Intermittent fasting is not a diet per se, because it does not involve varying the type of food or the number of calories we consume per day, but rather consists of set time frames between meals in which -in theory- you can eat anything. The objective of these fasting periods is to push the body to resort to the adipose tissues of our body when it is lacking in energy… so we can lose weight.
Many experts argue that intermittent fasting also improves circadian rhythms, which are responsible for regulating different physiological and mental states such as sleep or hunger. In addition, it reduces abdominal fat and regulates the digestion process, by giving our digestive system breaks. This is going to be important at the hormonal level, since it will improve the secretion of some important hormones for a adequate performance physical, such as growth hormone or cortisol.
It is imperative that we consult a specialist before deciding on this new routine, because it can be quite aggressive for our body. In addition, we must use this technique to get used to our body to make use of stored fat and to differentiate between hunger and gluttony, avoiding eating more than normal. Because It won’t do any good if we get stuffed after fasting. In fact, that it will crush our digestive system.
We have said that we can to eat “of everything”. But -obviously- it is always important that food is consumed healthyavoiding processed foods and reaching the amounts of each macronutrient (carbohydrates, proteins, fats) that should be ingested, and that vary according to the person, in addition to vitamins and minerals. And among other precautions, we must also remember that too long a fast… in which hunger is ignored, can cause fainting or marked drops in tension.
Can it be a good anti-depressant method?
Although it is true that there has been talk of intermittent fasting For some time now, there has been -until now- no evidence of the impact of this form of nutrition on our mood. But now a team of researchers of the University of Castilla-La Mancha maintains that it could be of great help when dealing with some mental disorders, such as depression or anxiety.
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UCLM scientists shared the results of his study in an article entitled “Does intermittent fasting impact mental disorders? A systematic review with meta-analysis”; based on data provided by 14 clinical trials, with 562 participants in total, and which was published by the specialized magazine “Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition.”
In this article, specialists argue that intermittent fasting could stimulate the formation of new neurons (neurogenesis), as well as improving communication between them (synaptic plasticity) and -in general- favoring the protection of the brain. Which -in turn- could have a very beneficial impact in mitigating the symptoms of depression and anxiety, as well as in general mood. Of course, scientists still show careful with the resultswaiting to deepen your investigations.
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