Fasting has a long history in cultures around the world, many of whom practice fasting for religious or spiritual purposes. Periods of fasting were also a natural part of our evolution. Our hunter-gatherer ancestors could not always find food to eat, and so our bodies adapted to function for extended periods of time without eating. It is only recently that the scientific community has begun to research the various health applications of IF, with studies showing the potential of fasting to reduce oxidative damage and inflammation, optimize energy metabolism, and boost cellular protection…
Studies have shown the potential benefits of IF for rheumatoid arthritis, fibromyalgia, mixed connective tissue disease (a combination of lupus, scleroderma, and polymyositis), and multiple sclerosis. When you fast for an extended period of time, your body has the chance to rest and recover since it is not busy digesting food or defending against inflammatory agents in food. This state of rest can be especially helpful for taming autoimmunity for a number of reasons. Read more…
