Stay aware of the myths! This guide will clear all your misconceptions regarding intermittent fasting that the world has convinced you are true. This guide will separate facts from fiction and assist you in making healthier choices.
Contrary to popular belief, intermittent fasting isn't about what you eat, but rather when you eat. It's not a diet in the traditional sense; instead, it's an eating pattern that cycles between periods of eating and fasting. Yet, despite its rising prominence, numerous myths continue to swirl around this practice.
In recent years fasting has gained enough attention and it has emerged as a new trend, especially in the West. We cannot deny that fasting has various benefits but there are many myths surrounding it. This article will explore the depths of fasting and debunk the common misconceptions surrounding it.
Slows Down the Metabolism
Let's challenge the fact that intermittent fasting puts the body into starvation mode and facilitates fat retention. However, it's not the case as fasting increases norepinephrine levels, a hormone that is responsible for stimulating metabolism and helps fat cells burn faster. In fact, in the long term fasting makes your metabolism and digestion efficient.
Makes You Lose Muscle
This concerns those individuals who think that fasting can make you lose muscle mass and as a result, you will gain weight, but it's not true. It arises from the fact that since the meal frequency is decreasing, the body has less ability to support the development of muscles, but the opposite is true in this case as fasting preserves lean muscle mass as it is known to stimulate growth hormones.
Leads to Nutrient Deficiencies
The misconception is that fasting leads to nutrient deficiency due to low-calorie intake. In reality, fasting has been known to help improve absorption rate, It is because our digestive system also needs to take a break which it's not able to because of our unhealthy eating habits. Fasting therefore allows the digestive system to recharge and the only reason it leads to a nutrient deficiency is an imbalanced diet.
Depletes Your Health
Some people think intermittent fasting is a recipe for disaster. Why? People are concerned about factors like disruption of bodily functions and chronic dehydration as the cycle of restriction is quite evident in fasting. But if you practice it properly, fasting has a range of benefits. If you hydrate regularly then fasting won’t hurt your body.
Affects The Brain
It's a misconception that fasting compromises brain health leading to cognitive deficiency. Numerous studies show that fasting improves cognitive function by inducing a biological state called ketosis. Ketosis is when, instead of glucagon, fat for energy is used by the body. The brain takes up an alternative energy source called ketone. Ketone is known to boost mental clarity, and memory and diminish stress-inducing hormones.
Wrapping Up
So this blog has successfully busted all the myths regarding intermittent fasting and fasting for diet. Isn't it bizarre how you can achieve maximum health benefits without eating anything? In short, if intermittent fasting is done properly, it's not detrimental to your health instead it improves memory, enhances clarity, promotes healthy cells, and fixes your digestive system.