight. A 2015 study concluded that whole-day fasts could help one lose body fat for up to 6 per cent. Breaking the fast also matters. When we say "done right" that means, creating a holistic lifestyle change. What you eat when you are not fasting matters too!
Fasting Keeps The Blood Sugar Level Steady
When you fast, your body begins to rely more on fat than on carbs for energy. This causes insulin production to decrease. Those who practice intermittent fasting have been found to reduce insulin resistance which helps make your body more sensitive to insulin. This means that you can have fewer spikes and crashes on your blood sugar level.
Fasting is Anti-Inflammatory
Chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease and arthritis are commonly tied to chronic inflammation. Fasting can lower the levels of inflammatory markers in your body. Some studies say that something as doable as a 12-hour fast every day for a month can do that.
Fasting Helps Prevent Depression
Fasting enthusiasts have claimed the anti-depressant effect of this practice. Fasting and calorie restriction have been proven to relieve one of some negative emotions, it has the ability to make feel-good hormones and neurotransmitters like serotonin available to your brain. It can relieve you of tension and anger.
Fasting can do more!
If you haven't tried fasting yet, first check with your doctor and learn the possible risks and effects. But if you've been doing this for a long time, don't stop! Try out different methods and ways to practise this healthy habit.
