From Weight to Cancer: Beyond Religion, the Health Effects of Fasting

Fasting is practiced for religious and spiritual reasons, and although popular among Muslim believers, it is actually the practice of other religions, such as Christianity, Buddhism, and Judism.

Fasting has been a practice in humans during evolution. Because it was often difficult to consume food at all times, as a result, they evolved by being able to stay without food for extended periods of time.

Nowadays, interrupted fasting is one of the best - known trends in health and finance.

This practice is known as Intermittent Facing (IF) and is a pattern of feeding, which is realised in cycles between eating and fasting. The IF does not specify what to eat, but when to eat.

In this regard, it is, not a literal diet, but a life - style pattern.

~IF methods~

The 16/8 method: consists of food consumption over the next eight hours and its suspension for the next 16 hours. So eat enough from 1: 00 p.m.

“ha-stop-ha” method: include fasting for 24 hours; eat for example at lunch; and then eat the next day's lunch.

The method 5:2: Based on this method, consume 500-600 during the next two days and then normally eat the other 5 days of the week.

The 16/8 method is more popular, as people find it easier to adapt.

~ Health benefits~

Weight loss: The IF helps burn fat in the abdomen area and not only, without having to limit your consumption of calories knowingly.

Insuline: Fasting lowers blood sugar levels and increases 20-31% of insulin levels, which are important to type 2 diabetes.

heart health: Permanent fasting can reduce harmful cholesterol, blood triglycerides, blood sugar.

Cancer: Animal studies have proved that fasting can prevent cancer.

brain health: Fast increases the BDNF hormone that helps increase new nerve cells. It also affects the fight against Alzheimer's.

The anti-aging effect: reduces wrinkles and increases life expectancy. Research done in mice concluded that after fasting, these species managed to live 363.8% more than others.

When does the IF not consult?

Intermittent Facting is not for everyone. People with eating disorders should consult with doctors, since there may be risks. Other cases when to consult your doctor before practicing IF:

If you suffer from diabetes
You have low blood pressure
Take medication
You're underweight
Are you trying to get pregnant?
Are you pregnant or breast - feeding

~The side effects~

Hunger is the main side effect of fasting. You may feel that you do not have enough power. This is temporary, since it takes a while until the body adapts to new meals.

However, you should consult your doctor in advance.