5 Benefits of Fasting

Fasting is more than just a weight loss tool; it offers a myriad of health benefits that can transform your life. It is a powerful tool that can offer numerous health benefits beyond weight loss.

Fasting vs Calorie Restriction

While both fasting and calorie restriction can lead to weight loss, they operate through different mechanisms. Calorie restriction involves consistently reducing daily caloric intake, which can slow down metabolism over time. In contrast, fasting alternates between periods of eating and not eating, which can boost metabolic activity due to the release of counter-regulatory hormones.

Fasting also promotes autophagy and cellular repair more effectively than continuous calorie restriction. Fasting offers unique advantages in terms of metabolic health and cellular rejuvenation.

Reference: A review in the journal Annual Review of Nutrition compares the effects of intermittent fasting and calorie restriction on metabolic health and longevity. Annual Review of Nutrition, 2017

5 Benefits of Fasting

#1 - Improve Insulin Sensitivity

By lowering insulin levels, fasting allows your body to access stored fat for energy more effectively. This metabolic switch not only aids in weight loss but also improves your overall metabolic health, reducing the risk of chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

#2 - Induces Nutritional Ketosis

When you fast, your body enters a state of nutritional ketosis, where it uses ketones derived from fat for fuel instead of glucose. This not only helps in reducing inflammation but also enhances mental clarity and brain health. Ketosis has been shown to have neuroprotective effects, potentially reducing the risk of neurodegenerative diseases.

#3 - Promotes Cellular Health

Fasting stimulates cellular repair and maintenance, which is vital for overall health. This process, known as autophagy, helps your body remove damaged cells and regenerate new ones, contributing to longevity and disease prevention. Autophagy is a natural process that becomes more efficient during fasting periods.

#4 - Reduces Inflammation

Chronic inflammation is a root cause of many diseases, including heart disease and cancer. Fasting has been shown to reduce markers of inflammation, helping your body to heal and function more efficiently. Lower inflammation levels can lead to improved overall health and reduced risk of chronic diseases.

#5 - Improves Brain Health

Fasting can enhance brain function and protect against neurodegenerative diseases. It increases the production of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a protein that supports the growth and survival of neurons. This can lead to improved cognitive function and a reduced risk of conditions like Alzheimer's disease.

With love and great health

Dr Lucy and Dr Mary XX

Dr Mary Barson and Dr Lucy are the founders of Real Life Medicine. They help women who have been on every diet under the sun, optimise their health and achieve long lasting weight loss without feeling miserable or deprived.

They do this with their 3 step framework that

• Improves metabolism
• Develops mindset skills
• Provides tools to implement it easily into busy lives

With this comes increased energy, vitality and confidence.

You can avoid chronic disease and stop living life on the sidelines!