How can intermittent fasting affect health?

Intermittent fasting can have a range of health benefits, including:

• Improved gut health by promoting healthy gut microbiota and reducing lactobacillus, which in high levels is associated with metabolic disorders. Time-restricted feeding can be helpful for conditions like irritable bowel syndrome and colitis by impacting clock genes and the mucosal lining 1.
• Enhanced liver enzymes and insulin sensitivity, which means better calorie and blood sugar utilization 2.
• Reduced risk of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease through the increase of brown fat stores. Time-restricted feeding and cold exposure can increase these stores 3.

  Intermittent Fasting Benefits

  Andrew Huberman

  Andrew explains how intermittent fasting can improve gut health by promoting healthy gut microbiota and reducing the amount of lactobacillus present in the gut. Time-restricted feeding can assist people with irritable bowel syndrome and other forms of colitis by impacting the expression of clock genes and having a direct effect on the mucosal lining.

  

  Huberman Lab

  Effects of Fasting & Time Restricted Eating on Fat Loss & Health | Huberman Lab Podcast #41

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• Potential benefits to mental health, with studies suggesting extended fasting could impact depression and anxiety positively 4.
• Improved physical performance and potential for weight management for those with different goals, whether it's weight loss, gain, or muscle hypertrophy 5.

In general, ideal intermittent fasting schedules could vary from person to person. However, some guidelines like avoiding food intake for at least 60 minutes after waking up, keeping a consistent sleep schedule, and having an eating window of around 8 hours are recommended 6.

Keep in mind that everyone's health and lifestyle are different, and it is important to consult a healthcare provider when making significant changes to your diet or eating patterns.