The Health Benefits of Fasting

For years I ate 5-6 times a day. Three square meals and 2-3 snacks. I don’t think I ever got to the point of being really hungry. I promoted to my clients, to eat this way. In fact, I was taught this philosophy in my nutrition classes and continuing education classes.

So why now am I writing about the benefits of fasting?

Because Science proves that never allowing your body to be hungry is not beneficial long term. In fact, if you study indigenous tribes, you will find that they have periods of feasting, periods of fasting, periods of high protein consumption and periods of high carbs, etc. This shows that many of these cultures that have the low instances of disease, naturally used diet variation and they ate with the seasons and naturally fasted.

However, when the fasting concepts started to get more popular I was skeptical. A few of my mentors were holding fasts and providing the science behind the benefits of fasting.

This information was proving that short periods of fasting could support people in weight loss, cleaning up gut symptoms, down-regulating inflammation, tissue repair, reducing pain, and more.

So I was bored and in the dead of January, two days before a 5-day water fast was being launched by my mentor, I decided to give it a try. WHAT?!! I’m doing what?

I didn’t really think I would make it past a day. But I did. I surprised myself. I don’t recommend people just diving in like that. I suggest, starting with Intermittent Fasting, IF.

Intermittent Fasting is when you eat all the food you want in a short period of time. Don’t eat less, but eat less often. As my mentor, Dr. Pompa would say. The goal is to go without food for 16-18 hours. Research states that fasting for 16-18 hours has the best health benefits and it gives the digestive tract a break.

This may take some time to build up to, but start where you can. Maybe it’s 13 hours at first and then just keep building from there.

Some people may go to a Bone Broth Fast next. This is where you only drink bone broth for 1-3 days or more, period. Bone broth has collagen, minerals, and healing properties for the liver and digestive tract. It’s another great way to give your digestive tract a break and allow for healing to take place.

I do IF and or bone broth fasting on a weekly basis. I find that I have more energy on the days that I fast. (That wasn’t the case right away) Now, I feel better the days I fast, I have better mental clarity and my cravings have basically disappeared.

So what does Science say about Fasting?

• Lowers triglyceride levels

• Downregulates inflammation

• Reduces hunger

• Reduces cravings

• Increases the fat-burning hormone

• Boosts brain power

• Reduces brain fog

• Normalizes insulin and leptin sensitivity

• Improves your health numbers

• Boosts brain function

My body functions so much better these past 2 years since I have added in different types of fasting. I highly recommend it.

So where should you start?

I would start with Intermittent Fasting. Set the goal to be 16-18 hours and work up to it if you have to.

The warning I have is for people with high stress and adrenal fatigue. Using support supplements of minerals and adrenal products is a good idea while your body is learning to fast and enjoy the benefits of fasting. Ga by Systemic Formulas is a great product to use while supporting the adrenals as well as MIN for a mineral complex. I carry both of these in my office.

Reach out to my office for support on gut and adrenal support protocols. Email beth@inspiringhealthsolutions.com or call 612 804-6675.

I’d love to hear how incorporating fasting into your lifestyle has worked for you.

If you are someone looking for support with your health goals. Maybe you’re looking to lose weight, improve your digestion or explore the world of detox and food sensitivities, reach out to me and schedule your FREE Nutrition Strategy Session. Could one conversation could change your life?