Health Benefits And Side Effects of Fasting

Health Benefits And Side Effects of Fasting

Health Benefits of Fasting

Detoxification
Detoxification is a regular body process when the body neutralizes or gets rid of any kind of accumulated toxins in the various organs like the colon, liver, lungs, or skin. When no food is consumed by the body, the body turns to the fat deposits for energy, which releases chemicals from the fatty reserves and results in the eradication of these chemicals through the organs. After fasting, the blood becomes filled with better levels of endorphins, which makes you more alert and provides you with a feeling of good mental health. It has been well favored by Ayurveic therapy as well as cleansing and correcting the imbalances in the body.

Chemotherapy
Studies have demonstrated that a change in the levels of glucose due to fasting proves beneficial for the effectiveness of chemotherapy performed against tumors. Absolutely no calorie consumption for a defined period stimulates a lot of changes related to the protection of body cells, which is favorable for the patients suffering from cancer or undergoing tumor treatment. Fasting decreases the toxic side effects of chemotherapy on the normal cells and sensitizes the malignant cells to the chemotherapy medicine, which encourages the deterioration of tumors. However, these options need very close medical supervision and should be discussed with a medical professional before being undertaken.

Obesity
Fasting has been in use to combat obesity for a long time. A study has demonstrated positive results with respect to average weekly weight loss that occurred in the subject patients after fasting. It triggers the liver enzymes and breaks fat and cholesterol into essential bile acids, which stimulate the metabolism and convert the surplus fat into heat. Under medical guidance, fasting can prove to be the simplest and surest way to shell out excess fat with an acceptable amount of minimal side effects.

Epilepsy
Epilepsy refers to a brain disorder in which a person suffers from recurrent convulsions that can lead to a transformation in behavior. Fasting has been proven beneficial for patients suffering from epilepsy. Studies on this topic have shown positive results in terms of the frequency of seizures in such patients.

Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic medical condition that causes inflammation of flexible joints. It can also affect the surrounding tissues and other organs. Under medical supervision, controlled fasting has shown significant results in the studies conducted. However, it has been recommended by medical professionals to proceed with a vegetarian diet thereafter.

Pancreatitis
The pancreas plays an important role in producing digestive juices and hormone production for the body, including insulin. When the pancreas becomes inflamed over a short span of time, it is known as pancreatitis. Along with intravenous feeding and fluid therapy, fasting has also been accepted as a treatment strategy for acute pancreatitis.

Healing Mechanism
Fasting also promotes the healing process in the body. When food is no longer present in the stomach, the body focuses on other vital functions like metabolic activity and the immune system, rather than digestion which is not necessary until the next meal. Research has shown significant development in the immune system of the intestines and overall health of the subject patients under medical supervision. These benefits continued later as well. The mechanism of autophagy that involves synthesis and recycling of cellular components by degradation of unnecessary cells also gets promoted during fasting. This leads to the production of healthier cells and tissues throughout the body.

Growth Hormone Secretion
Growth hormones stimulate growth and production of cells in the body. The production of such hormones also increases during fasting, resulting in the release of better growth and anti-aging hormones. This has been demonstrated by various studies conducted in this regard.

Cardiovascular Health
Fasting for short durations, such as intermittent fasting, in which the meal frequency is reduced, aids in better production of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). This compound beneficially influences the regulation of glucose and cardiovascular health. This has been demonstrated by various studies conducted in this regard, along with other health benefits including blood pressure, insulin sensitivity, body mass, triglycerides, and levels of HDL cholesterol.

Pre- or Post-Operative Fasting
Doctors recommend short fasting, which is normally 2-8 hours, as groundwork for certain diagnostic investigations to obtain more accurate results. In case the surgery involves the organs of the digestive system, fasting may be recommended before and after surgery to ensure empty bowels. This helps to protect the lungs from getting any content from the stomach during anesthesia. Based on the studies that have been conducted in this regard, medical professionals recommend that consumption is limited to fluids such as water, clear fluids, and fruit juices before surgery.

Feeling of Rejuvenation
Studies have provided evidence of healthy aging of the brain, which is attributed to calorie restriction and intermittent fasting. The body gets an opportunity to repair itself as a result of a slower metabolic rate, better defense mechanisms, and protein production during fasting. This leads to improved mental well being, clarity, improved blood circulation, and a feeling of rejuvenation. Scientists believe that all of these effects contribute to an extended life expectancy, which has also been proven by the research done on the life of protozoa, yeast, rats, and some other species as a result of fasting. However, for humans, the studies are still in progress.

Side Effects of Fasting
Although fasting has been believed to be a natural and effective method of helping the body get rid of harmful toxins, it is also vital to be well aware of its possible side effects and hitches. Various side effects that can appear along with fasting have been mentioned below.

Dehydration
During fasting, the body continues losing salt and water through sweat, urine, and breathing. If the body isn’t hydrated before doing the fast, it might become dehydrated easily. If such symptoms occur, it is vital to drink water mixed with salt and sugar to compensate for the loss.

Headaches
Headaches while fasting could be caused due to hunger, restlessness, or the sudden absence of caffeine or nicotine in the body. Drinking plenty of fluids, eating in moderation, and avoiding direct sunlight may help prevent headaches.

Reduced Control of Diabetes
Diabetic patients should be very cautious and should always discuss fasting with a medical professional before starting. Diabetic patients are strongly recommended to monitor their blood glucose, since a drop in blood sugar can prove to be fatal and may lead to fainting. In the case of dizziness or sweat, it is advisable to consume fluids containing sugar as soon as possible.

Heartburn
Heartburn can be caused as a result of the production of stomach acids, which otherwise aids digestion. Avoiding greasy, spicy foods and eating in moderation can help control belching, vomiting, and heartburn. Reduction in caffeine consumption and smoking, as well as sleeping with your head raised can also prove beneficial.

Staying active, being hydrated and eating healthy foods (depending on the type of fast) that are rich in fiber helps keep constipation at bay during fasting. Other common side effects include fatigue, muscle cramps, dizziness, light-headedness, chills, or cold due to the change in metabolism, along with an unpleasant odor as the body gets rid of harmful toxins through the skin and sweat. However, this is the body’s natural mechanism to cleanse and repair itself, while expelling any unhealthy cells.