Why Is Intermittent Fasting Good?

Intermittent fasting may sound scary at first, but it doesn’t have to be. If you’ve ever skipped a meal, you’ve participated in an intermittent fast – you just didn’t know it. One meal isn’t enough for you to reap the many benefits of this lifestyle. Still, once you put effort into it, you will notice huge changes in your overall health and wellbeing, including burning fat, reducing obesity, and more.

Doctors have been studying the benefits of intermittent fasting for years, and here are the top four leading benefits they’ve found when you start to focus on when you’re eating instead of what you’re eating. Intermittent fasting can be more freeing than other diet and exercise routines, so it’s worth checking out to make lasting lifestyle changes.

Key Takeaways

• Intermittent fasting can have numerous health benefits, including weight loss, reduced risk of obesity, improved overall health, and improved brain health.
• Intermittent fasting may not be suitable for everyone, and it’s important to consult with a healthcare professional before starting.
• Results of intermittent fasting may vary among individuals, and more rigorous and large-scale studies are needed to confirm its effects on human health.
• It’s important to monitor your body’s response to intermittent fasting and adjust accordingly to prevent any adverse effects.
• Start with small steps, such as skipping meals or starting with the 12:12 program, before moving on to more advanced plans. Additionally, using fasting apps can make the journey easier.

Burn Fat

When most people talk about intermittent fasting, they lead that it will help you burn fat. Once your body has exhausted the calories it’s consumed and its sugar stores, it will start work at converting your body’s fat to help fuel basic functions. Studies have shown that young men who participated in the 16:8 program lost fat while maintaining muscle mass. Clinical trials with mice suggest that intermittent fasting may even improve endurance, especially while running, though more studies are needed, especially in humans, to prove this benefit.

Prevent Obesity

It’s estimated that 33 percent of adults in the United States suffer from obesity, and intermittent fasting can be an effective treatment plan for adults.  It can also help prevent obesity in adults who are at risk. Intermittent fasting can help you reduce your overall caloric intake over time, increasing your body’s metabolism and ability to burn fat.

Positively Impact Overall Health

Intermittent fasting can impact your body on a cellular and hormonal level. Your insulin levels will decrease, which can help increase your body’s ability to burn fat and reduce your risk of Type-2 Diabetes. Your body will produce more human growth hormone, which helps promote healthy tissue growth and organ function. Your cells will begin to repair, purging toxins from your body.

Intermittent fasting can help protect your body against diseases and other health issues, reducing stress and inflation. It promotes heart health, lowering your blood sugar levels, blood pressure, cholesterol, and more. More research is needed to prove these health benefits.

Improve Brain Health

Initial testing on mice suggests that intermittent fasting can improve brain health, improving learning and memory. This is because intermittent fasting can lower inflammation in the brain that can impact certain neurological conditions and processes. Intermittent fasting can also reduce the risks of Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and strokes. While more studies are needed on the overall impact on humans, the results are promising.

So Is Intermittent Fasting Good for You?

Yes, intermittent fasting has many health benefits in addition to losing weight. Your body will start to function better, and you may reduce your risk of getting diseases. Most studies have taken place on mice, so more testing is needed to understand the positive benefits of intermittent fasting on humans.

It is important to note that certain health conditions may preclude you from participating in intermittent fasting. Always consult with a doctor before changes in your diet and exercise routine. Intermittent fasting may interact with certain medicines and cause headaches, fatigue, and other adverse side effects.

Each person is different, so you won’t know how your body will react to intermittent fasting until you try. Start small, skipping meals or starting with the 12:12 program to see how your body reacts. As you get more comfortable with intermittent fasting, you can participate in more advanced plans to see additional results.

Don’t forget to check our 10 best fasting apps to make your intermittent fasting journey easier.

FAQ

• How does intermittent fasting work?

Intermittent fasting works by putting the body in a state of ketosis, where it begins to burn stored fat for energy instead of glucose from food.

• What are the benefits of intermittent fasting?

Intermittent fasting has been shown to have a number of health benefits, including weight loss, improved insulin sensitivity, reduced inflammation, and improved brain function.

• Is intermittent fasting safe for everyone?

Intermittent fasting is generally safe for healthy individuals but may not be appropriate for everyone. People with certain medical conditions, pregnant or breastfeeding women, and children should consult a healthcare provider before trying intermittent fasting.

• What are the different types of intermittent fasting?

Several types of intermittent fasting exist, including alternate-day fasting, 24-hour fasts, and time-restricted feeding.

• How do I get started with intermittent fasting?

Before starting intermittent fasting, talking to a healthcare provider is important to ensure it is appropriate for you. It is also important to start slowly and gradually increase the length of your fasting periods.

• How can I make intermittent fasting easier?

You can use several strategies to make intermittent fasting easier, such as drinking plenty of water, staying busy during fasting periods, and gradually reducing your calorie intake before starting intermittent fasting.

• Can I still exercise while intermittent fasting?

Yes, it is generally safe to exercise while intermittent fasting. However, listening to your body and adjusting your workout routine as needed is important.

• How long should I do intermittent fasting?

The length of time you do intermittent fasting may depend on your goals and individual needs. For example, some people may do intermittent fasting for a few weeks or months, while others may make it a long-term lifestyle change.