BENEFITS OF FASTING
One of the Hottest Healthcare Topics of Today... Might Have A Significant Impact on Your Health and Longevity

 

WHAT IS FASTING?
FASTING -  The act of abstaining from food and/or drink for a period of time.

 

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NONINTENTIONAL FASTING 
Prehistoric humans most likely experienced involuntary fasting due to the fact that fruits, berries, and edible plants were often difficult to find and/or limited. Hunting for food could take time and could sometimes be dangerous. People of that time had periods of time that they had to go without eating. This was essentially nonintentional fasting.

Also, prior to the agricultural revolution, food was often scarce. Our ancestors evolved to respond to various periods of fasting. They learned to prepare for shortages of food by fasting for long periods of time. This is where intentional fasting may have begun. Basically, preparing for the unavailability of food.

 

 

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INTENTIONAL FASTING
Purposely abstaining from food and/or drink, whether for losing weight, spiritual or health-related reasons (or other deliberate reasons)

 

 

MAIN REASONS PEOPLE FAST

People fast for a variety of reasons

RELIGIOUS REASONS
In Christianity, Jesus expected his followers to fast and professed that God would reward those who did so

Fasting is an ancient practice that assists believers in developing spiritual strength and aids them in resisting temptation 


HEALTH REASONS
Fasting can help with weight loss

Some studies suggest that fasting improves brain function and could even protect people from diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's

Other studies suggest that fasting can lead to cell regeneration and slow the aging process

 

SPIRITUAL REASONS
Fasting is considered to aid people in gaining clarity and in discerning God's will

TYPES OF FASTING
There are several types of Fasting, each having its own benefits. Below are the most common Fasting Types.

 

INTERMITTENT FASTING

ALTERNAT-DAY FASTING 
Fasting for 24 hours every other day
 

5:2 FASTING
Eating normally for 5 days and then restricting calories (500-600) for 2 non-consecutive days

 

16:8 FASTING
Fasting for 16 hours and eating only within an 8-hour window each day

 

 

 

PARTIAL FASTING

JUICE FASTING 
Consuming only fruit and vegetable juice for a specific timeframe

 

DIRTY FASTING 
Consuming only very small amounts of calories during the set Fasting period (typically 100 or less)

 

SELECTIVE FASTING 
Abstaining from specific food groups during a set Fasting period

 

 

 

EXTENDED FASTING

WATER FASTING 
Abstaining from all food and beverages except water during a specific period of time

 

MULTI-DAY FASTING 
Abstaining from all food for 3 consecutive days or more

 

ABSOLUTE FASTING 
Abstaining from all food and all beverages for a specific time frame

 

 

OTHER FASTING TYPES

TIME-RESTRICTED FASTING 
The limiting of eating to very specific times

 

WARRIOR DIET OR FASTING 
Consuming a large meal after a long fasting period

 

EAT STOP EAT FASTING 
Fasting for 24 hours once or twice a week

 

BENEFITS OF FASTING
There are several potential Health Benefits associated with Fasting. Here are some of the most common.

WEIGHT LOSS
Intermittent fasting can lead to weight loss by restricting calorie intake and promoting fat-burning

 

IMPROVED INSULIN SENSITIVITY 
Fasting may improve insulin sensitivity, which regulates blood sugar levels and could prevent or help to manage type 2 diabetes. 

 

INCREASED CELLULAR REPAIR
Studies show that Fasting might trigger cellular repair processes, like autophagy, which helps remove damaged cells and promote healthy cell turnover.

 

INCREASED LONGEVITY
Most recent studies suggest that Fasting could actually extend our lives through the regeneration of cells. While studies are still pending, it certainly is an exciting benefit of Fasting

 

INSULIN RESISTANCE & BLOOD SUGAR CONTROL
Fasting promotes blood sugar control by reducing insulin resistance

 

MAY HELP PREVENT ALZHEIMER'S AND PARKINSONS DISEASES
While it's too early to know for sure, there is building evidence that Fasting may help prevent both Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease

 

LOWERS CHOLESTEROL LEVELS & BLOOD PRESSURE
Fasting has been associated with a lower risk of coronary heart disease and may help lower blood pressure, triglycerides, and cholesterol levels.

 

BETTER HEART HEALTH
Some studies suggest that intermittent fasting may improve heart health by lowering blood pressure, improving cholesterol levels, and reducing inflammation. 

 

BETTER BRAIN HEALTH
Intermittent fasting may have a positive impact on brain health, potentially improving cognitive function and reducing the risk of neurodegenerative diseases. 

 

INCREASED HUMAN GROWTH HORMONE
Fasting may also lead to an increase in HGH, playing a role in metabolism, weight loss, and muscle growth.

 

HELP PREVENT CANCER
There are multiple studies that suggest Fasting may help protect against cancer and improve the efficacy of cancer treatments​​​. In some studies, Fasting cycles were as effective as chemotherapy. However, while Fasting can have regenerative benefits, there is also research that suggests that fasting cycles, followed by refeeding, can increase the risk of developing precancerous polyps in mice

 

When to Consult a Physician or Healthcare Professional regarding Fasting:

If you have Underlying Health Conditions
If you are Taking Medications
If your Fasting Plan is Extreme
If You are Pregnant or Breastfeeding
If you have a history of Eating Disorders
If you are Unsure about which Fasting Approach is Best for you

It's always advised to consult a medical professional anytime you are attempting to do anything that might affect your health