Not eating anything for just one day has shown to help the body clean up the toxins and regulate the functioning of other organs of the body like liver, kidneys and other parts. When no food is consumed by the body, the body turns to the fat deposits for energy, which releases chemicals from the fatty reserves and results in the eradication of these chemicals through the organs. It has been well favored cleansing and correcting the imbalances in the body.
After fasting, the blood is filled with better levels of endorphins, which makes you more alert and provides you with a feeling of good mental health. The effects of fasting are considered similar to that of exercise.
Fasting has shown to improve brain function, because it boosts the production of a protein called brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF.)
BDNF activates brain stem cells to convert into new neurons, and triggers numerous other chemicals that promote neural health.
Fasting can help clear the skin your diet is important to your skin’s appearance, High blood sugar changes the structure of collagen, weakening its strength. Because with the body temporarily freed from digestion, it’s able to focus its regenerative energies on other systems. Fasting can also improve your skin’s integrity.
Fasting improves the immune system because it reduces free radical damage, regulates inflammatory conditions in the body and starves off cancer cell formation. In nature, when animals get sick they stop eating and instead focus on resting. This is a primal instinct to reduce stress on their internal system so their body can fight off infection.
Fasting can be a helpful practice for those who suffer with binge eating disorders, and for those who find it difficult to establish a correct eating pattern due to work and other priorities.
With intermittent fasting going all afternoon without a meal is okay and it can allow you to eat at a set time that fits your lifestyle. Also, for anyone who wants to prevent binge eating, you can establish a set time in where you allow yourself to eat your daily amount of calories in one sitting, and then not eat till the following day.
Intermittent fasting gives your digestive system a rest, and this can energise your metabolism to burn through calories more efficiently. If your digestion is poor, this can affect your ability to metabolize food and burn fat. Intermittent fasts can regulate your digestion and promote healthy bowel function, thus improving your metabolic function.
Fasting can be a safe way to lose weight.
It triggers the liver enzymes and breaks fat and cholesterol into essential bile acids, which stimulate the metabolism and convert the surplus fat into heat. Regular fasting has also shown to improve eating patterns over time. Excessive central fat stored around organs, like your liver and kidneys, interferes with organ function. Fasting, particularly intermittent fasting helps you reach ketosis even faster than caloric restriction.
Although fasting has been believed to be a natural and effective method of helping the body get rid of harmful toxins, it is also vital to be well aware of its possible side effects.
During fasting, the body continues losing salt and water through sweat, urine, and breathing. If such symptoms occur, it is vital to drink water mixed with salt and sugar to compensate for the loss. . Dehydration, hunger or lack of sleep during a fasting can also lead to headaches.
Headaches while fasting could be caused due to hunger, restlessness, or the sudden absence of caffeine or nicotine in the body. Drinking plenty of fluids, eating in moderation, and avoiding direct sunlight may help prevent headaches.
Diabetics should be very cautious and should always discuss fasting with a medical professional before starting. They are strongly recommended to monitor their blood glucose since a drop in blood sugar can prove to be fatal and may lead to fainting. In case of dizziness or sweating, it is advisable to consume fluids containing sugar as soon as possible.
Heartburn can be caused as a result of the production of stomach acids, which otherwise aid indigestion. Avoiding greasy, spicy foods and eating in moderation can help control belching, vomiting, and heartburn. Reduction in caffeine consumption and smoking, as well as sleeping with your head raised can also prove beneficial.
It depends upon individual choice or if it fits into your lifestyle. It is completely dependent on your work schedule, preferred time of training, and/or your preferred length of fasting.
Consume your normal meals every day, then pick one or two days a week where you fast. Some people use alternate-day fasting as a way to lose weight. They eat nothing every other day. This only helps you lose weight if you can control your hunger on your “eating” days and don’t overeat.
