FASTING FOR WEIGHT LOSS It seems that everybody is looking for the magic solution to losing unwanted pounds. One of the most controversial methods today is fasting, but does it work? If so, how should you go about it? Today were going to discuss some of the science behind fasting and how it can help keep you meet your weight loss goals. - What Is Fasting? Fasting, in its strictest form, is refraining from eating or drinking anything at all for a certain amount of time. If youre not even drinking water, you should never fast for more than 24 hours. However, most fasts allow for water and other clear, calorie-free liquids such as coffee or tea. Those types of fasts typically last anywhere from 1-3 days, although some people fast for up to a week. Another type of fasting is juice fasting, which permits you to consume only juices for a predetermined amount of time. This type of fasting is actually practiced in many areas of the world regularly to cleanse the body of toxins and for weight loss purposes. It can be maintained nearly indefinitely though you should keep in mind that the fiber in whole fruits and vegetables serves several purposes in your body. - Is Fasting Healthy? It all depends on how you fast. Going without water for more than 24 hours is never a good idea. However, according to the Mayo Clinic, periodic 24-hour fasting may affect the way that your body metabolizes sugar. That may help you lose weight more effectively and is also incidentally linked to improved heart heath. - How Does Fasting Help You Lose Weight? Its been speculated that fasting helps you lose weight in two ways, and new research published by the NCBI supports the speculation. First, it lowers your glucose levels, which helps to boost your metabolism and reduce cravings. Fasting also helps boost lipid metabolism, which reduces visceral fat tissue, aka belly fat. Losing excess visceral fat is not only good for your appearance, its good for your health. Your risk of heart disease, diabetes and blood pressure increase when you have too much visceral fat - another reason to consider adding fasting to your diet. Studies also indicate that production of human growth hormone (HGH), the hormone responsible for maintaining muscle tone and youthful looks, surges during fasts. Cognitive improvement is also reported. - How Often And How Long Should I Fast? This is a tough question to answer. Intermittent fasting, which involves periods of fasting followed by periods of normal eating, is extremely personalized. Some people only fast for hours by restricting the times of day that they can eat, while others fast for a day or two. This is based on the premise that we were originally hunter/gatherers who often went for periods without food. In order to reap the weight loss benefits of fasting, you need to exhaust your bodys store of glucose so that it can begin to burn ketones. That generally requires at least 12 hours of fasting, so a 24-hour fast once per week may be best for weight loss. You should drink water, though. Before considering any fast, speak to your doctor. If youre pregnant or have any health issues, including diabetes, heart, liver or kidney problems, fasting may not be an option for you.
Posted on: Sat, 13 Dec 2014 18:00:24 +0000
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