The Amazing Benefits of Intermittent Fasting

What is the Hype about Intermittent Fasting ?

Intermittent fasting could also be called “time restricted eating.”  IF involves abstaining from food or caloric beverages for a set period of time.  Most people who will choose a 16-20 hour fasting window with a 4-8 hour eating window.

Intermittent fasting was first used in the 1900s to treat medical conditions including obesity, epilepsy and diabetes. Today,  intermittent fasting has been a very well researched eating plan that simply seems to work. It is pretty hard to argue with the concrete science behind IF and all the benefits it has to offer our bodies.  If you want to learn more check out the research of Dr. Jason Fung.

How Does Intermitten Fasting (IF) Work ?

There are many ways to go about intermittent fasting.  For many, they skip breakfast and enjoy a 6-8 hour eating window sometime around mid morning or early afternoon. It does take a 16 hour fasting period to reap the true benefits of intermittient fasting.  This may seem like a challenge at first. However, if you work up to it, it is fairly simple.  Peronally, I like to fast for 18 hours and eat for 6 hours. I generally choose to eat between 1 and 7 pm and then fast overnight and through the next morning.  I always get my exercise in during the fasting state to maximize the potential.  Mental clarity is the main benefit I notice in the fasting state!

Most people will follow their intermittent fasting schedule daily.  Some, may let it go on the weekends or on vacation.  Some will do an extended fast (EF) once a week or more where theyt go 24-36 hours without food.  With time and practice, you can learn which eating/fasting ration best suits your needs.

I recommened that ALL of my weight loss patients give IF a try!  I have found it to have exceptional results on my patient population in regards to health, weight maintenance and even reversal of conditions such as high blood sugar, pre-diabetes and high cholesterol.  Oveer time, most intermittent fasters often find that they sleep better, have more energy and amazing mental clarity!

The Benefits of Intermittent Fasting!

The science behind intermittent fasting shows that it can reduce oxidative damage and inflammation in the body. Inflammation is at the root of most all conditions in the body.  Keeping inflammation at bay will keep all of your organ systems strong!  Many studies also show that intermittent fasting will increase metabolism slightly and upregulate fat burning.  I also find that IF helps to reduce food cravings  and createds appetite control naturally.  IF also creates a healthier pattern and relationship with food. Most of our IF patients will lose weight and have positive changes on body composition. Many patients also report loving the simplified nature of this eating plan.  It provides a freedom from food!

There is also incredible research on how IF affects the brain.  Research studies show that by reducing oxidative stress in the brain, intermittent fasting can improve memory, enhance the growth of new neurons/pathways and help the brain recover after any trauma.  Intermittent fasting has also been shown to decrease the risk of developing neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.  IF could also  improve brain function for those affected by these  diseases.

Intermittent fasting also allows the gastro intestinal system to heal and renew by giving it longer breaks between eating periods.  This is really how we were meant to eat. Our body is designed to fast!  Our hunter-gatherer ancestors would go many hours and even days and sometimes weeks without food.

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