When fasting, the body has to draw on its energy reserves. This leads to a whole range of reactions. For example, to a drop in insulin levels in the blood, which causes the body to use fat reserves as a source of energy. Fasting can also increase the body's production of growth hormones, which helps maintain muscle mass and break down fat stores. So-called ketone bodies also reduce inflammation in the body, which can prevent various diseases.
You can do a lot wrong. Excessive fasting periods, for example, are problematic because they put the body under stress and can cause health problems such as fatigue, dizziness, depression and headaches. Also, fasting should not be combined with extreme diets that contain very few nutrients. Between 500 and 700 kcal a day is no problem for good results. It's easier to persevere with and get the same results without stress, frustration, or health concerns.
Fasting is also said to have negative effects, especially with regard to the liver. What is it?
Not much. Fasting has several positive effects on the liver. For one, it causes the liver to reduce unnecessary sugar and fat deposits. This in turn leads to improved liver function and an improved ability to remove toxins from the body. In addition, the metabolism of the liver is also increased, because fasting leads to a drop in insulin levels in the blood, which helps the body to mobilize fat reserves, which the liver converts into ketone bodies. The liver and pancreas play a central role in this process and are trained as a result. Ultimately, it also increases enzyme production, which is responsible for processing toxins and detoxifying liver cells, but also aids in digestion.
It is always beneficial to drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration. However, sugary and alcoholic beverages should be avoided. It also helps to start fasting gradually and switch back to a normal diet step by step so that the body is not stressed. Ultimately, your own network can also be a great driving force: If you inform your friends and acquaintances in advance, you might even find fellow campaigners. This makes everything much easier to do.
Fasting all the time would be absurd - so it is better to fast in a targeted and planned manner. For some, daily fasting in the form of intermittent fasting may make sense, while for others it may be better in the form of a weekly fasting once a month, quarter, or year. That always depends on the individual starting position of the person. However, one should be aware that fasting has been the normal state for humans for millions of years of evolutionary history. Our body has learned from this to develop a survival advantage. The oversupply in which we live today is perhaps 100 years young and unfortunately it is not only good for us.
