How can intermittent fasting affect health?

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Intermittent fasting can have various health benefits as explained by . Here are some key points:

  • Gut Health: Intermittent fasting can improve the gut microbiome and help with conditions like irritable bowel syndrome and colitis. It impacts clock genes and the mucosal lining of the gut, fostering a healthier gut environment 1.
  • Hormone Signaling: Proper nutrition and body fat provide signaling for reproductive health. Leptin from body fat communicates to the brain to initiate puberty or maintain ovulation. Fasting and intense exercise can reduce testosterone levels and affect fertility 2.
  • Liver Health: Intermittent fasting can influence liver health positively by increasing brown fat stores, which in turn may help prevent or mitigate non-alcoholic fatty liver disease 3.

    Intermittent Fasting Benefits

    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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  • Metabolic Benefits: Limiting calorie consumption to a certain period, aligned with daylight hours, reduces liver disease risk, improves metabolic markers, and can lead to better body weight management 4.
  • Weight and Mental Health: Time-restricted feeding impacts weight loss, muscle maintenance, organ health, cognition, mood, and lifespan. It is believed that not eating before bedtime and shortly after waking can have especially positive health benefits associated with sleep-related fasting 5.
  • Adherence and Preference: While the concept of intermittent fasting is popular, the timing of eating seems to be flexible. People prefer intermittent fasting as it may be easier than limiting portion sizes 6.

It is crucial to consider that intermittent fasting might not be suitable for everyone and personal health conditions, preferences, and goals should be taken into account. Additionally, transitioning into a time-restricted feeding schedule should be gradual 2. Before making any significant changes to diet or starting intermittent fasting, consulting with a healthcare provider is recommended.

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