Fasting is viewed by many people as a punishment or sacrifice, done for a variety of reasons including weight loss. Well, you should know that fasting is so much more than that—especially for the health of your body. Indeed, the benefits of intermittent fasting seem endless; however, here are 13 health benefits that may particularly stand out for you.

Intermittent Fasting cleanses your body naturally

Body cleansing is essential to your overall health and intermittent fasting is a great way to achieve that cleansing. In general, intermittent fasting assists your body in

• reducing inflammation
• boosting immunity and
• maximising tissue healing

Have you ever wondered why nausea is a symptom of illness? Nausea is actually your body’s way of forcing you to fast, so that whatever infection is causing your illness can be eliminated from your body. This is intermittent fasting in action!

Intermittent Fasting dramatically increases HGH

HGH, or human growth hormone, plays a role in your body’s metabolism, fat burning, and protein distribution. HGH improves muscle and bone strength, brain function, tissue repair, and skin elasticity. One study found that men who fasted for 24 hours experienced a 2000% increase in HGH and women who fasted the same length of time had a 1300% increase in HGH! As a result, those individuals’ triglycerides and good HDL cholesterol levels were increased and their blood sugar was balanced. Overall, health benefits of intermittent fasting include:

1. More energy
2. Better immunity
3. Optimised liver function
4. Fewer allergy symptoms
5. Improved metabolism
6. Effective weight loss
7. Increased digestion
8. Less joint pain
9. Restorative sleep
10. Maximised cognition and memory
11. Stabilised mood
12. Added calmness, peace, and balance
13. Reduced cravings for food, alcohol, or nicotine

The Benefits of Intermittent Fasting remain no matter how you fast!

You may have heard that there are different types of intermittent fasting and this is true. There are five general types of fasting that differ only by length of time:

• Simple Fast = 12 hours (from dinner to breakfast)
• Cycle Fast = 16 hours (3 times weekly)
• Strong Fast = 16 to 18 hours daily
• Warrior Fast = 19 to 21 hours daily
• 1 Day Fast = full 24-hour fast weekly

You may also have heard of the 5:2 fasting regime where you eating a very restricted diet (600 calories or less for men, 500 for women) for 2 days out of the 5, whilst being moderate with what you are eating on the other 5 days.

Preparation is Key

Like any change in diet or lifestyle, intermittent fasting is something you must prepare your body for. So, before you begin fasting, remove as many sugars and grains from diet as possible to balance your blood sugar and hormones (this can take anywhere from three to seven days). Start with a simple or cycle fast and move up from there. A minimum of 12 hours is recommended because it allows 4 hours for your body to digest your food and then 8 hours for your liver to detoxify your body. While fasting, give your cleanse a boost by drinking fermented drinks, herbal teas, or water mixed with apple cider vinegar, lemon, or superfood extract. For more tips, just ‘Ask a Naturopath’.