In our new MCC360 Challenge, we are introducing our patients to intermittent fasting.  Recently this old practice has become the new trend.  Nothing new about it, fasting has been around for centuries – used as a common health practice by Hippocrates, and a religious ritual by many.  Fasting is said to wake the inner healing of the body…the body needs energy, this energy source comes from the food we eat.  If there is no food present, the body will turn to itself for energy – starting with using stored glucose (glycogen) and when this runs out it turns to fat – yes, that’s right FAT, the thing most people want to BURN!

In today’s world, with SO much food, we are never allowing our bodies to turn inward for energy.  Thus the new age of dieting is all about generating KETONES – the inner energy!  Your body will produce ketones when there is no glucose available – the two most common methods used today to reach this are KETO DIET and INTERMITTENT FASTING.  A keto diet is about drastically reducing your carbohydrate intake and replacing the lost calories with fat.  Intermittent fasting is simply not eating for a period of time, the two most common fasting practices are 16:8 (16 hours of not eating followed by eating in an 8-hour window) or 5:2 – this is eating for 5 days a week, and having two fast days.

Both methods (keto diet and fasting work) Ketogenic diets can increase ketones fourfold whereas fasting has been shown to increase ketones by up to twentyfold. As a result, fasting, compared to a ketogenic diet, may have a stronger, more beneficial effect on overall health.

Is Intermittent fasting healthy?

Yes for most people, although there are some that should not do this – growing kids, underweight individuals, breastfeeding or pregnant women.

What are the benefits of Intermittent fasting?

  • INCREASE YOUR HUMAN GROWTH HORMONE
    burn fat and increase muscle
  • CELLULAR REPAIR
    removes poor cells and improves overall gene expression
  • MOOD AND BRAIN CLARITY
    can delay the onset of Alzheimers and dementia
  • REDUCE INFLAMMATION MARKERS
    improve your overall heart health, prevent cancer and longevity
  • GETS RID OF GLYCOGEN AND INSULIN
    by doing this, your body can access fat for energy

If you would like to learn more about fasting or learn how to implement this strategy in your lifestyle, contact our nutrition team at info@metaboliccareclinics.com