Short-term and Long-term Benefits of Intermittent Fasting

One of the easiest and most effective ways to activate cellular health and slow aging is through the use of intermittent fasting. Intermittent fasting means fasting periodically throughout the week or month. It usually comprises of 13-24 hours (usually 13-17 hours) of overnight fasting 1-3 times per week.

Modern day researchers have identified the health benefits of short-term intermittent fasting (fasting once in a while and not regularly) in promoting longevity and wellbeing. Below is a list of benefits for intermittent fasting.

Intermittent Fasting Benefits

Mitochondrial resilience

Activation of anti-oxidant processes

Increased autophagy

Increased DNA repair

Increase ketones for optimum weight management

Improves brain health

Decrease insulin

Decrease mTOR

Decrease protein synthesis

Cellular and organ resistance to stress

Keep in mind that the days that one eats after the fast (the re-feeding or feasting period) provide a significant benefit to cellular health and longevity. Re-feeding in some instances can be more beneficial than the fast itself to improving brain neuroplasticity, protein synthesis, and muscle growth. Listed below are benefits of re-feeding after fasting.

Refeeding after Fasting

Increased glucose (required for brain function and cellular energy)

Increase insulin

Increase mTOR

Increase protein synthesis

Increase mitochondrial biogenesis

Decreased ketones

Decreased autophagy

Cellular growth and plasticity, tissue and structural remodeling

When intermittent fasting (fasting 1-3x per week) becomes part of one’s regular lifestyle, significant health improvements are experienced. The list below outlines some of these physiological benefits of intermittent fasting to empower you to make fasting a regular part of your lifestyle.

Long-Term Use of Intermittent Fasting

Increase insulin sensitivity (decrease risk of diabetes and cancer)

Increase heart rate variability

Improve fat metabolism (lower cholesterol)

Improve gut microbiome

Reduce belly fat

Reduce inflammation (reduced risk of chronic disease and cancer)

Improve in blood pressure

Physical, mental, and emotional Resilience

Disease Resilience

To learn more about fasting and other longevity practices to improve your health and hormones, pick up a copy of

The Golden Gate: Unleash Your Feminine Powers to Graceful Aging.

You may wish to consult one of our Holistique physicians for a comprehensive evaluation and a personalized naturopathic regenerative treatment plan.