Fasting is the act of abstaining from one or all kinds of food or drink for a certain period of time. Who knew that fasting could also have surprising health benefits all while increasing your lifespan?
Fasting is most commonly associated with the month of Ramadan. Ramadan is when billions of Muslims around the globe engage in a declaration of faith by abstaining from certain foods and drinks. According to Dr. Michael Mosley – author of The Fast Diet Books – this eating plan can not only help people lose weight, but it offers an array of other health benefits. Dr. Mosley states, “Studies of intermittent fasting show that not only do people see improvements in blood pressure and cholesterol levels, but also in their insulin sensitivity.” Another study conducted at The University of Southern California states that fasting in a period of 2-4 days can even “reboot” your immune system!
The healthy reaction fasting has on the body is that it allows the body to dip into the glucose that is stored in the liver and muscles. This process begins about 8 hours after the last meal was consumed. When the stored glucose is consumed, the body begins to burn fat as a source of energy, resulting in weight loss. Another interesting effect fasting has on the body is Autophagy. This vital process takes place in the Mitochondria. The process is basically when the body starts to eat itself in an orderly pattern in order to remove damaged parts. Cells in your body respond to fasting much like they do exercise. When placed under stress, Exercise or fasting, the reaction creates changes at the cellular level that helps extend your lifespan!