reasons to fast
In 2019, intermittent fasting was the most popular diet trend of the year.
While historically being a religious practice, fasting has recently exploded in popularity. Fasting is considered to be a miracle diet, one that is just as healthy for your mind as it is for your body. While some of the claims about fasting are overstated, there are many reasons to fast.
7 Reasons to Fast: Mind, Body, and Soul
From mental clarity to improving acne to improved insulin sensitivity, fasting offers a variety of health benefits for your mind, body, and soul. If you are considering fasting but aren’t quite convinced to give it a try, here are several reasons why you should.
1. Promotes Longevity
One benefit of fasting is it promotes longevity. Fasting is connected with lower blood pressure, a healthier heart, and a digestive system that is less burdened. If you are wondering do juice fasts work to promote longevity, the answer is yes.
2. Improves Brain Function
One of the best benefits of fasting is it improves your brain function. When you fast, the production of a protein called brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is increased. This protein protects your brain from age-related dementia and improves your neuronal functioning overall.
3. Accelerates Metabolism
Different types of fasting, including intermittent fasting, will accelerate your metabolism. Fasting allows your digestive system to work better by giving it time to rest. You can burn more calories and promote better metabolic function by fasting.
4. Lowers Cholesterol
A typical fasting plan has you eating foods during the day, the time when you naturally metabolize your food. This leads to improvements in both your cholesterol and your blood sugar. As a bonus, fasting is beneficial for your heart overall.
5. Improves Concentration
Did you know fasting can improve your concentration? When you fast, the levels of norepinephrine, a hormone that interacts with your nervous system, increases in your brain. This increase causes mental alertness, better focus, better memory, and better concentration.
6. Reduces Inflammation
Inflammation causes a variety of health issues, from a headache to more serious, chronic illnesses. Fasting reduces inflammation by reducing the number of monocytes, an inflammatory-prone white blood cell, in your blood.
7. Improves Sleep
Sleep deprivation is a common problem, so much that many Americans are struggling with sleep disorders. Fasting helps you get a better quantity and quality of sleep only because you are not eating directly before bed. Eating before bed can lead to various digestive issues that result in sleep disturbances, especially if you are already prone to sleep problems.
This guide covers many of the best reasons to fast.
Fasting promotes longevity, improves brain function, and accelerates metabolism. You will also experience lower cholesterol, improved concentration, and reduced inflammation. Perhaps one of the best reasons to fast is you will sleep better, which will help improve your quality of life overall.
