Scientific Proven Benefits of Fasting
Intermittent fasting is a phenomenon that is currently one of the world’s most popular health and fitness trends. It is an eating pattern where one cycles between periods of eating and fasting. There are several different intermittent fasting methods, but all of which follow the rule of alternating between eating and fasting periods.
There is nothing unnatural about fasting, in fact, our bodies are very well equipped to handle extended periods of not eating. All sorts of processes in the body change when one refrains from eating for periods at a time. Intermittent fasting changes the functions of cells, genes, and hormones. When fasting, a significant reduction in blood sugar and insulin levels is noticed, as well as a drastic increase in the human growth hormone.
When on a fast, the body changes hormone levels to make stored body fat more accessible. Lower insulin levels, higher growth hormone levels, and increased amounts of norepinephrine (noradrenaline) all increase the breakdown of fat and facilitate its use for energy. Thus, short-term fasting increases one’s metabolic rate by 3.6-14%, which helps burn off more calories and results in weight and fat loss.
When on a fast, the body changes hormone levels to make stored body fat more accessible. Lower insulin levels, higher growth hormone levels, and increased amounts of norepinephrine (noradrenaline) all increase the breakdown of fat and facilitate its use for energy. Thus, short-term fasting increases one’s metabolic rate by 3.6-14%, which helps burn off more calories and results in weight and fat loss.
Intermittent fasting can reduce insulin resistance, lowering the risk of type II diabetes. The main feature of type II diabetes is high blood sugar levels in the context of insulin resistance. Anything that reduces insulin resistance should help lower blood sugar levels and protect against type II diabetes.
During a fast, the body initiates important cellular repair processes. Several studies show that intermittent fasting may enhance the body’s resistance to oxidative stress and help fight inflammation. Oxidative stress involves unstable molecules called free radicals, which react with other important molecules, such as protein and DNA, and damage them. Additionally, when fasting, the body initiates a cellular “waste removal” process called autophagy. This involves cells breaking down and metabolizing broken and dysfunctional proteins that build up inside cells over time. Increased autophagy may provide protection against several diseases, including cancer and Alzheimer’s disease.
During a fast, the body initiates important cellular repair processes. Several studies show that intermittent fasting may enhance the body’s resistance to oxidative stress and help fight inflammation. Oxidative stress involves unstable molecules called free radicals, which react with other important molecules, such as protein and DNA, and damage them. Additionally, when fasting, the body initiates a cellular “waste removal” process called autophagy. This involves cells breaking down and metabolizing broken and dysfunctional proteins that build up inside cells over time. Increased autophagy may provide protection against several diseases, including cancer and Alzheimer’s disease.
Intermittent fasting may be beneficial for heart health. Heart diseases are currently the world’s biggest killer. It is known that various health markers, or risk factors, are associated with an increased risk of heart disease. Intermittent fasting has been shown to improve a numerous amount of these risk factors, including blood pressure, total and LDL cholesterol, blood triglycerides, inflammatory markers, and blood sugar levels.
This phenomenon resembles Islamic fasting. Hence, it safe to say that all benefits of intermittent fasting also apply to Islamic fasting. However, Islamic fasting not only benefits the human body physically, but also purifies the soul spiritually; it concerns the entire person’s well-being.
This phenomenon resembles Islamic fasting. Hence, it safe to say that all benefits of intermittent fasting also apply to Islamic fasting. However, Islamic fasting not only benefits the human body physically, but also purifies the soul spiritually; it concerns the entire person’s well-being.
Sources
- Figure 1: https://www.dallasnews.com/news/healthy-living/2018/08/27/is-intermittent-fasting-worth-a-rumbling-stomach-if-it-helps-you-lose-weight/
- Figure 2: https://soundcloud.com/charleseisenstein/sets/transformation-weight-loss
- Figure 3: https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/pdf/10.4161/auto.6.1.10812
- Figure 4: https://fineartamerica.com/featured/healthy-heart-leon-zernitsky.html