Many people see fasting as a way of life. Others, especially younger ones may view fasting as a punishment. These contrasting views have made many people have second thoughts about adopting fasting into their routine. Well, could there be more to fasting more than just a religious belief? Yes, there is. In fact, fasting comes with so many health benefits. In this post, that’s where we would discuss it. This blog post would be outlining 20 health benefits of fasting. Let’s get into it already.
20 Health Benefits Of Fasting
These are the top 20 health benefits of fasting to humans:
1. Weight Loss
The weight loss benefit is one of the most rewarding things about fasting. When you fast, you lose several pounds of fats, especially those that are not useful to your body. Well, the amount of fat that you may lose in this activity depends on the duration of your fasting. For a significant weight loss difference, fast for longer hours or days. The best part about fasting is that it is enjoyable and one of the best ways to achieve the best weight loss result.
2. Improved Insulin Sensitivity
Insulin is a hormone that helps to regulate your blood sugar level. When you fast, your insulin levels drop naturally and this leads to an improved insulin sensitivity in your system. With this improved sensitivity in place, you can reduce your risk of developing type 2 diabetes and other digestive illnesses.
3. Reduced Inflammation
Inflammation in your digestive system can lead to many health problems. So many studies have discovered that when inflammation is chronic, a person could develop heart problems or arthritis.
However, it would amaze you that fasting has been shown to have a powerful anti-inflammatory effect on the body. It helps to reduce inflammation and improve your health status. As a result, you would feel less pain, and be more active due to the reduced impact of this reduced inflammation.
4. Improved Brain Function
Fasting can also help improve your brain capacities. Yes, if you struggle with having retentive memory or other mental problems, fasting could help. When you fast, your brain tends to have a better concentration on activities, improved memory and enhanced cognitive abilities. So, if you’re looking to “upgrade” your brain capacities, fasting might just do the job. Don’t you think so?
5. Increased Energy Levels
You read right! Yes, fasting can lead to an increased energy level in your body. So, it works in a way such that when your body is free from the tasking energy needed to digest food, it could redirect that energy into something else. Something else such as important functions your body might need to stay more active during the day.
6. Improved Digestion
Many people have commented that fasting has helped to improve their digestion. This is true and possible. When you fast, you give your gut the break that allows it to heal and reset. As a result, this rest could lead to better nutrient absorption, reduced bloating, and overall improved digestive health.
7. Enhanced Cellular Repair
Scientists have discovered that fasting can trigger a process called autophagy. If you don’t know, autophagy is your body’s way of cleaning out damaged cells and regenerating healthier ones.
When you fast, this process becomes faster and the benefits are remarkable. It leads to a slow aging process and reduced risk of certain diseases. This is the secret to why some may look young despite being advanced in age. Fasting is the secret.
8. Reduced Risk of Heart Disease
Most heart diseases often arise due to increased cholesterol levels. Well, fasting helps you lower the risk of suffering from this. As a result, it reduces your chances of developing heart problems and keeps you in healthy shape for many years to come.
9. Improved Skin Health
In many cases, some dermatologists have said that fasting may also contribute to improved skin health. Yes, it could give you that glowy complexion that you also always wanted. When you fast, your skin cells begin to repair themselves. This is one of the most natural ways to get nice skin. So, dump those unhealthy skin care products and have a fasting routine. The result may just blow your mind.
10. Enhanced Immune Function
Fasting has been found to boost the production of white blood cells. These white blood cells are your body’s defense against illness and infection. So, if you’re looking to give your immune system a little extra boost in white blood cells, fasting might be the way to go.
11. Reduced Risk of Cancer
Cancer is formed as a result of the spread of harmful cells in the body. But, how does fasting help solve this problem? Fasting helps reduce the risk of cancer by limiting the availability of nutrients that cancerous cells thrive on. As a result, this leads to the slowing down of the growth and spread of these harmful cells.
12. Improved Mood and Mental Well-being
For many years, research has shown that when you fast your body releases feel-good chemicals. Chemicals such as endorphins and serotonin are some of the chemicals that are released when you fast. These chemicals can help to improve your mood and you would filled day instead of being sad all the time.
13. Enhanced Longevity
As mentioned earlier, fasting helps to reduce inflammation, improve cellular function and release feel good chemicals. When this stress is reduced in one’s life, what are the corresponding effects?
Your guess is as good as mine, that’s a long life. You would live long and experience improved health.
14. Improved Reproductive Health
Research has also affirmed the fact that fasting can have a positive impact on reproductive health. It has been found that fasting can help alleviate menstrual cramps, reduce the risk of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), and even improve fertility. To experience these positives, you could consider incorporating a fasting routine this week. Then, observe the result. You could be amazed at how much differences that you’ll observe.
15. Reduced Risk of Neurodegenerative Diseases
As we age, the risk of developing neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s increases. Interestingly, fasting has been found to have a protective effect on the brain and reduces the risk of developing these debilitating conditions.
16. Improved Sleep Quality
Do you find it difficult to sleep? If yes, then consider giving fasting a try. You see, fasting reduces inflammation and balances hormones in your body. These hormones can help you fall asleep faster. In fact, you would wake up feeling refreshed and energized than you were before sleeping.
17. Reduced Cravings and Improved Willpower
To be honest, resisting food cravings can be a real challenge. Well, fasting can actually help you regain control over your appetite. When you fast regularly, it helps you break the cycle of constant snacking and overeating. In fact, it helps you to make healthier choices and stick to your goals of eating healthy.
18. Increased Spiritual Awareness
Some people who fast have noticed that fasting helps to improve spiritual awareness. In a way, fasting can help you connect with your inner self, tap into your intuition, and cultivate a deeper sense of spiritual awareness. Who knows, you might just discover a whole new side of yourself through the power of fasting.
19. Improved Gut Health
Fasting helps play a key role in maintaining a healthy gut microbiome. It does this by restoring the balance of beneficial bacteria in your gut which can lead to improved nutrient absorption and a stronger immune system.
20. Increased Appreciation for Food
Finally, you’ll agree that fasting can help you develop a deeper sense of gratitude and appreciation for the food and nourishment you have. The truth is that when you experience the temporary discomfort of hunger, you may gain a newfound respect for those who provide food for you. No doubt, this can lead to a more mindful approach to eating in order not to avoid wasting it at any given opportunity.
Conclusion
This article has definitely been an eye opener for you. You’ve seen that fasting helps in improving one’s life more than how you thought. In fact, it is because of the many health benefits that fasting gives that it is incorporated to some people’s daily routine. Well, if you intend to incorporate fasting into your daily routine, remember to start small. You could begin by taking an hour daily to fast as increasing it as your body allows you. The benefits are rewarding. More rewarding that you could even think of.