Why is fasting beneficial?
In this section, we will explore fasting and the science behind it. Fasting as we know it ranges from short-term fasting that involves intermittent fasting to long-term fasting that may last more than 8 days. Intermittent fasting encompasses whole-day fasting, alternate-day fasting, and time-restricted fasting that have different time frames, such as 16/8, 18/6, and 20/4, where the first number refers to the hours fasted and the second number to signify the hours to eat. We will focus on the benefits of fasting in the following sections.
Lipid effects:
The major effect of fasting is a fundamental shift from lipid synthesis to lipid metabolism to meet energy needs.
The glycogen in adipocytes is depleted from 12-36 hours of starting fasting; this speeds the lipolysis of fat and its mobilization to produce ketones.
The triglycerides are broken down into glycerin and fatty acids that are engaged in energy metabolism; the liver converts the fatty acids into ketones.
When engaged in intermittent fasting, there is a metabolic change in white adipose tissue that is called browning that aides in energy metabolism and heat generation. The heat expenditure leads to energy expenditure. These different mechanisms help in the regulation of lipids.
Glucose metabolism:
Fasting was associated with decreased levels of insulin and decreased insulin resistance.
. It was also associated with better glucose controls and better hemoglobin A1c, a marker of long-term glucose levels.
With early time-restricted feeding, with finishing the last meal before 3pm, this was associated with better insulin sensitivity and beta cell response.
Neurological effects:
Fasting induces changes in neurotransmitters and trophic hormones that have effects on the brain. Fasting also induces the release of endorphins or feel-good hormones.
This has favorable effects on the brain with respect to controlling pain signals and cognitive function.
The serotonin that is released during fasting helps with mood and decreased pain sensitivity. In many chronic pain disorders, there is a hypersensitivity of pain receptors.
Intermittent fasting causes the release of brain-derived neurotrophic factors that further impact the serotonin release in a favorable manner.
The release of serotonin increases as the fasting progresses.
Neuropeptide Y is also released during fasting and also plays a role in decreasing inflammation and neuropathic pain. It is important to note that we are focusing only on short-term fasting, as long-term fasting can have detrimental effects.
As listed above I have listed the metabolic benefits of fasting. I urge everyone reading this article to consult with their health care provider before engaging in fasting in order to determine if this is a good fit for them. As always, I wish that you keep your health in center focus and live long and strong!
Benefits of Fasting
In this section, we will explore fasting and the science behind it. Fasting as we know it ranges from short-term fasting that involves intermittent fasting to long-term fasting that may last more than 8 days. Intermittent fasting encompasses whole-day fasting, alternate-day fasting, and time-restricted fasting that have different time frames, such as 16/8, 18/6, and 20/4, where the first number refers to the hours fasted and the second number to signify the hours to eat. We will focus on the benefits of fasting in the following sections.
Lipid effects:
The major effect of fasting is a fundamental shift from lipid synthesis to lipid metabolism to meet energy needs.The glycogen in adipocytes is depleted from 12-36 hours of starting fasting; this speeds the lipolysis of fat and its mobilization to produce ketones. The triglycerides are broken down into glycerin and fatty acids that are engaged in energy metabolism; the liver converts the fatty acids into ketones. When engaged in intermittent fasting, there is a metabolic change in white adipose tissue that is called browning that aides in energy metabolism and heat generation. The heat expenditure leads to energy expenditure. These different mechanisms help in the regulation of lipids.
Glucose metabolism:
Fasting was associated with decreased levels of insulin and decreased insulin resistance, which is a hallmark of metabolic syndrome. It was also associated with better glucose controls and better hemoglobin A1c, a marker of long-term glucose levels. With early time-restricted feeding, with finishing the last meal before 3pm, this was associated with better insulin sensitivity and beta cell response.
Neurological effects:
Fasting induces changes in neurotransmitters and trophic hormones that have effects on the brain. Fasting also induces the release of endorphins or feel-good hormones. This has favorable effects on the brain with respect to controlling pain signals and cognitive function. The serotonin that is released during fasting helps with mood and decreased pain sensitivity. In many chronic pain disorders, there is a hypersensitivity of pain receptors. Intermittent fasting causes the release of brain-derived neurotrophic factors that further impact the serotonin release in a favorable manner. The release of serotonin increases as the fasting progresses. Neuropeptide Y is also released during fasting and also plays a role in decreasing inflammation and neuropathic pain. It is important to note that we are focusing only on short-term fasting, as long-term fasting can have detrimental effects.
As listed above I have listed the metabolic benefits of fasting. I urge everyone reading this article to consult with their health care provider before engaging in fasting in order to determine if this is a good fit for them. As always, I wish that you keep your health in center focus and live long and strong!
Benefits of Fasting
In this section, we will explore fasting and the science behind it. Fasting as we know it ranges from short-term fasting that involves intermittent fasting to long-term fasting that may last more than 8 days. Intermittent fasting encompasses whole-day fasting, alternate-day fasting, and time-restricted fasting that have different time frames, such as 16/8, 18/6, and 20/4, where the first number refers to the hours fasted and the second number to signify the hours to eat. We will focus on the benefits of fasting in the following sections.
Lipid effects:
The major effect of fasting is a fundamental shift from lipid synthesis to lipid metabolism to meet energy needs.The glycogen in adipocytes is depleted from 12-36 hours of starting fasting; this speeds the lipolysis of fat and its mobilization to produce ketones. The triglycerides are broken down into glycerin and fatty acids that are engaged in energy metabolism; the liver converts the fatty acids into ketones. When engaged in intermittent fasting, there is a metabolic change in white adipose tissue that is called browning that aides in energy metabolism and heat generation. The heat expenditure leads to energy expenditure. These different mechanisms help in the regulation of lipids.
Glucose metabolism:
Fasting was associated with decreased levels of insulin and decreased insulin resistance, which is a hallmark of metabolic syndrome. It was also associated with better glucose controls and better hemoglobin A1c, a marker of long-term glucose levels. With early time-restricted feeding, with finishing the last meal before 3pm, this was associated with better insulin sensitivity and beta cell response.
Neurological effects:
Fasting induces changes in neurotransmitters and trophic hormones that have effects on the brain. Fasting also induces the release of endorphins or feel-good hormones. This has favorable effects on the brain with respect to controlling pain signals and cognitive function. The serotonin that is released during fasting helps with mood and decreased pain sensitivity. In many chronic pain disorders, there is a hypersensitivity of pain receptors. Intermittent fasting causes the release of brain-derived neurotrophic factors that further impact the serotonin release in a favorable manner. The release of serotonin increases as the fasting progresses. Neuropeptide Y is also released during fasting and also plays a role in decreasing inflammation and neuropathic pain. It is important to note that we are focusing only on short-term fasting, as long-term fasting can have detrimental effects.
As listed above I have listed the metabolic benefits of fasting. I urge everyone reading this article to consult with their health care provider before engaging in fasting in order to determine if this is a good fit for them. As always, I wish that you keep your health in center focus and live long and strong!
