Article Contents
If you’re one of the millions of health-conscious individuals, you may be familiar with intermittent fasting. It has many health benefits such as boost in testosterone level and regenerate pancreas of diabetics. But, contrary to popular belief that not eating can weaken the body, intermittent fasting boosts the immune system.
Intermittent Fasting Boosts The Immune System
Our modern society programs us to eat. This is clear through a wide variety of cheap and affordable foods. Fast foods are springing everywhere allowing people to have easy access when they’re hungry.
However, regardless of the wide availability of foods, the majority of people around the world are sick. Not to mention, the constant rising trend of obesity even in young people. Unfortunately, this trend isn’t helping people in terms of achieving good health and well-being. As a matter of fact, modern diets cause the immune system to suffer.
On the other hand, Valter Longo of the University of Southern California finds something to boost the immune system. In his study1, he finds that in just 3 days, intermittent fasting boosts the immune system.
Furthermore, intermittent fasting also starves cancer cells. What an interesting find and many health experts are adopting this technique.
For cancer patients, intermittent fasting is a blessing in disguise. Who would thought that not eating for 3 days can be able to help boost the immune system and fight cancer cells?
In another study, intermittent fasting to cause autophagy making the body able to resist illness and even stay young. In short, intermittent fasting is something worth looking when it comes to an anti-aging solution.
Therefore, besides intermittent fasting boosts the immune system is a natural anti-aging technique. If you’re interested in longevity and already doing something such as walking exercise, running, drinking coffee, and of course, eating nuts, you might want to include intermittent fasting on regular basis.
Intermittent Fasting(IF) vs Fasting-Mimicking Diet(FMD)
If you’re familiar with fasting and intermittent fasting, you might have also heard about FMD(fasting mimicking diet). But what’s the difference between the two?
First, fasting is a loose term, which could mean fasting for a few days to a month with or without water. This is for advanced individuals who know what they’re doing and have already experienced various types of fasting diets.
On the other hand, intermittent fasting is a type of fasting describing various approaches of short-term fasting for health purposes. Intermittent fasting approaches include skipping a meal each day, time-restricted eating, and alternate-day fasting.
Fasting-mimicking diet is a type of IF(intermittent fasting). However, FMD has a more detailed approach in its cycle. Here’s Valter Longo describes FMD in an interview with Dr. Mercola.
Intermittent Fasting For Weight Loss And Bodybuilding
It’s obvious with intermittent fasting, weight and fat loss are certain. But, what about those who want to build muscles? Does intermittent fasting cause muscle loss?
Well, nothing to worry. If you’re into bodybuilding, intermittent fasting may be one of your tools for muscle gains. Intermittent fasting allows actor Terry Crews to stay in shape.
Is there any study on intermittent fasting and muscle gains? Yes, there is. In this study2, the researchers conclude that time restricted feeding do not adversely affect muscle gains with short-term resistance training.
Furthermore, an earlier study3 also find similar positive effect of intermittent fasting on muscle gains. In this study, researchers find that intermittent fasting along with resistance training maintains muscle mass. It also decreases fat mass and improves health-related biomarkers.
And, as explains in the video below by Dr. Eric Berg, fasting triggers growth hormone allowing the body to retain proteins. Other means that works well with intermittent fasting while building muscles include intense exercise and sleep.
Even maintaining low sugar level by avoiding or minimizing sugar consumption is helpful along with IF when it comes to muscle gains.
Conclusion
Intermittent fasting is really a good tool for weight loss and achieves overall good health and well-being. But, keep in mind, it is essential to combine intermittent fasting with good nutrition.
Eating whole foods such as fresh fruits and vegetables not only boost health but also beneficial for gut health, which in turn further boosts immunity.
Additionally, when it comes to supplementation, Vitamin D should be on your list especially for people living in regions with limited sunlight. Otherwise, light therapy is a good option.