6 Key Benefits Of Fasting

Fasting is one of those things that are really beneficial to us, but is often confused with starvation and regarded as unrealistical and dangerous, so I want to clear some things up and tell you about the 6 key benefits of fasting.

Fasting Vs Starving

Let’s establish the difference between fasting and starving here because there is a huge difference. Just because you feel hungry doesn’t mean you’re starving. Starving basically means undernourished. When you’re starving you’re not getting the nutrition that your body needs which causes some pretty serious health issues.

Ironically in my years of coaching I’ve come to learn that a great deal of people are undernourished even though they eat consistently. There are two main reasons for this.

Your diet does not contain enough of the nutrients you need.
You have digestive issues that keep your body from absorbing and using the nutrients you consume.

On the flip side there is fasting that acts as solution to these problems. Fasting does not necessarily restrict what you eat, but restricts when you eat. You basically set a time frame of when you don’t eat, but there are ways to consume enough nutrients without breaking your fast. The nutrients I’m referring to is micro nutrients, meaning vitamins and minerals.

6 Key Benefits Of Fasting

1. FASTING HELPS WITH FAT LOSS

Fasting is an extremely effective way to lower your body fat percentage. The way this works is there are 2 main sources of energy that your body uses called fat and carbs. Both of the energy sources get broken down into a simpler form called glucose which is what your body operates on. Carbs are the body’s preferred source of energy because its easier to convert into available energy. Fasting allows the body to burn through all of the carbs, and start converting and using fat as energy at a much higher rate.

2. FASTING HELPS IMPROVE INSULIN SENSATIVITY

Insulin sensitivity is major factor in maintaining an efficient energy balance and body fat percentage. Basically insulin sensitivity is the rate out how effective your body is at utilizing blood glucose for energy. The pancreas releases insulin into the bloodstream to collect glucose and transport it to where its needed. Fasting increases the efficiency of this process, which comes as a great benefit to people struggling with fatigue, weight gain, and diabetes.

3. FASTING IMPROVES THE METABOLISM

Its a common belief that not eating for long periods of time can slow down your metabolism, but fasting actually does the complete opposite. Eating constantly creates a lot of work for your digestive tract which over time can cause a slowdown or even a complete burnout. Fasting gives your digestive tract a break from the constant workload thus giving it a jump start to work much more efficiently.

4. FASTING IMPROVES BRAIN FUNCTION

There have been many scientific studies that show Fasting improves brain function because it boosts the production of a protein called brain derived neurotrophic factor or BDNF. BDNF triggers brain stem cells to convert into new neurons, and triggers numerous other chemicals that promote neural health. This protein also protects your brain cells from diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease.

5. FASTING IMPROVES THE IMMUNE SYSTEM

fasting improves the immune system by reducing free radical damage, regulating inflammatory conditions in the body and starves off cancer cell formations. It is very difficult for the body to focus on both digestion and recovery which is why when you get sick, your appetite diminishes. Fasting allows the body to concentrate on recovery much more effectively.

6. FASTING PROMOTES LONGEVITY

Contrary to popular belief, the less you eat, the longer you live. Numerous scientific studies show that in both animals and humans, a reduction in food intake results in an increased lifespan. Aging is caused by a slow metabolism and a lack of recovery from cellular damage. The combination of all of the previously listed perks of fasting result in a body that stays younger for longer.

Tribe By Noire