8 HEALTH BENEFITS OF FASTING

8 HEALTH BENEFITS OF FASTING

Fasting is an ancient practice that dates back to centuries. It’s an integral part of many cultures and religions. Fasting is the practice of abstaining from all or some foods or drinks for a set period of time. There are many different ways of fasting. In general, most types of fasts are performed over 24–72 hours. Intermittent fasting, involves cycling between periods of eating and fasting, ranging from a few hours to a few days at a time. Fasting has been shown to have many health benefits, such as increased weight loss, improved brain function.
Here are 8 scientifically proven health benefits of fasting.
1. Promotes Blood Sugar Control by Reducing Insulin Resistance
Several studies have found that fasting may improve blood sugar control, which could be especially useful for those at risk of diabetes.
In fact, one study in 10 people with type 2 diabetes showed that short-term intermittent fasting significantly decreased blood sugar levels. While, another review found that both intermittent fasting and alternate-day fasting were as effective as limiting calorie intake at reducing insulin resistance. Coupled with the potential blood sugar-lowering effects of fasting, this could help keep your blood sugar steady, preventing spikes and crashes in your blood sugar levels.
2. Promotes Better Health by Fighting Inflammation
While acute inflammation is a normal immune process used to help fight off infections, chronic inflammation can have serious consequences for your health. Research shows that inflammation may be involved in the development of chronic conditions, such as heart disease, cancer and rheumatoid arthritis. Some studies have found that fasting can help decrease levels of inflammation and help promote better health.
One study in 50 healthy adults showed that intermittent fasting for one month significantly decreased levels of inflammatory markers.
What’s more, one animal study found that following a very low-calorie diet to mimic the effects of fasting reduced levels of inflammation and was beneficial in the treatment of multiple sclerosis, a chronic inflammatory condition.
3. Enhance Heart Health by Improving Blood Pressure, Triglycerides and Cholesterol Levels
Heart disease is considered the leading cause of death around the world, accounting for an estimated 31.5% of deaths globally. Switching up your diet and lifestyle is one of the most effective ways to reduce your risk of heart disease. Some powerful natural nutritional supplements when combined rightly help overcome various heart health issues. Some research has found that incorporating fasting into your routine may be especially beneficial when it comes to heart health. One small study revealed that eight weeks of alternate-day fasting reduced levels of “bad” LDL cholesterol and blood triglycerides by 25% and 32% respectively. In addition, one study in 4,629 people associated fasting with a lower risk of coronary artery disease, as well as a significantly lower risk of diabetes, which is a major risk factor for heart disease.
4. Boost Brain Function and Prevent Neurodegenerative Disorders
Several studies have found that fasting could have a powerful effect on brain health. One study in mice showed that practicing intermittent fasting for 11 months improved both brain function and brain structure. Further studies have reported that fasting could protect brain health and increase the generation of nerve cells to help enhance cognitive function. Because fasting may also help relieve inflammation, it could also aid in preventing neuro-degenerative disorders. In particular, studies in animals suggest that fasting may protect against and improve outcomes for conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s.
5. Aids Weight Loss by Limiting Calorie Intake and Boosting Metabolism
Many dieters pick up fasting looking for a quick and easy way to drop a few pounds. As wellness Consultant, I always recommend fasting for people who want to loose weight along with Clean 9 weight loss pack, this has helped a lot of people achieve their weight loss/ body cellular detoxification goal. This makes them feel good and look good. Theoretically, abstaining from all or certain foods and beverages should decrease your overall calorie intake, which could lead to increased weight loss over time. Some research has also found that short-term fasting boosts metabolism by increasing levels of the neurotransmitter norepinephrine, which could enhance weight loss.In addition, fasting was found to be more effective than calorie restriction at increasing fat loss while simultaneously preserving muscle tissue.
6. Increases Growth Hormone Secretion
Human growth hormone (HGH) is a type of protein hormone that is central to many aspects of your health. In fact, research shows that this key hormone is involved in growth, metabolism, weight loss and muscle strength. Several studies have found that fasting could naturally increase HGH levels. One study in 11 healthy adults showed that fasting for 24 hours significantly increased levels of HGH. Plus, fasting may help maintain steady blood sugar and insulin levels throughout the day, which may further optimize levels of HGH.
7. Could Delay Aging and Extend Longevity
Several animal studies have found promising results on the potential lifespan-extending effects of fasting. In one study, rats that fasted every other day experienced a delayed rate of aging and lived 83% longer than rats that didn’t fast. To replenish and rebuild weak and damaged body cells it is important to use natural nutritional supplements to support our body system while fasting.

8. May Aid in Cancer Prevention and Increase the Effectiveness of Chemotherapy
Animal and test-tube studies indicate that fasting may benefit the treatment and prevention of cancer. In fact, one rat study found that alternate-day fasting helped block tumor formation. Similarly, a test-tube study showed that exposing cancer cells to several cycles of fasting was as effective as chemotherapy in delaying tumor growth and increased the effectiveness of chemotherapy drugs on cancer formation.
How to Start Fasting
There are many different types of fasts, making it easy to find a method that fits your lifestyle.
Here are a few of the most common types of fasting:
  • Water fasting: Involves drinking only water for a set amount of time.
  • Juice fasting: Entails only drinking vegetable or fruit juice for a certain period.
  • Intermittent fasting: Intake is partially or completely restricted for a few hours up to a few days at a time and a normal diet is resumed on other days.
  • Partial fasting: Certain foods or drinks such as processed foods, animal products or caffeine are eliminated from the diet for a set period.
  • Calorie restriction: Calories are restricted for a few days every week.
Within these categories are also more specific types of fasts.
For example, intermittent fasting can be broken down into subcategories, such as alternate-day fasting, which involves eating every other day, or time-restricted feeding, which entails limiting intake to just a few hours each day.
To get started, try experimenting with different types of fasting to find what works best for you.
Safety and Side Effects
Despite the long list of possible health benefits associated with fasting, it may not be right for everyone. If you suffer from diabetes or low blood sugar, fasting can lead to spikes and crashes in your blood sugar levels, which could be dangerous. It’s best to talk to your doctor or Wellness consultant first if you have any underlying health conditions or are planning to fast for more than 24 hours. Also, fasting is not generally recommended without supervision for older Elderly people, adolescents or people who are underweight. If you decide to try fasting, be sure to stay well-hydrated and suppoort your diet with natural nutritional supplements during your eating periods to maximize the potential health benefits.
Additionally, if fasting for longer periods, try to minimize intense physical activity and get plenty of rest.
Fasting is a practice that has been associated with a wide array of potential health benefits, including weight loss, as well as improved blood sugar control, heart health, brain function and cancer prevention.
From water fasting to intermittent fasting and calorie restriction, there are many different types of fasting that fit nearly every lifestyle.
When coupled with the right natural nutritional supplements and healthy lifestyle, incorporating fasting into your routine will certainly benefit your health.
For recommended diets, right natural supplements and other related advice on fasting, speak to the wellness consultant