1. Superb Weight Loss Tool
Numerous studies support the idea that fasting can be beneficial in helping someone to lose weight, which can trim body weight by upwards of 10 lbs per week in many cases. This is without the individual performing any type of exercise, which is pretty impressive in itself.
The science behind how this works is due to inflammation within the body, and how it affects process like metabolism. Whenever we eat and digest food, it cases the release of free radicals and other chemicals which cause inflammation.
Inflammation in turn is the case of many diseases, as well as being a major stressor. The body producing more of the stress hormone cortisol in turn encourages more fat accumulation, and weight gain.
Fasting periodically means that the body goes through longer periods where it doesn’t suffer from as much inflammation, allowing it to perform better in areas such as hormonal control. This is an effective way to lose weight, especially around the troublesome midsection.
2. Good for Athletes Training before Competition
Fasting is really great for athletes as well, as it allows them to significantly trim down their body fat composition which can give them a competitive edge if done properly. On days of the actual competition such as a basketball or football game, the athlete should eat a good amount of food so that their glycogen stores are full, and that they have the energy to perform well.
On the days prior however, fasting can be beneficial not only in optimizing body tissue competition, but in doing so, the body releases HgH. Fasting is advisable on training days, where athletes can maintain a caloric deficit by eating meals high in protein and fiber.
3. Can Help Prevent Diabetes
One of the biggest benefits to fasting is the benefit it provides to our blood, as it helps to normalize insulin sensitivity. When we consume too many carbohydrates and sugars, we can become resistant to the hormone insulin, the one which the body uses to regular our blood sugar levels.
Becoming insulin resistant is troublesome because of the potential of developing a whole host of diseases, most concerning being diabetes. Diabetes itself is bad as the body has difficulty controlling the blood sugar levels, which can affect mood and energy levels.
More troublesome however is that diabetes can be a precursor to other diseases, such as obesity, heart disease and other cardiovascular diseases. Fasting is an effective way to reduce our chances of developing these diseases.
4. May Help Us Live Longer
Everyone is constantly looking for ways to extend their lifespan, and fasting may be an effective and easy way in which to do so. Studies in other species have shown that periodic fasting extends their lifespan, which has been seen in trials with mice time and time again.
It makes sense if we think back to how the body works in terms of metabolism and inflammation, as the more often we eat the more inflammation we are causing, which in turn makes us more susceptible to disease. It also makes sense if we think of how we came to be, as our ancestors never had so many sources of readily available food as we do today. We needed to be able to survive with periods without food, so it’s not too crazy to think that fasting could be in our best interest.
Also Worth Noting
There are many different methods to fasting, from not eating at all, from regulating what you eat and when you eat, to fasting for multiple days at a time. Make sure to do your due diligence in researching these methods before you give them a try, as not every method is going to be best for all individuals.
