Fast. A word that in common thought takes on a negative connotation as it is associated with the idea of not eating and therefore of suffering from hunger. In reality, many benefits are born behind fasting, done for a short period and with criteria. We present 10 good reasons to take a short fast every now and then.
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Fasting. A word that in common thought takes on a negative connotation as it is associated with the idea of not eating and therefore of suffering from hunger. In reality, many advantages are born behind fasting, done for a short period and with criteria benefits for the body. We present you 10 good reasons to take a short fast every now and then.
It is certainly no coincidence that the practice of fasting it plays a very important role in many religions of the world. Considered a period of penance but also of purification, fasting is also a very simple and inexpensive way to improve our health. However, it is important to know how to do it and, if you decide to extend the practice, rely on the advice of an expert.
Fasting offers a moment of pause for our body several times a day busy with digestion and absorption of nutrients. However, when we do not eat food, our body can devote itself to even more important things.
Index
Benefits of fasting
Strengthens the immune system
Fasting strengthens the immune system. Valter Longo, Director of the Longevity Institute of the University of Southern California, who wanted to analyze it scientifically proved it the effects of 4 days of assisted fasting on the immune system of a group of volunteers. As Dr. Longo underlined thanks to this practice: "the immune system gets rid of useless, unnecessary cells, while it is pushed to put into action in a natural way, as it happened in the moments of birth and growth, the stem cells capable of ensure regeneration ".
Fights inflammation
To confirm the benefits of fasting against inflammation are the American researchers of the Yale School of Medicine who in a study showed how, during the break from food, our body produces a substance capable of extinguishing chronic inflammation. This is β-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) capable of inhibiting NLRP3 which in turn is part of a complex set of proteins that guide the inflammatory response in many pathologies, including several autoimmune diseases. A good result that suggests that therapeutic fasting can be used in the early treatment of many inflammatory diseases in the future.
Read also: DIET AND FASTING TO FIGHT INFLAMMATION
Extends life and prevents disease
Always Valter Longo has recently perfected his studies on fasting, actually on a fasting-mimicking diet for therapeutic purposes. This therapy does not propose a complete fast but a diet that provides for a certain restriction of food intake. Those who follow this diet do it in agreement with an expert for 5 days a month. The fasting-mimicking diet not only makes you lose weight but slows down the aging process that shorten the life e helps prevent disease cardiovascular, diabetes, obesity and cancer.
Disintossica
The body not engaged in the digestion of food can better dedicate itself to its purification by removing toxins through its excretory organs. These great internal cleaning obviously have positive repercussions on the health of organs and tissues.
Revitalizes the body
Precisely for the detoxifying power, fasting is an excellent method to give new energy to the body and therefore to revitalize it, perhaps not at the very moment in which it is being practiced but in the days to come.
Improves the absorption of nutrients
Often even if we eat correctly and in the right quantity foods rich in vitamins, amino acids, mineral salts, etc. our body, too intoxicated, has difficulty absorbing them and using them in the best way. Fasting cleanses the intestines and therefore also improves absorption of the resources it has available.
Protects from cardiovascular risks
Research conducted by the Department of Cardiovascular and Genetic Epidemiology at the Intermountain Medical Center Heart Institute found that periodic fasting is beneficial for reduce various cardiovascular risk factors such as triglycerides, cholesterol, blood sugar levels and overweight. Among other things, among the effects of fasting confirmed in this case there is also that of protecting lean muscle mass and metabolic balance.
Makes you lose weight
A day or two of fasting can help the body lose weight but as always it is important to emphasize that the best way to lose weight remains to follow a balanced and healthy diet in which portions are limited a little if necessary (under the advice of an expert) and keep one correct lifestyle that includes regular physical activity.
Helps the formation of new neurons
A 24 hour fast also helps the brain in the formation of new neurons and is therefore a natural ally of the brain. In fact, it seems that lucidity and memory also benefit from a short fast.
Strengthen the spirit
Just drinking unsweetened water or herbal tea for a day or two may not be a very simple undertaking, not so much for the body as for the mind. Among the positive effects of fasting, when it is successful, there is also that of strengthening the mind and willpower.
To recap a short fast can:
- Strengthen the immune system
- Fighting inflammation
- Extend life and prevent disease
- Contribute to weight loss
- Helping to produce new neurons
- Detoxify
- Revitalize
- Improve nutrient absorption
- Protect the heart
- Temper the spirit and strengthen the will
Tips for a correct fast
It is good to prepare your body for fasting from the previous days remembering to:
- Eliminate meat, alcohol, coffee
- Increase your consumption of raw fruits and vegetables
- Walk every day at least 30 minutes
- Expose yourself to the sun in the cooler hours
During the fasting period it is good instead:
- Stay relaxed
- Rest as much as possible
- Surround yourself with a pleasant environment
- Seek the support of people and perhaps a fasting partner
Once the fast is over in the end:
- Begin to re-feed yourself with fresh fruit and vegetable extracts
- Slowly resume eating solid foods
- Do not fall back (if you have done so before) into an unregulated diet
Side effects of fasting
Since it is a very effective internal cleansing of the body, fasting can present, especially if it exceeds 24 hours and you are very intoxicated by incorrect foods, smoking, alcohol, etc. of the side effects similar to a withdrawal crisis. We can therefore warn:
- General malaise
- Fatigue
- Nervousness
- Dizziness
- Want to eat
- Negative thoughts
- Insomnia
If some of these symptoms appear there is no need to be frightened but it is important to be aware that these are completely normal effects in a body that is cleaning itself.
Contraindications and warnings
Fasting is not recommended for everyone. Absolutely to be avoided in case of pregnancy or breastfeeding, if you suffer from diabetes or other pathologies, It is underweight or you have a fragile constitution. If it is a one-day fast, the risks are not many (as long as you hydrate yourself abundantly) but in any case it is always good. ask your doctor for advice and even more if you intend to extend this practice for longer times.
