Intermittent fasting (IF) has become a popular dietary pattern in recent years. There are many proponents claiming it can help with weight loss, improve metabolic health, and increase longevity. Thomas Delauer, a fitness and nutrition expert, is one of the leading advocates for IF. He has associated various benefits with this eating style. Let’s see the different benefits:
1. See Your Weight Decreasing!
The first benefit of intermittent fasting is weight loss. By restricting calorie intake during fasting periods, the body burns stored fat for energy. Delauer suggests that IF increases insulin sensitivity, which helps the body burn fat more efficiently. In a 2015 study, participants who followed an IF diet lost an average of 8 pounds in just four weeks. Compared to 2 pounds in a control group that followed a traditional diet.
2. Boost Metabolism!
IF has also been shown to improve metabolic health. According to Delauer, it can lower blood sugar levels, reduce insulin resistance, and decrease inflammation. A study published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism found that IF improved insulin sensitivity and glucose tolerance in overweight men.
3. Get Your Brain Active!
Intermittent fasting may also have benefits for brain function. Delauer cites research suggesting that IF can enhance cognitive function, memory, and reduce the risk of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease. Studies have shown that fasting can increase the production of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). This is a protein that promotes the growth and survival of neurons. If you want to improve your cognitive abilities and perform better at things on a mental level, then you may consider including intermittent fasting in your routine as it is going to bring you a lot of beneficial results. However, there is a need for more research on the topic.
4. Live Long and Happy!
Another potential benefit of intermittent fasting is increased longevity. Delauer suggests that IF may help to slow down the aging process and extend lifespan. Studies have shown that fasting can activate cellular processes that promote cellular repair and increase lifespan in animals. Although we need more research to confirm these findings in humans, some experts believe that intermittent fasting could be a promising approach to extending lifespan.
5. Happy Gut, Happy You!
IF may also have benefits for gut health. Delauer cites research that suggests IF can reduce inflammation in the gut and promote the growth of beneficial gut bacteria. A study in the journal Cell Research found that intermittent fasting can increase the diversity of gut microbiota, which is associated with better overall health.
6. Stay Safe from Chronic Illness!
Intermittent fasting may help to reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, cancer, and diabetes. Delauer explains that fasting can reduce inflammation, improve insulin sensitivity, and promote cellular repair, all of which can help to prevent chronic diseases. A study published in the journal Science Translational Medicine found that IF can reduce the risk of cancer and cardiovascular disease in mice.
7. Get Running Like a Tiger!
IF is also a dietary pattern that may have benefits for athletic performance. It can enhance fat burning, improve muscle recovery, and increase energy levels. A study published in the Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition found that athletes who followed an intermittent fasting diet experienced improvements in body composition and endurance.
8. Improve Your Recycling!
Autophagy is a natural cellular process in which the body breaks down and recycles damaged cells and proteins. This process is vital for cellular repair and maintenance, and studies have shown that autophagy may be linked to a reduced risk of diseases such as cancer and Alzheimer’s disease. Intermittent fasting can increase autophagy, according to some research, which may have benefits for overall health and longevity.
9. Easy to Follow!
Intermittent fasting is a relatively easy dietary pattern to follow. It does not require calorie counting or complicated meal planning. You can adapt the eating pattern to suit individual preferences and schedules, making it a flexible and convenient approach to eating. Many people find that intermittent fasting is easier to stick to than traditional diets, as it allows for more food freedom and does not require constant monitoring of food intake.
10. Say No to Diabetes!
Type 2 diabetes is a chronic disease characterized by high blood sugar levels and insulin resistance. Intermittent fasting can reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes by improving insulin sensitivity and reducing inflammation. A study published in the journal Diabetologia found that intermittent fasting improved insulin sensitivity and glucose control in individuals with prediabetes. However, there is a need for more research on the topic to draw a further evidence regarding benefits of intermittent fasting for diabetes.
Overall, adopting an intermittent fasting eating pattern offers a variety of potential health benefits, as explained by Thomas Delauer. From weight loss and improved metabolic health to enhanced brain function and reduced risk of chronic disease, intermittent fasting provides a flexible and convenient approach to eating that is worth exploring.
Things to Consider
Intermittent fasting may not work for you if you have a serious medical condition. For example, if you have cancer, it may not be a good idea to “starve your cancer cells” of sugar because your healthy cells need nutrition as well. This imbalance may lead to malnutrition so it is much better to avoid taking risks of any sort.
Final Words
In conclusion, intermittent fasting is a dietary pattern that has numerous potential benefits for health and longevity. According to Thomas Delauer, IF can promote weight loss, improve metabolic health, enhance brain function, increase longevity, improve gut health, and reduce the risk of chronic disease.
While we need more research to fully understand the effects of intermittent fasting in humans, the available evidence suggests that it could be a promising approach to improving health and wellbeing. If you are interested in trying intermittent fasting, it is important to consult with a healthcare professional to ensure that it is safe for you to do so.
