New anti- ageing secret emerges

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Fasting; a new key to stay young and healthy 

Emobileclinic Reporter: Femi Fayomi

Fasting is something that human beings have practiced throughout history, often out of circumstance rather than choice. Our hunter-gatherer ancestors were probably expert fasters, indulging in feasts in times of plenty, and then facing long periods of scarcity in between. With this in mind, it makes sense that our bodies’ cells could perform well under the harsh conditions of feast and famine. Fasting  acts as an anti-ageing remedy and this has been proven over time over and over again.

Scientists have been looking at the possible health benefits of calorie restriction for years. A prominent theory suggests these health benefits are related to the drop in blood sugar that results from fasting, which pushes your cells to work harder to utilize other forms of energy. As observed in rhesus monkeys, eating only 70% of their normal caloric intake have been shown to make them live much longer and are much healthier at older ages. These anti-aging benefits have also been seen other animals which are put on an intermittent fasting diet. The researcher by  alternating between days of normal eating and days where calories are restricted was able to prove this. More recently, scientists have discovered some similar effects in humans. What isn’t clear, though, is why intermittent fasting seems to have a benefit in the fight against aging. This question is complicated by the fact that in all studies performed on most people, fasting led to weight loss. The health benefits of weight loss might be overshadowing the other benefits obtained from fasting alone.

Fasting also acts as a detoxifying agent. The millions of cellular processes that happen every day take their toll on individual cells, particularly on the mitochondria. Ideally, the body identifies these worn out cell parts and replaces them (a process commonly referred to as autophagy). This is a constant task. While this process is automatic and ongoing, it can be significantly hindered by a poor diet, but can even be slowed by a healthy diet simply by the fact that when your body is digesting incoming food it decreases its cellular custodial duties. Giving your body time to focus solely on cellular repair can be incredibly beneficial for optimal cleansing. Interesting research has come out regarding the benefits of fasting on neuron centric diseases like Alzheimer’s and Huntington’s. As autophagy is increased during a fasting state rundown mitochondria and other cellular molecules are eliminated from the neurons. You can see the connection then between the increased detoxification abilities of fasting and in decreased aging process. This is deep cleansing in its truest form.

The effects of fasting on hormones are multi-faceted. Fasting has a dramatic impact on human growth and hormone levels. Fasting increases HGH results in greater endurance with faster muscle repair and growth; as well as a slowing down the aging process.  interestingly of it all of,  fasting effects the insulin levels. Fasting, especially when combined with regular exercise, is one of the most effective ways of normalizing insulin sensitivity. Leptin, the hormone that regulates fat storage as well as hunger signals, and ghrelin, another hormone that tells your brain the body is hungry, are also normalized by routine fasting.

Fasting also helps in  weight loss and control .The natural sugars in any meal that aren’t immediately needed for energy are stored in the liver as glycogen. When maximum glycogen storage has been achieved, the body  stores this energy as fat. Glycogen stored are the first fuel source the body will turn to for energy. In general it takes between 6 to 8 hours for the body to burn through its glycogen supply. As glycogen is depleted the body  then turn to the energy stored in fat cells.  By eating throughout the day, or even the basic three square meals, the body find it much harder to burn fat. Extending the time between eating will force your body to tap into the fat reserves. Guess what that means? Get ready to synch up your belt and go shopping for smaller clothes!

Keep in mind that it is the consumption of protein and carbohydrates that will tell the body to stop burning fat. A cup of black coffee or unsweetened green tea in the morning, even with a spoonful of pure fat like coconut oil, can be beneficial in helping you feel satisfied until lunch time. As always, pay attention to your body and make careful evaluation of your own situation and needs. If you’re already healthy and eating well, intermittent fasting can be just the thing you need to break out of a plateau and take your health and performance to the next level.