Science Behind Fasting

Fasting diets on auspicious days are very common in India for long period. But is it important to fast sometimes if you don’t believe in all the auspicious days and all? Yes! Intermittent fasting is needful for our digestive system.

If someone likes to eat continuously then he should keep in mind that he is increasing the chances of having diabetes. Because after eating as a glucose level of blood increases to make it normal every time the insulin level increases. Eating throughout the day keeps blood insulin level high. This can cause desensitization of body tissues causing insulin insensitivity and the chances of diabetes increase. During fasting, the insulin level of the body remains low which reduces the chances of diabetes.

● When we eat after digestion food is converted into glucose which is used by cells; extra glucose is stored in the liver as glycogen and in adipose cells as fats. During fasting, that extra glucose is used up from cells which are good for weight loss and reducing belly fats. Therefore we must understand the difference between fasting and starving. Fasting is not starving energy is get by breaking down tissues and organs of the body and this happens when all the glucose, glycogen, and fats end up.

●  Several studies in rats have shown that intermittent fasting may increase the growth of new nerve cells, which should have benefits for brain function. It also increases levels of a brain hormone called brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a deficiency of which has been implicated in depression and various other brain problems. Animal studies have also shown that intermittent fasting protects against brain damage due to strokes.

● Fasting triggers a metabolic pathway called autophagy, which removes waste material from cells.

●Increased autophagy may provide protection against several diseases, including cancer and Alzheimer’s disease. We get disease protection due to proper fasting.

● Intermittent Fasting can lower the chronic inflammation of the body. Merad and colleagues showed that intermittent fasting reduced the release of pro-inflammatory cells called “monocytes” in blood circulation. Further investigations revealed that during periods of fasting, these cells go into “sleep mode” and are less inflammatory than monocytes found in those who were fed.

There are many types of fasting but it is needed to do in a proper way. A gap of 8 hours should be there between 2 meals. That can be considered as fast. To know the ways of fasting suitable for you visit the link and know it            https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/6-ways-to-do-intermittent-fasting#TOC_TITLE_HDR_5

Tips for safe and effective fasting:

■Eat a balanced meal which can give you good nutrition.

■Stay hydrated (drink plain water during fast).

■Do not exercise excessively.

■Do not overeat after and before fasting.

Who should not fast?

-Children and teens

-pregnant or breastfeeding women

-People with eating disorders (anorexia, bulimia)

-People with diabetes type1 or advanced diabetes

-People with other health problems should consult a doctor for fasting.

-People who are underweight, frail/elderly.

Fasting can be unsafe if overdone or if not done correctly.