Fasting or Intermittent Fasting (IF) has been around since the 5th century. The Greek physician Hippocrates advised people to fast for better health. When you are fasting, you are giving your digestive system some rest. Too much food can harm the body. Although some people may feel miserable about fasting, the benefits are well worth the time and effort. Here are the five benefits of fasting.
Improve Blood Sugar
Researchers are saying that IF can improve blood sugar numbers. In four different studies, a fasting diet showed better glucose numbers within 12 to 24 months. Simply put, fasting is one way to help the insulin levels down. When you restrict the timing of your meals using IF, scientific evidence shows that you can improve your health.
Healthy Heart
An article by the Mayo Clinic states that some types of fasting “can potentially improve some risk factors related to heart health.” If you fast regularly, fasting may bring down your bad cholesterol. This will reduce the chances of you getting heart disease or a heart attack. Also, IF can also lower blood pressure. If the blood pressure is too high for long periods of time, it can damage the heart and other organs.
Weight Loss
Now, it does make sense to say that fasting will help you lose weight. This is true because you are taking in fewer calories. In general, doctors say less food is better for you. Our body will function better if we keep the weight down. If we eat too much, our bodies will get out of shape. Weight gain can also damage the heart. Fasting will help you lose weight fast. If for some reason, you want to lose weight quickly, you might want to try the fasting diet.
Fighting Cancer
IF animal studies have shown a decrease in cancer risk and growth. By reducing food intake, one study stopped obesity in mice. This same study also concluded that IF reduced type two diabetes in mice. Being overweight is a risk factor for cancer, thus losing weight may prevent cancer. In another study, fasting and chemotherapy delayed skin cancer and breast cancer.
Improve Your Health
IF can improve your overall health. If you want to stay healthy, you have to take action. You take action by developing healthy habits. You can cut your sugar intake and check your cholesterol numbers. Also, check your blood pressure. The normal blood pressure range is 120//80. This number may change based on your health. Do not forget to watch your weight and body mass index numbers. Researchers also say that IF may improve the human lifespan.
Of course, do not forget to schedule visits to see your physician. When you use a fasting diet, you are taking steps to improve your health. Please keep in mind that fasting is not recommended for everyone. This information is not medical advice.