Looking for a simple way to lose excess weight and gain more energy? Then Intermittent Fasting may be the answer for you.
Intermittent fasting is an eating pattern where you cycle between periods of eating and fasting.
It is not a question of which foods to eat, but rather when you should eat them.
There are several different intermittent fasting methods, all of which split the day into eating periods and fasting periods. This diagram explains more.
There are lots of health benefits to Intermittent Fasting, so it is definitely worth a try. If you find it difficult to go the distance, it might be helpful to have an electrolyte drink or herbal tea to hold you over.
Most people already “fast” 8 hours every day, while they sleep. So if you can just hold off a few more hours, it can make a world of difference in your health.
The easiest method is to skip breakfast, eat your first meal at noon or later and then your last meal by 8 pm. In this way, you’re technically fasting for 16 hours every day, and restricting your eating to an 8-hour eating window. This is the most popular form of Intermittent Fasting, known as the 16/8 method.
Despite what you may think, Intermittent Fasting is actually fairly easy to do. Many people report feeling better and having more energy during a fast.
Hunger is usually not that big of an issue, although it can be a problem in the beginning, while your body is getting used to not eating for extended periods of time.
Here are some health benefits that occur when you fast:
Human Growth Hormone (HGH): The levels of HGH skyrocket, increasing as much as 5-fold. This has benefits for fat loss and muscle gain. A game changer in losing unwanted pounds and improving overall stamina.
Insulin: Insulin sensitivity improves, and levels of insulin drop dramatically. Lower insulin levels make stored body fat more accessible to be utilized. A1c may enter a more perfect range (lower than 5.7%)
Cellular repair: When fasting, your cells initiate cellular repair processes. This includes autophagy, where cells digest and remove old and dysfunctional proteins that build up inside cells.
Improve heart function by reducing inflammation. See this recent study
Reduce pain caused by inflammation.
Gene expression: There are changes in the function of genes related to longevity and protection against disease.
Improve brain function. See this link.
Oral Health Benefits
· Lowers the number of microbes in your mouth
· Balances the saliva pH
· Reduces inflammation of periodontal disease.
· Reduces the risk of decay
It is important to keep hydrated during Intermittent Fasting, as dehydration can occur while eating and drinking less frequently.
Personally, I make sure to keep up my electrolyte intake throughout the fasting time. This is as simple as drinking water with a quality mineral salt added or adding a flavored electrolyte powder to your water.
When you come for your next appointment, we can discuss specifics on the best way to do this.
There are tons of anecdotal stories on Goggle search or Pub Med where chronic disease has disappeared with fasting. So if this is a concern of yours, Intermittent Fasting may help you on your road to healing.
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