Intermittent Fasting: An Ancient Adaptation Adapted to Modern Times

Intermittent fasting has become one of the most popular health and fitness trends because so many of us have lost sight of not only what to eat but when to eat it! Intermittent fasting is not a weight loss diet although it may help people lose weight. It is instead an eating pattern that alternates between periods of food abstinence and eating. Intermittent fasting focuses on when foods are eaten not on WHAT foods are eaten although that should be part of the plan. Its health benefits are maximized if combined with a superior, grain-free diet of fresh, whole vegetables, fish, and poultry that avoids sugar and alcohol. Evolutionary adaptation to seasonal periods of food scarcity left us able to function without food for extended periods of time. Indeed, intermittent fasting is more natural than eating 3 or more times per day. Intermittent fasting methodologies split the day or week into eating and fasting periods. Participants should eat nothing at all while fasting although some programs may allow eating 20% to 40% of normal consumption. Minimal calorie ‚fasts‚ may be necessary for neophytes experiencing difficulty adjusting to intermittent fasts. Replacing food with a few glasses a day of Vibrant Health's Vibrant Cleanse with or without Green Vibrance added to water will provide ample micronutrition from minimal calories. The benefits of intermittent fasting may even be enhanced.

Common Fasting methods

The 16/8 method restricts the daily eating period to 8 hours. The best schedule allows eating from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and fasting from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 a.m. This reduces stress on the digestive tract and is associated with healthful weight and appetite control. Alternate Day Fasting: Fast for 24 hours, once or twice a week. The 5:2 diet permits eating only 500‚600 calories on two non-consecutive days of the week while eating normally the other 5 days. All intermittent fasting (IF) methods should reduce one's calorie intake. They may also improve the chances to live a long life. Animal studies confirm that calorie restriction extends lifespan. This benefit is possible as long as the faster does not overcompensate for the periods of abstinence by eating too much food when it is again allowed.

Cellular and hormonal effects

1.) Hormone levels adjust to release stored body fat for metabolism.

2.) Cells initiate important repair processes.

3.) The expression of certain genes is changed.

The effects of Intermittent Fasting 

Intermittent Fasting and Weight Loss

Health Benefits of Intermittent Fasting and Alternate Day Fasting

Putting it all together

Precautions to Take When Starting a Fasting Routine

Intermittent fasting protocols are not suitable for: Children, pregnant or lactating women, or those planning to become pregnant. It may adversely affect glucose tolerance in non-obese women but not in non-obese men. Some women may experience amenorrhea. In such cases, abandon IF protocols and resume previous eating patterns. As with any major lifestyle change, people with serious medical conditions should consult with their physician ‚ if knowledgeable about fasting ‚ and/or with other competent health professionals before adopting an intermittent fasting regimen.

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If you are now taking any drugs, prescribed or not, or have a medical condition, please consult a competent physician who is aware of herb/drug interactions before taking any herbal supplements. The information presented herein has not been evaluated by the FDA or the Department of Health and is not intended to diagnose, prevent, cure, mitigate or treat any disease or illness.