Intermittent fasting is thought to promote weight loss, improve metabolic health and improve overall wellbeing.
Apart from weight loss, fasting can be used as a means to reduce inflammation inflammation and improve chronic inflammatory diseases. Acute inflammation is a normal immune response and usually short-lived, but chronic inflammation can have serious consequences for health, including heart disease, diabetes, cancer, multiple sclerosis, and inflammatory bowel diseases.
Studies have shown that caloric restriction can improve inflammatory and autoimmune diseases by reducing the release of pro-inflammatory cells called monocytes in the blood circulation. These cells go into “sleep mode” and are less inflammatory than the monocytes found in those who are continuously fed. Since monocytes are highly inflammatory immune cells, they can cause serious tissue damage, which is a direct result of eating habits that humans have acquired in recent years.
The majority of chronic diseases we face in this day and age are lifestyle related diseases so there is definitely a place for fasting.
The digestive system is an organ that never gets rest because we are eating all the time. Intermittent fasting, however, provides a way for the digestive system to rest and can be beneficial if done properly.
Fasting is not recommended for anyone who is underweight, pregnant or breastfeeding, or for children under the age of 18. If you are diabetic it is recommended that you check with your health practitioner before fasting.
People who regularly fast for more than 18 hours have a higher risk of developing gallstones.
There are many ways to implement intermittent fasting. Since each person is different, there is not a one-size-fits all approach. Next week we will look at the different ways to fast.
Listen to my interview with Brad Kirsten from Radio Cape Pulpit on 16 February 2023 to learn more. Listen to my next interview on Thursday at 7.45am