Fasting for Better Health: The (not so) New Way of Maintaining Good Health

When it comes to maintaining good health, there are various approaches that individuals can take. One such approach that has gained popularity in recent years is fasting. However, fasting is not a new concept; it has been practiced for centuries in different cultures and religions.  However, in recent years, prolonged and intermediate fasting for better health has once again emerged as a legitimate way to improve health and well-being. In this article, we will explore the health benefits of these fasting methods.

The History of Fasting

Throughout history, people of nearly every culture have participated in purposeful fasting for spiritual and/or health reasons. Fasting is mentioned over 70 times throughout Bible. In Matthew 16:6 Jesus said “Moreover, when you fast, do not be like the hypocrites, with a sad countenance. For they disfigure their faces that they may appear to men to be fasting. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward.” Notice how Christ said “when you fast” not “if you want to fast.” We are expected to fast. Not only does fasting promote numerous physical health benefits, it is also a way for us to strengthen our spirit. It is a way for us to humble ourselves, a way to abstain from fleshly desires and practice self-control. Jesus goes on to say in that same chapter of Matthew “But thou, when thou fastest, anoint thine head, and wash thy face; That thou appear not unto men to fast, but unto thy Father which is in secret: and thy Father, which seeth in secret, shall reward thee openly.” Don’t make it known to the whole world that you are resisting the fleshly urge to consume food. The main focus of prolonged fasting should be to grow spiritually; the physical benefits are merely a bonus. When we humble ourselves before the LORD, and do it for His glory, the Father will reward us.

The Difference Between Prolonged and Intermediate Fasting

Prolonged fasting involves abstaining from food for an extended period, typically ranging from 24 to 72 hours or even longer. On the other hand, intermediate fasting involves restricting the eating window to a specific period, usually between 8 to 10 hours, and fasting for the remaining hours of the day. Both have proven health benefits and should be adopted into everyone’s lifestyle if their current health conditions allow.

Weight Loss and Metabolic Benefits

One of the primary physical reasons people turn to fasting is for weight loss. When we fast, our body taps into stored fat for energy, leading to weight loss over time. Fasting causes HGH (human growth hormone) to increase, which has an opposite effect on insulin. Whereas insulin prevents breakdown of fat and causes storage of glucose, HGH does the complete opposite: It increases the availability of glucose in the bloodstream and allows our body to burn fat as fuel. HGH also promotes lean muscle mass and improved skin thickness. Both prolonged and intermediate fasting can help individuals shed excess pounds. The increase of HGH, with the addition of fewer calories, makes it a very effective way to shed some extra pounds.

Improved Brain Function

Research suggests that fasting can have a positive impact on brain health. Prolonged fasting has been found to stimulate the production of a protein called brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), which plays a crucial role in promoting the growth and survival of neurons. This, in turn, may enhance cognitive function and protect against neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. Intermediate fasting has also shown promising results in improving brain function. Some studies suggest that intermittent fasting can increase the production of new nerve cells, improve memory and learning, and enhance overall brain health.

Inflammation Reduction

Chronic inflammation is linked to various health issues, including heart disease, diabetes, cancer, multiple sclerosis, and inflammatory bowel diseases. Studies have shown that fasting reduces inflammation and improves chronic inflammatory diseases. Chronic inflammatory diseases are the most significant cause of death in the world. The World Health Organization (WHO) ranks chronic diseases as the greatest threat to human health. Both prolonged and intermediate fasting have been found to reduce inflammation in the body by reducing monocyte metabolic and inflammatory activity while also drastically reducing the number of circulating monocytes. Studies also have shown that while fasting improves inflammatory diseases, it does not compromise the body’s antimicrobial immunity.

Enhanced Heart Health

Fasting has been shown to have several benefits for heart health. It can help lower blood pressure, reduce cholesterol levels, and decrease the risk of heart disease. Prolonged fasting has been found to improve heart rate variability, a measure of heart health, and promote the growth of new blood vessels. Intermediate fasting has also been associated with improved heart health markers, such as reduced levels of triglycerides and LDL cholesterol.

Longevity and Anti-Aging

Autophagy is our body’s way of removing damaged or dysfunctional parts of a cell and recycles other parts toward cellular repair. It has been called a form of “cellular housekeeping.” Fasting has been shown to induce profound neuronal autophagy in cortical neurons and Purkinje cells. Autophagy is a self-preservation mechanism in which the body removes the dysfunctional cells and recycle parts of them toward cellular repair and cleaning. The main benefit of autophagy comes in the form of anti-aging principles. It has been called “the body’s way of turning the clock back and creating younger cells.” When our cells are put under stress, autophagy kicks in to protect us, which helps prolong your lifespan.

Caution and Considerations

While fasting can offer numerous health benefits, it is important to approach it with caution, especially for individuals with underlying health conditions or those who are pregnant or breastfeeding. Fasting is an amazing way for us to grow spiritually, as well as promote many amazing health benefits, such as weight loss, improved brain function, reduced inflammation, enhanced heart health, and longevity. God created our bodies so complex and gave them the ability to repair themselves through fasting. His followers have practiced this spiritual and physical healing technique for centuries. However, it is crucial to approach fasting responsibly and seek professional advice to ensure it is suitable for your individual circumstances. As with any lifestyle change, consistency and moderation are key to reaping the full rewards of fasting. Again, when we fast, the main goal is to draw closer to our Creator and  humble ourselves, knowing that we are but dust. The Physical health benefits, as good as they are, are secondary.