The Benefits of Intermittent Fasting

May 13, 2025
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Health and Wellness

What is intermittent fasting?

Intermittent fasting has been trending for quite some time now, but what is it? This diet is strategically designed to keep your meals on a specified time frame while fasting for small durations during the day. In addition to aiding various markers of health, fasting is considered a clinically proven method for weight loss.

How does intermittent fasting work?

One of the main reasons intermittent fasting has proven efficacy is due to the action of a hormone known as insulin. This action is considered as part of the body's natural circadian rhythm and directs our tissues to absorb up excess glucose. When our insulin-responsive levels drop between meals or from fasting, the body can use this surplus fuel that has been stored in our tissues.

Aside from weight loss, lowered insulin levels and a calmer heart rate help the body regulate blood pressure levels. As you undergo intermittent fasting, the cells in your body go through a self-repair process and remove unwanted, waste material.  Furthermore, a recent study showed that Intermittent fasting can expand life expectancy similarly to other diets and can pass that recessive gene to offsprings. These types of health benefits are worth noting especially for individuals over the age of forty-five. Our bodies are better equipped to metabolize foods during the day when the pathways that breakdown food work cohesively.

Furthermore, a recent study showed that Intermittent fasting can expand life expectancy similarly to other diets and can pass that recessive gene to offsprings.

How do I implement intermittent fasting in my routine?

Although intermittent fasting may seem intimidating at first, the idea of fasting doesn't necessarily translate to starving yourself or going days without eating. Through self-discipline, keeping your diet on a schedule can improve the quality of life for those already leading an active or fast-paced lifestyle. Think less about calorie counting and more about implementing timely structured eating habits.

Other Benefits to Intermittent Fasting

Other benefits of intermittent fasting include learning and memory function protection and reduced oxidative stress. Recent studies show that intermittent fasting allowed people to complete 30% more of their workouts rather than being on a regular diet. At a certain point, the body begins to break down its fat stores to release ketones, which provide this protective effect for brain neurons. Ketones are especially beneficial for women’s brain health! Weight loss doesn’t necessarily mean changing your diet completely, just changing what time you decide to eat. Fasting for periods of 10 to 14 hours can be enough to provide these benefits. As humans, we naturally perform intermittent fasting while sleeping, this technique allows you to lengthen your pre-existing fast. This can be as easy as ending your last meal at 7:00 PM and waiting to eat breakfast the following morning, between 5:00 and 9:00 AM. Of course, while fasting you are allowed to drink water, coffee without cream or sugar, and unsweetened tea.

Other benefits of intermittent fasting include learning and memory function protection and reduced oxidative stress.

Fasting can offer many benefits for most people, especially those at risk for diabetes because of its positive effect on lowering insulin levels. Certain individuals, such as those with diabetes, a history of eating disorders, or who are pregnant, or breastfeeding should consult their physician before adopting this eating style.