Your stomach hurts. It is grumbling so loud, they can hear it in the next room over. You are watching the clock but time has slowed down to a crawl. There’s a sharp pain that comes and goes, but a dull ache that’s there at all times, reminding you it’s been a long time since your last snack.
You know what that feels like… I’ll bet you even know what it tastes like!
Hunger is not a pleasant feeling. There is a reason it’s not a pleasant feeling – it is supposed to remind us to refuel! But believe it or not, when we use hunger to our advantage, it can become an excellent aid to our health.
In fact, fasting is one of my 7 cheap, simple strategies for boosting your brain performance.
You see, when you fast, you’re not just needlessly depriving yourself – a number of benefits initiate behind that hungry feeling.
Your body is increasing its insulin resistance, which keeps your blood sugar levels steady. Your inflammation is decreasing. Your LDL cholesterol (the unhealthy one) is improving, and your metabolism gets a boost.
All these things should be enough to make you a little curious. But even more than being good for your body, fasting is also good for your brain (of course – that’s why I listed it as one of my 7 cheap, simple strategies!).
You are familiar with the various macronutrients – carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. In our bodies, there is such a thing called the oxidative priority, which means that our bodies prioritize which of these fuels it burns first.
When you fast regularly, you deplete your liver of its glycogen stores and tell your body to switch into burning fat. Then, when you eat again, your body goes back to burning glycogen.
This process is called metabolic switching. It contributes to some of the other health benefits of fasting, like reduced inflammation and increased insulin resistance.
But even beyond that, studies have shown that it has beneficial effects on brain function. Switching from one fuel source to another fortifies the brain, keeping your neural networks adapt and alert, improving overall cognition and neuroplasticity.
Another brain benefit of fasting is called autophagy.
A few weeks back, I wrote to you about the importance of sleep and its restorative properties. While you sleep, your brain “washes” itself and clears out waste products that have built up during the day. These waste products include beta-amyloid plaques, which research has shown may contribute to the neurodegenerative effects of Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease.
In other words – you want your brain clean of them!
Studies have shown that fasting has a similar impact on the brain. Autophagy cleans up your brain in a similar way, including the disposal of harmful plaques.
So then, with all of the beneficial effects of fasting, maybe hunger doesn’t have to be such an unpleasant feeling after all!
Note: be sure to talk with your doctor before beginning any kind of restrictive diet, including an intermittent fasting regimen. Fasting is known to have health benefits for most people, but symptoms of some health conditions may worsen with fasting. You and your doctor know what works best for your body!
That being said – do have the conversation. Try different kinds of fasts and see if you like one – and then, watch your body and your brain thrive 🙂
Make today your masterpiece!
Florina
Get My Blog Posts Right in Your Inbox Every Week
Make your mental health a priority. Receive tips and strategies for living well – mentally, physically, and emotionally – every week.
Get My Free Guide: 7 Cheap, Simple Strategies for Boosting Your Brain Performance
Better focus – clearer memory – faster cognition – more mental clarity – improved intellect…
Your brain is capable of beautiful things. If you don’t think you’re getting the most out of your cranial supercomputer, you can reap the benefits of these 7 simple strategies for the low, low price of “free.”