Intermittent fasting is a key strategy for anti-aging and longevity
(NaturalNews)
Our ancient ancestors grew up in a world of stress and scarcity. Food was
often not available and intermittent fasting was common. This form of life
left a genetic blueprint with key information pertaining to our health and
wellbeing. Intermittent fasting reduces oxidative stress, enhances cellular
repair processes and appears to be a key strategy for anti-aging and
longevity.
Thousands of years of food scarcity led our bodies to develop a protective
mechanism to adapt to alternating phases of food abundance and scarcity.
During times of food scarcity, our cell membranes become more sensitive to
insulin. This is especially important when food is scarce because it ensures
that every bit of food be efficiently used or stored.
During times of food abundance the body desensitizes the cells to insulin in
an effort to avoid the stress of a heavy calorie intake. This results in
elevated insulin levels, increased fat storage and increased oxidative stress
and inflammatory conditions in the body. Insulin also enhances cellular
division, which is a risk factor for cancer formation.
Today, we have a massive abundance of food sources. We can virtually eat
anytime we would like. In fact, many health coaches recommend eating 5-6
small meals throughout the day. This process, however, sends the body the
signal of surplus that inhibits key tissue repair hormones, which have
powerful anti-aging effects.
Turning on
Genetic Repair Mechanisms
Intermittent fasting acts to turn on certain genetic
repair mechanisms that enhance cellular rejuvenation. This adaptation appears
to allow certain cells to have a longer lifespan during times of famine. It
is energetically less expensive to repair a cell than it is to divide and
create new cells. This has a positive effect at shutting down cancer cell
formation and proliferation.
These genetic repair mechanisms are turned on through the release of human
growth hormone (HGH). HGH is known to create physiological changes in
metabolism to favor fat burning and protein sparing. The proteins and amino
acids are utilized to repair tissue collagen which improves the functionality
and strength of muscles, tendons, ligaments, and bones. HGH also improves
skin function, reduces wrinkles & heals cuts and burns faster.
HGH and insulin are opposites in function. HGH is focused on tissue repair,
efficient fuel usage and anti-inflammatory immune activity. Insulin is
designed for energy storage, cellular division and pro-inflammatory immune
activity. Insulin is the dominant player in this game. When conditions demand
an insulin release (carbohydrate intake), HGH is inhibited.
Fasting is a
Powerful Healing Modality
Intermittent fasting is one of the most powerful modalities
for reducing inflammation, boosting immunity and enhancing tissue healing.
This is one of the reasons why many people feel nauseated when they have
infections. This innate mechanism is the body's way of influencing us to fast
so it can produce the right environment to boost natural immunity.
Researchers at the Intermountain Medical Center Heart Institute found that
men, who had fasted for 24 hours, had a 2000% increase in circulating HGH.
Women who were tested had a 1300% increase in HGH. The researchers found that
the fasting individuals had significantly reduced their triglycerides,
boosted their HDL cholesterol and stabilized their blood sugar.
The best way to begin fasting is by giving your body 12 hours between dinner
and breakfast every single day. This allows 4 hours to complete digestion and
8 hours for the liver to complete its detoxification cycle. After this is a
standard part of lifestyle, try taking one day a week and extending the fast
to 16-18 hours. Eventually, you may choose to do a full 24 hour fast each
week.
Sources for This Article Include
http://www.ajcn.org/content/86/1/7.full
http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_relea...
http://www.naturalnews.com/029298_a...
http://www.marksdailyapple.com/fasting/
About the author:
Dr. David Jockers owns and operates Exodus Health Center in Kennesaw, Ga. He
is a Maximized Living doctor. His expertise is in weight loss, customized
nutrition & exercise, & structural corrective chiropractic care. For more
information go to www.exodushc.com To find a Maximized Living
doctor near you go to www.maximizedliving.com