Benefits of fasting! How does fasting heal our body?

You may have heard that yogis and gurus in the past used to practice the process of fasting. And now we know that it was not in vain. The same yogis and gurus are the ones who used to live a much longer and healthier life than the rest of the population. In the past, science had not backed up the reasons for this, but we are lucky, and today we know with proof that there are multiple benefits of fasting. Here we give you ways in which fasting heals our body and promotes better health. These benefits are so rewarding that I’m sure they will definitely make you want to try it!

Fasting Reduces Inflammations

There are various chronic inflammatory conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, cancers and heart diseases. If you are suffering from any of these diseases, then fasting is for you! Researches have shown that fasting helps in lowering the levels of inflammatory markers and promotes better health.

Fasting Aids Weight Loss

Intermittent fasting is known to decrease insulin levels.

Who doesn’t want some healthy weight loss? (Source: runningmagazine.ca)

Insulin is a hormone is the body which takes up excess glucose and stores them in the form of glycogen and fats. When fasting, the counterpart of insulin (glucagon) is released within your body. Glucagon causes cells to release their glucose sources as energy. It thus reduces insulin resistance and helps with weight loss.

Prevention of Diabetes

Obesity is an important contributing factor to the development of type 2 diabetes mellitus. So, by aiding weight loss and by reducing insulin resistance, intermittent fasting can help you prevent your body from developing diabetes mellitus.

Prevention of Heart Conditions

Several animal studies have shown that fasting helps to prevent the risk factors of heart diseases including low density lipoprotein cholesterols, blood sugar levels, blood pressure, blood triglycerides and inflammatory markers. Interesting right? However you have to note that adequate research on humans still hasn’t been carried out and these are mainly just results from animal studies.

Fasting Will Help You Improve Your Brainpower

Fasting helps increase brainpower! Who knew? (Source: dietdoctor.com)

In a study, it was shown that during times of fasting, the brain produces a protein called brain-derived neurotropic factor (BDNF) which promotes brain stem cell regeneration. It has also been shown that fasting will slow down the development of neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s disease.

Fasting Hastens Cellular Repair Processes

When you are fasting, the cells in your body start a process called autophagy. This is basically a “de-cluttering” or “waste-removal” process in which there is cell breakdown and disposal of old or dysfunctional proteins that have accumulated within the body’s cells. After this clearing-out mechanism, it is easier for the newer cells to grow and rejuvenate.

Fasting Induces Growth Hormone Release

The actions of growth hormone are very desirable! (Source: Wikipedia)

When you undertake intermittent fasting, your body can experience up to a five-fold increase in growth hormone release.

This hormone is desirable because it helps to accelerate fat burning and increase in muscle mass. It further also stimulates the growth of important tissues of the body- thus, helping to keep you fit and healthy.

Thus, with so many paybacks, why don’t you invest in some intermittent fasting as well? Make sure you are consuming adequate amounts of calories and keeping a healthy balance though. You will be reaping so many benefits!