Modern science has been able to reveal why fasting is so beneficial for health. If you’re interested in trying fasting for its health benefits or interested in learning more about the process, read on to learn more. 

1. Combats Insulin Resistance

One-third of all Americans today are living with a condition called insulin resistance. This condition causes cells that typically respond to the hormone to begin ignoring it, causing your pancreas to produce extra insulin to control blood sugar. Over time, the pancreas can lose the ability to create as much insulin as necessary to control blood sugar, leading to type 2 diabetes development. 

Along with increasing the risk of type 2 diabetes development, insulin resistance is also linked to the development of heart disease, strokes, and even some types of cancer. 

While some people develop this condition due to a genetic predisposition to it, unhealthy habits, such as eating an unhealthy diet and smoking, can also contribute to insulin resistance development. 

Studies have shown that a type of fasting called alternate-day fasting can reduce insulin resistance greatly over time. In fact, participants of one medical study who followed an alternate-day fasting protocol for one year experienced an average of 53 percent decline in their insulin resistance and a great improvement in their health. 

2. Reduces Body Inflammation 

Many medical professionals today believe that body inflammation contributes to the development of many chronic diseases and health problems. Just a few of the health problems that may be caused or worsened by inflammation include heart disease, arthritis, mental illness, asthma, and even cancer. 

While there are many ways you can help reduce systemic inflammation, one easy way is to work fasting into your lifestyle.

Researchers at Yale School of Medicine recently discovered a compound called β-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) that the body produces during a fasting state that inhibits the production of a specific type of protein that triggers inflammation in the body. This inflammatory protein is linked to the development of several diseases, including autoimmune disorders, Alzheimer’s disease, and type 2 diabetes. 

By blocking the creation of this inflammatory protein, fasting may be able to help prevent or ease the symptoms of many of these inflammatory diseases. 

3. Increase Human Growth Hormone (HGH) Levels

Human growth hormone (HGH) is an important hormone secreted by the pituitary gland that plays a role in injury healing, muscle repair after exercise, and cartilage growth. In addition, healthy HGH levels have been associated with a healthy metabolism and, since HGH hormone levels tend to decline in the human body as a person ages, this hormone is also believed to have an anti-aging effect. 

While some people take artificial HGH supplements in an attempt to improve their health or lose weight, these supplements can lead to unwanted side effects. 

However, fasting offers a way to naturally increase your body’s HGH levels dramatically. In fact, according to a medical study published by Healthline, HGH levels increased by 300 percent after just a three-day fast and 1,250 percent after fasting for a full week. 

Keep in mind that you do not have to fast for a full three days to increase your body’s production of this important hormone. Shorter fasts performed regularly over time are also believed to boost HGH levels greatly. 

While fasting has been performed as a health improvement ritual for centuries, modern science has just recently revealed just how and why this ancient health practice can improve health. Contact the staff at Trew Health to book a seat at our next Instruction on Safe Fasting lecture today, so you can learn how to fast safely and effectively without unwanted side effects. 

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