Intermittent fasting is becoming more and more popular these days, and for good reason! It can be a great way to lose weight or just improve your health. But if you’ve never done intermittent fasting before, it can be a little confusing to know where to start. In this blog post, we will give you some tips and tricks on how to start intermittent fasting without feeling overwhelmed.
Fasting is a time-honored practice that has been used for centuries to help those in need. Fasted individuals may experience an increased level of vigilance, mood improvement and sometimes even euphoria! We will also explore the biological mechanisms activated during fasting which could have effects on brain function with particular focus put onto improving mental health. Therapeutic fasting can be done safely following established protocol unless contradicted by your doctor.
Benefits of Fasting
Fasting can be a powerful way to break sugar addiction, improve mental clarity, and performance skills like memory retention or problem solving abilities. It also offers many other health benefits such as lower levels of inflammation which is associated with diseases ranging from diabetes-related heart problems to even your immune response. You may go several hours per day without food or only consume one meal per day, which will in turn help raise ketone levels which are converted into energy derived from fat. More information is becoming apparent on its offering of mental benefits such as relieving depression while giving our bodies a good rest from all those extra calories we rely on too much lately.
When the body liver is fasting your liver, uses up its store of glucose and releases fat into circulation. These fats are converted into ketones which provide energy for cells while also helping regulate blood sugar levels over time.
Our ancestors learned how to hunt and gather food, often eating at inconsistent times. Within the last two centuries bodies have been introduced to a 3 meal a day schedule to accommodate the 9-5 workday.The human body has adapted over thousands of years ago when fasting was an essential part in life-stages like getting enough energy from calories from stored within fat cells.
Fat Burn and BDNF
Intermittent fasting helps you lose weight by utilizing your body’s existing fat stores. As soon as it goes without food for an extended period, metabolic switching happens and starts burning away at those last calories consumed while prolonging that time frame until next meal – meaning more energy! Intermittent fasting is a dietary strategy that involves alternating between periods of fasting and eating. Many people find that intermittent fasting can help to improve mental clarity and focus. There is some evidence to suggest that intermittent fasting can help to improve cognitive functioning by increasing levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). This is a protein that helps to support the growth and development of nerve cells. Intermittent fasting can also help to reduce levels of inflammation in the brain, which has been linked to cognitive decline. In addition, intermittent fasting can help to increase levels of ketones in the brain, which are known to have neuroprotective effects. For all these reasons, intermittent fasting may be an effective strategy for improving mental clarity and focus.
Cleansing Benefits of Fasting
Fasting has been shown to improve mental clarity by reducing the toxic materials in our bodies that are usually present during a meal and the processes utilized during digestion. The reduced flow of these substances lets us use energy normally spent on digestion for other purposes, like thinking more clearly.
The Keto "Flu"
When you start the process of fasting, your body needs time to adjust. You might experience headaches or general grogginess while your body switches to burning fat insead of sugar also known as the “Keto Flu”. However after your body cleanses itself from toxins there will be greater clarity in thought and sharper senses all around!
Process of Autophagy
Apart from weight loss fasting is practiced to heal the body and enhance rejuvenation. Fasted cells undergo a process called autophagy, which means the body removes diseased or unwanted cells from your system while replacing healthy ones with new nutrients! This action leaves you feeling cleansed inside out – physically as well mentally.
Motivation and Will Power
Choosing to fast requires mental strength and the ability resist short-term gratification in order to attain long term goals. You’ll likely feel exhilarated and empowered after successfully completing this challenging exercise. This sense of accomplishment will often motivate you to attain other related or unrelated goals.
Tips for Fasting
Tip 1: Start with a shorter fasting period
If you are new to intermittent fasting, it is best to start with a shorter fasting period. This could be anything from 12 hours to 16 hours. The 5:2 cycle comprises of 5 days of regular eating and two days of one meal per day at less than 500 calories. Once you get used to this, you can gradually increase the length of your fasts.
Tip 2: Know your limits. Hunger pangs may be normal, especially during the adjustment phase but should subside. Consult with your doctor prior to doing prolonged fasts, such as 24 hours or greater.
Tip 3: Try not to eat late at night
One of the best ways to make sure you are successful with intermittent fasting is to try not to eat late at night. This way, when you wake up in the morning, you will already be in a fasted state and can easily extend your fast for another few hours.
Tip 4: Drink plenty of water and herbal tea
When you are intermittent fasting, it is important to stay hydrated. Drink plenty of water and herbal tea throughout the day to keep your body healthy and avoid feeling too hungry.
Tip 5: Eat small meals when you do break your fast
When you do eventually break your fast, it is best to eat smaller meals rather than large ones. This will help your body adjust to eating again and prevent you from overeating.
We hope these tips have been helpful in getting you started with intermittent fasting! Remember, it is best to start slowly and increase the length of your fasts as you get more comfortable with the process. Good luck!
Medication Management & Counseling
New Age Psychiatry offers licensed and certified psychiatric services through virtual telehealth appointments within the state of Florida. We understand the complexities that come with mental health disorders and symptoms, and we will work hard to help you manage your condition.
New Age Psychiatry is a modern mental health service in Florida that approaches addiction and other mental health issues with compassion and forward-thinking techniques. New Age Psychiatry offers certified psychiatric services through telehealth appointments in Florida. Some of the highlights of the New Age Psychiatry approach include:
- Online Screening – We will begin with certified online screening to provide an overview of psychiatric care. We also offer a personalized, specific diagnosis through our psychiatric Telehealth services.
- Diagnosis, Recovery, & Treatment – Our full range of comprehensive psychiatric telehealth services can aid in treating a multitude of psychiatric illnesses and assist in the recovery process in alcoholism.
- Telehealth Services – Our psychiatric telehealth services are available throughout the state of Florida and can assist you in psychiatric care through counseling and medication management
Contact us on the web for a virtual appointment. If you prefer to use email, you can reach us at info@newagepsychiatry.com or call us today at (877) 769-5206 for more information.
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