by Sarka-Jonae Miller
(The Best Years in Life) Every diet that actually works has one thing at its core: calorie reduction. Whether eating certain foods increases fat burning or scheduling your meals at different times actually improves digestion is widely debated, but the fact that eating less causes weight loss is indisputable. And what provides greater calorie reduction than fasting? Many religions include periods of fasting, saying it is good for the soul. Proponents say that fasting is a healthy way to rid the body of toxins and maintain control of cravings. But not everyone has the discipline to fast, plus there is always a real risk of putting your body into starvation mode, which means it won’t give up its fat stores. Enter a reasonable and healthy solution to natural weight loss: intermittent fasting.
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Instead of a 10-day cleanse or month-long juice fast, intermittent fasting works by doing shorter fasts. Intermittent fasting plans include everything from limiting the time during which you eat to 8 to 12 hours per day, or by fasting one or two days a week. These short-term fasts between periods of regular eating decreases caloric intake without risking starvation mode or ketosis. It is also much easier to maintain as a lifestyle. But does it work?
Many studies have found that calorie restriction extends lives, but research supports additional benefits of eating less, and specifically using intermittent fasting instead of continuous calorie reduction. According to Scientific American, restricting food intake can lower the risks of diseases, which could give you a healthier life.
A study performed in 2003 found that mice who engaged in periodic fasting showed greater signs of health than subjects who used continuous caloric restriction. One example that the researchers found was that the mice doing intermittent fasting had lower blood glucose and insulin levels. This correlates to a lower risk of developing diabetes as well as a higher insulin sensitivity.