13 Health Benefits Of Intermittent Fasting

By Jeff Kucine, DO

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. https://www.drkucine.com/

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13 Health Benefits Of Intermittent Fasting

Alternating between periods of fasting and windows of eating – a tactic known as “intermittent fasting” – acts as a positive, mild stressor on the body, much like exercising. Putting the body through this intentional stress “works out” the cells, encouraging healthy turnover and making them more adaptable and effective at protecting against future trauma and disease.

The benefits of the practice are numerous and compelling. Intermittent fasting can help to:

Lower your risk for cancer. Fasting increases levels of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes, which can slow cancer progression. Furthermore, multiple studies have shown a link between intermittent fasting and reduced risk of cancer.

Improve heart health. Fasting encourages the body to begin to use fat for fuel instead of glucose. Not only is fat a cleaner energy source, using it as fuel also lowers triglyceride levels and improves blood pressure.

Stabilize blood sugar. When we eat too often or consume lots of carbs, our bloodstreams are awash with glucose. Fasting gives the body a chance to recover and reset between meals.

Encourage weight loss. Leptin resistance occurs when your brain stops recognizing signals from the satiety hormone, leptin. Instead of feeling full, you feel constantly hungry. Fasting helps reduce the inflammation that causes leptin resistance and resets leptin receptors, encouraging weight loss.

Decrease hunger pangs. Just as leptin helps to decrease feelings of hunger, the hormone ghrelin is responsible for making you feel hungry. Intermittent fasting reduces ghrelin, which also increases dopamine in the brain.

Lower bad cholesterol. Fasting supports both a reduction in LDL cholesterol and an increase in HDL cholesterol.

Heal your gut. Intermittent fasting improves inflammatory gut problems such as IBS and Crohn’s disease.

Reduce autoimmune symptoms. In two separate studies, fasting cycles improved symptoms associated with autoimmune conditions like multiple sclerosis and lupus.

Improve lung health. Intermittent fasting can help reduce asthma symptoms.

Induce ketosis. The process of breaking down fat stores for energy is known as ketosis and comes with plenty of health benefits.

Live longer. A study on intermittent fasting showed that fasting protected mice from strokes and consistently extended their lifespans by 30%.

Ease depression. Fasting improves mental health just as it supports physical well-being. People with depression report an improvement in mood, greater mental alertness, and a sense of peace while fasting.

Support brain health and memory. Studies have shown that intermittent fasting can slow brain aging, improve degenerative brain disorders such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s, and help keep us mentally sharp.

Intermittent fasting may not be a cure-all, but it certainly boasts a long list of impressive benefits. By intentionally going without food for specific periods of time – even just 12-14 hours – we can begin to heal and reset the body in surprisingly powerful ways.

Before you start, or before embarking on any dietary change, consult your healthcare professional.