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What are the benefits of intermittent fasting? How does fasting improve your metabolism?
Intermittent fasting can have many benefits if done correctly. The Mel Robbins Podcast dives into the improvements you can experience if you take part in the diet.
Find out more about what fasting can do for your body.
1. Metabolism, Cognition, Sleep Quality and More
On her podcast, Mel Robbins explains that intermittent fasting has gained popularity as a dietary pattern that involves alternating periods of fasting and eating. It has been studied extensively to understand its potential health benefits and effects on various conditions.
So what are the benefits of intermittent fasting? Intermittent fasting can usher in benefits including improvements in fat metabolism, cognitive function, sleep quality, pain reduction, and deceleration of aging. Greater clarity and understanding of the energy production systems add enormous value to health enthusiasts grappling with diet and exercise complexities.
Research suggests that intermittent fasting may help with obesity management by promoting weight loss and reducing belly fat. Dr. Mindy Pelz supports this claim by saying that a consistent 3-month period of intermittent fasting can help diminish belly fat. It can also improve metabolic health by enhancing insulin sensitivity and reducing the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Additionally, intermittent fasting has been linked to cardiovascular benefits such as improved blood pressure control and reduced cholesterol levels.
2. Aiding Against Obesity, Diabetes, and Neurodegenerative Disorders
In combating health conditions such as obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, neurodegenerative disorders, and cancer, fasting emerges as a potent tool. Evidence shows the marked successes of fasting.
One such success was demonstrated in examples like that of a man named Todd, who lost 30 pounds in just a month owing to a 12-hour eating schedule. A notable fasting recommendation is 14 to 16 hours with an eating window of 8-10 hours.
Another benefit of fasting as a tool is that it manages diseases. Studies indicate that intermittent fasting may have positive effects on neurodegenerative disorders like Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease by promoting brain health through mechanisms such as autophagy (cellular recycling) and neuroprotection against oxidative stress.
3. Healing the Digestive System
Fasting can enhance gut health, modulate gut microbiome, reduce inflammation, and augment nutrient absorption. This activity also plays a significant role in stabilizing blood sugar levels and suppressing hunger. This is achieved through the production of ketones, which significantly influence digestive health.
Additionally, fasting can eradicate bacteria that cause unhealthy cravings. Notably, there are health experts, like Dr. Pelz, who have shared insights into how fasting can be beneficial for our bodies. According to Dr. Pelz, fasting activates a body’s internal intelligence. This internal intelligence performs a multifaceted role in healing. Primarily, it reduces inflammation and increases the power of the mitochondria, which are often referred to as the body’s batteries.
Moreover, this internal intelligence helps in eradicating elements that impede the healing process. This points to the wide-ranging positive effects that fasting can have on our overall health.
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Here's what you'll find in our full The Mel Robbins Podcast episode summaries:
- Advice to make your life and your personal relationships better
- How to boost your confidence with techniques recommended by experts
- Research-based lessons combined with personal stories
