Fasting
Unlock Your Healing Reservoir
Fasting is one of the original paths to healing. Dating back as early as 1,500 B.C., fasting has been used for a variety of illnesses and cleanses and even to address obesity in ancient days. I will explain the benefits that come from taking the burden of digestion away to make room for detoxification and cell repair.
What exactly is fasting?
Fasting is the practice of abstaining from food and/or drink for a certain period. Fasting has been associated with several health benefits, both physical and mental.
Fasting can lead to calorie restriction, which may result in weight loss. It can boost metabolism by promoting the production of norepinephrine, which increases the body's energy expenditure. Fasting helps to reduce insulin resistance, leading to more stable blood sugar levels and a reduced risk of type 2 Diabetes.
Benefits of Fasting:
Fasting may increase the production of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), which supports brain health and cognitive function. It can also promote autophagy in brain cells, helping to remove damaged cells and potentially reduce the risk of neurodegenerative diseases. Fasting has been shown to decrease inflammatory markers in the body, which may lower the risk of chronic diseases like heart disease, cancer, and arthritis. Fasting can improve heart health by lowering blood pressure, cholesterol levels, triglycerides, and other risk factors for cardiovascular disease. Studies on animals suggest that fasting may extend lifespan by promoting cellular repair processes and reducing the risk of age-related diseases.
Giving the digestive system a break can promote better gut health and improve symptoms of certain digestive disorders. Fasting triggers autophagy, a process where cells remove damaged components and regenerate, which can protect against several diseases, including cancer.
Many people report increased mental clarity and focus during fasting periods, possibly due to reduced blood sugar fluctuations and increased production of certain neurotransmitters.
Fasting can increase the production of endorphins, the feel-good hormones, which may improve mood and reduce stress levels. For many, fasting is a spiritual practice that enhances self-discipline, mindfulness, and a sense of connection to a higher purpose or community.
2. Types of Fasting:
Intermittent Fasting:
Involves cycling between periods of eating and fasting, such as the 16/8 method (16 hours of fasting and 8 hours of eating) or the 5:2 method (eating normally for 5 days and restricting calories for 2 days).
Extended Fasting:
Involves fasting for longer periods, such as 24, 48, or 72 hours, which should be done with caution and ideally under medical supervision.
Alternate-Day Fasting:
Alternating between days of normal eating and fasting or consuming very few calories.
Time-Restricted Eating:
Limiting food intake to a specific window of time each day, such as eating only between noon and 8 PM.
Fasting is not suitable for everyone, especially those with certain medical conditions, pregnant or breastfeeding women, and individuals with a history of eating disorders. It is essential to stay hydrated and maintain balanced nutrition during eating periods. Consulting a healthcare professional before starting any fasting regimen is advisable to ensure it is safe and appropriate for your individual health needs.
We are BIOINDIVIDUAL in need of customized nutrients and practices to thrive. Working with an expert takes the guesswork and problems out of trying to design a fasting plan. Fasting varies WIDELY between men and women. The age of each individual matters as much as the sex of the person for success with fasting. Fasting too long, often or extreme can result in exhausting your adrenals. Exhausted adrenals result in long term problems losing weight.
For further reading, here are some great links:
https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/intermittent-fasting-surprising-update-2018062914156
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/05/240528192103.htm
To set up a free chat, contact me at hello@angiesrealfood.com, or call or text me at 619-807-1387. My door is always open.
