24 hour fasting is becoming an increasingly popular practice that offers numerous health advantages. It can aid weight loss, improve heart health and enhance mental wellbeing.
Fasting can promote weight loss by cutting calories from food and creating a calorie deficit.
1. Weight loss
Fasting for 24 hours can burn fat as energy, leading to weight loss if you don’t eat too much during this period.
However, a 24-hour fast is not advised for most people as it could lead to dehydration. That’s why it’s essential to drink water throughout the day if you are fasting.
When fasting, opt for whole, single-ingredient foods. Avoid high-calorie, sugary and processed options. Additionally, working out before starting to eat again will help burn more calories, boost metabolism and enhance the effects of fasting.
2. Increased energy
One of the key advantages of fasting is an increase in energy levels. This is because your body isn’t taking in food, leaving more room for other activities.
Fasting also encourages autophagy, a rejuvenation process in your body that allows it to consume damaged cells and recycle them for energy production.
Exercise is an incredible way to detox your body and combat aging.
Gottfried emphasizes the importance of drinking water during this time.
Fasting should also be avoided as exercise depletes glycological stores, leading to a drop in blood sugar levels and potential energy expenditure.
3. Improved sleep
But with today’s fast-paced lifestyle it can be hard to set aside eight hours of uninterrupted snooze time every night. But there are ways you can improve the quality of your rest so that it feels more like eight.
One of the most obvious is to establish a regular sleep schedule. This could involve going to bed at the same time every night, taking regular naps and avoiding tech gadgets in your bedroom. Establishing these habits and sticking with them will likely reap big rewards in time. Take note of any patterns in your sleeping patterns as well as changes in energy levels or moods associated with them; additionally, consult your doctor about any sleep issues you might be facing.
4. Better digestion
Fasting for prolonged periods of time allows the gut to restore its integrity and equilibrium, thus improving digestion. This is especially beneficial for those with leaky gut, also known as intestinal permeability, where damage has occurred to the lining and toxins or partially digested foods may enter the bloodstream.
Additionally, intermittent fasting (IF) can help to reduce postprandial endotoxemia6, a metabolic risk factor linked to increased insulin resistance and obesity. Furthermore, it improves the balance of beneficial gut flora and bacteria–essential for optimal digestive health–that are essential in your system.
Fasting doesn’t have to be done for an extended period of time, but it is beneficial to do so at least every couple of days. Additionally, eliminating certain foods from your diet for a few weeks may help improve digestion – particularly those which cause bloating and other digestive symptoms.
5. Improved mental health
Strong mental health refers to the capacity for dealing with difficulties, building relationships and recovering from trauma. It also includes having a sense of purpose and self-assurance, the capacity for adaptation and an enthusiasm for life.
Mental health can help you better cope with life’s ups and downs, as well as helping manage certain medical conditions better. You can do your part to enhance your mental wellbeing by developing habits that promote a balanced mind and body. If these strategies don’t suffice, speak to a licensed mental health professional for further assistance. They’ll be able to suggest methods for elevating moods, managing emotions, and building resilience so you can overcome challenges and lead an enjoyable, healthy lifestyle.
