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Fasting is not only something ancient civilizations observed to strengthen their bodies, like ancient Rome’s gladiators or the Greek Orthodox Church. It is also used today in the medical world for therapeutic purposes.
There are many benefits to fasting; some of them include weight loss, blood sugar regulation, and the prevention of heart attacks. How does this happen? Let’s look at the basics of how fasting works, and then we’ll take a closer look at all that it can do for your body.
What Is Medicinal Fasting?
Before we get started, when people think of fasting, they often assume that it’s a form of starvation, but this isn’t true. Fasting does involve not consuming any calories for a period of time; however, the general definition of fasting is a reduction in calorie consumption for both acute and chronic conditions.
The key element is that caloric intake is drastically reduced to increase energy without causing malnutrition (a condition in which malnutrition occurs as a result of not consuming enough calories for the body’s needs).
With fasting, the body’s metabolism begins to slow down, so it is able to maintain the necessary calorie needs and repair. Fasting can also help reduce inflammation and lower levels of cholesterol, triglycerides, and insulin.
How to Start Fasting Safely and Achieve Your Health Goals
In order to start fasting safely, you want to talk with your doctor and get specific guidance for your use-case scenario.
For example, to lose weight safely and effectively, you want to take into account the above-listed risks. The goal here is not to feel hungry or experience negative side effects.
You will likely feel hungry when you first begin the diet. Instead of going on a hunger strike, it is better to drink a glass of water or a cup of tea, perhaps thickened up with a Simply Thick packets easymix to help you feel fuller. This will help you stay hydrated, and it won’t cause you to feel hungry.
For allergy control, sinus issues, and other symptoms related to inflammation and food allergies, a sinus rinse, such as using a neti pot, is a great way to combat unwanted symptoms.
Again, talk to your doctor about their opinion on sinus rinsing for allergy relief.
What Are the Benefits of Fasting?
The major goal of many people who want to lose weight is to decrease the calories consumed.
This is a great way to lose pounds, but it can be challenging, as you can only eat so many low-calorie foods before becoming bored with your diet. Fasting allows the body to burn fat stores rather than rely on burning off calories by eating less.
What Are the Health Risks of Fasting?
Fasting isn’t wrong, but it is important to understand the risks. Fasting has been shown to cause issues in people who are already sick, as it may take away their energy.
Fasting should also be done at the advice of a doctor, and it shouldn’t last more than a few days. It’s also important not to over-exercise while fasting, as this can lead to further complications.
