Fasting Benefits And Autophagy
I first shared with you about intermittent fasting in 2021 so it's been 2 years since I made this a part of my (almost daily) routine. Although I've always been fairly healthy, I continue to see amazing improvements in my energy levels and general health.
There are several benefits to intermittent fasting that have been scientifically proven and I have listed these below but one of the biggest benefits is Autophagy.
Autophagy is a natural process by which our cells break down old, damaged, unnecessary, or dysfunctional components within the cell and then repurpose these components for fuel and to build or maintain cells. This allows the cell to function at its optimum. Autophagy also destroys harmful disease-causing pathogens, like bacteria and viruses. Autophagy can be triggered in a few ways but two key ways are fasting and exercise
WHAT IS INTERMITTENT FASTING?
Intermittent fasting is something that many religions have advocated for thousands of years before it became a fitness industry 'trend'.
If you were like me, I would spend most of my waking day eating. I would eat 2-3 meals a day and would also snack in-between meals. My body was spending most of its energy on digesting food.
With intermittent fasting, you shorten the window during which you're eating which leaves a longer window during which you're not consuming food. This basically gives your body a break and allows it to use that energy for other, more beneficial processes like repair and healing, allowing us to live longer and healthier lives.
The great thing is, intermittent fasting doesn't have to mean not eating anything for 2-3 days a week, although this may be suggested for the reversal of more serious health conditions, instead, it's recommended that we have a period of between 12-16 hours of not eating and this includes whilst we sleep! This made it so much easier for me to adopt and it works beautifully well.
The last time I eat at night is at around 7pm-8pm and then I don't have anything until 10am (or later) the next day. This gives me 14 hours minimum of not consuming anything but maybe water or herbal tea in the morning.
Great for Late Nights!
When I've been invited to an event that finishes really late and I have to get up early the next morning, I've recently found that a fruit fast the next day gives me so much energy! it's unbelievable. I spend the day eating only fruit such as bananas, berries, grapes, watermelon and I only drink mineral water, fresh juice and herbal tea. I also like to have a handful of cashew nuts. I find I feel completely satisfied and full, something I wasn't expecting.
Whenever I've practiced this, I'm bursting with energy all day, there's not even a yawn. I'm super alert and my body feels light rather than the heavy, sluggishness you'd expect after only a few hours sleep. Reiki energy also feels stronger - Bonus!
I know some say we should avoid the sugar in fruit (fructose) and I'm not a doctor but I believe our body knows what to do with this natural source of sugar. Based on what I've experienced and Ayurvedic medicine, the body slowly converts fructose into energy it can use efficiently over a long period of time, without stressing our digestive system. Our body also efficiently utilises the vitamins, minerals and antioxidants to cleanse and heal but do check with your doctor first.
Let's look further into the scientifically proven benefits of intermittent fasting:
Hormonal and cellular changes include balancing insulin levels, increasing the production of Human Grown Hormone which helps the body recover from disease, removes waste from our cells, reduces excess fat, increases bone density, promotes hair and nail growth, promotes cell repair and improves stamina.
Reduces excess fat, particularly around the liver and other organs.
Boosts your metabolic rate.
Lowers the risk of Type 2 diabetes as it reduces insulin resistance.
Stabilises our genes and DNA which reduces disease and slows down the aging process
Reduces inflammation in the body which is often the cause of many diseases including painful joints.
Reduces oxidative stress which can cause ageing and lead to chronic disease.
Great for heart health as it lowers blood pressure, lowers high cholesterol and balances blood sugar levels.
May prevent cancer and reduce the side effects of chemotherapy.
Increases the growth of new neurons in the brain.
Better brain and neurological health due to all of the above, preventing diseases like Alzheimer's, Parkinsons' and stroke.
So you can see why I'm so keen to share the idea of intermittent fasting with others. If you'd like to look into it further, there's lots of information out there. I love Dr Eric Berg who does short videos on Youtube about the topic but remember to check with your doctor before attempting a fast.
If you've tried it or are doing it, let me know if it's helped you.
With love and light
Gwen x
