The Science of Fasting: What Happens to Your Body?

When animals or humans fall ill, their appetite often decreases, and they may even stop eating.

The logic is that while the body is fighting an illness, energy is directed towards recovery. The body aims to avoid burdening its systems with the additional task of digestion and instead focuses on survival.

Eating during acute illness can interfere with the immune system by diverting resources. Once the body overcomes the illness, it recovers and resumes a healthy diet.

Fasting helps regulate blood sugar levels and positively affects insulin sensitivity. The activity of insulin, the hormone responsible for moving glucose from the blood into cells, becomes more efficient after fasting. Even intermittent fasting can lead to a significant decrease in blood sugar levels.

Fasting can boost the body’s metabolism. If hormonal signals that communicate satiety to the brain are disrupted, fasting can help regulate and reset these hormones to improve hunger and fullness cues, aiding in the fight against eating disorders and obesity.

As the body ages, metabolism slows down. Eating less reduces the strain on the digestive system, slowing down the aging process. Therefore, it's recommended for older adults to eat less and take breaks between meals. Indeed, our bodies "speak" to us—older adults generally have diminished appetites.

Most of us have thrown off our hunger and fullness mechanisms. We rarely feel true hunger because food is always available, and to experience real hunger, one needs to fast for several hours. Fasting helps balance the hormones related to hunger and satiety. Additionally, the immune system strengthens after fasting: it triggers the production of new white blood cells, which are the building blocks of the immune system. To achieve immune strengthening, a 24-hour continuous fast is required. When the body receives no food, the energy normally used for digestion is redirected to other functions. Consequently, fasting allows for better physical and mental wellbeing. A lighter body is accompanied by clearer thinking, offering more focus and awareness of the surroundings.

One crucial aspect is that fasting enhances brain function, promoting the growth of new nerve cells and protecting brain cells against changes associated with diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson's.

When engaging in intentional fasting, it is important to prevent nutritional deficiencies by tailoring fasting durations to individual needs.

Zohara Sharvit is a naturopath N.D, an iris diagnostic specialist, with many years of experience in therapy, counseling, and leading workshops. To book a free workshop, call 073-2221290