Have you considered fasting? Whilst eating properly is vital to maintain energy levels, there is now mounting evidence that suggests taking time away from the dinner plate can actually be very good for us. So what is fasting from a scientific viewpoint and how can it help us stay healthy?

What is Fasting?

Fasting is a practice that has been employed by people for centuries. Even though there used to be a religious and ascetic nature to the practice, it is now coming back to the forefront of people’s daily practices. Fasting is defined as a period of not eating, which is usually between 24-72 hours although there are experts who say that some results can be achieved with just 12 hours abstinence from food.

Benefits of Fasting

How can fasting make a difference to your life? Some of the clear medical benefits of the practice include the following advantages:

  • Better calorie control and weight loss – this is perhaps the most obvious and immediate benefit of fasting. By eating less and limiting calorific intake, fasting can help you drop the pounds and burn off body fat.

 

  • Help for diabetes type 2 sufferers – studies have shown that intermittent and alternative day fasting can help people with this condition achieve better blood sugar level control. Results can vary based on sex, but there is clear medical evidence that shows this practice can help.

 

  • Delay the onset of aging – several scientific studies on animals have shown that excessive consumption of food and over-eating can reduce lifespan. One particular test found that rats that fasted every other day lived on average around 80% longer than those that did not. The science still has not been proven for humans, but many are taking these early experiments as a sign we should be eating less.

 

  • Prevention of cognitive impairment – again, studies with animals have shown that brain deterioration can be reduced through fasting. This could have a significant impact on helping people avoid conditions like Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s, both of which are incredibly hard on loved ones and partners.

 

  • Increased HGH – if you are looking to make serious in-roads into your gym activity and build muscle and strength, then you’ll know all about human growth hormone. Not only is a good night’s sleep essential for the production of this bodily chemical, but you can also boost your levels by stopping eating for sustained periods of time.

 

Before you Fast

When taking on a schedule of fasting it is important to stay hydrated all the time. Additionally you should make sure you eat nutrient dense foods on the day before the fasting commences. And as with all health and fitness practices, be sure to consult a doctor if you have any underlying health conditions whatsoever if you are unsure of the impact of fasting on your health.

EMS and Fasting

If you want to find out how fasting can help you as part of a fitness and weight loss program then why not get in contact with EMS Fitness? Our team of experts can help you create a schedule of diet and exercise that will work with your lifestyle. Call us today and find out how we can help.