Embracing Intermittent Fasting: A Step Towards Better Gut Health in Leyland
Constant access to food is quite a modern luxury for us here in Leyland. For most of human history, food was something that had to be foraged for or hunted down, with limited options for long-term storage. Today, food is much easier to come by, leading to round-the-clock eating habits that can affect our health.
This ease of access is one reason intermittent fasting is gaining in popularity. By spending less time each day eating, we’re not just cutting back on calories. We’re giving our bodies a much-needed break from constantly digesting food, which helps us in a myriad of ways.
Why Gut Health is Important
Gut troubles are hard to ignore and can have a real impact on your quality of life. A healthy gut can also support your mood and brain function, and help ward off other health issues. In Leyland, just like elsewhere, diet plays a crucial role in supporting gut health.
Typically, we turn to diet first to maintain gut health. Eating a variety of microbiome-friendly foods like whole grains, vegetables, yogurt, and fermented foods like kimchi and sauerkraut is important for a healthy, happy gut. However, research is now showing that the timing of our meals, not just the content, can impact gut health too.
3 Ways Intermittent Fasting Benefits Gut Health
When it comes to gut health, the primary focus tends to be on the foods we eat. But it’s becoming more and more clear that when you eat (or rather, when you don’t eat) can play a significant role in gut health, too.
Supports the Microbiome
The gut is home to millions of microorganisms. The gut microbiome can change in response to what we eat, when we eat, and various other factors. These changes in the microbiome can be beneficial; diversity in the gut is something our bodies need. Intermittent fasting can improve gut microbiome diversity by promoting the growth of beneficial bacteria and reducing the growth of harmful bacteria.
Improves Digestion
One way to improve digestion? Give your body a break from having to digest food. Digestion requires a lot of energy, and if we’re eating all the time, our bodies must dedicate extra energy to it. When it’s been a while (at least 12 hours) since you’ve eaten, your body engages in rest and repair, a process known as autophagy. During this time, old or damaged cells are removed or repaired, which can strengthen the gut lining and support the digestive system.
Supports a Healthy Gut-Brain Balance
There’s a strong link between gut health and brain health, so much so that the gut is often referred to as the “second brain.” One benefit of intermittent fasting is that it helps modulate certain hormones and neurotransmitters related to digestive processes, such as appetite and hunger (and even mood). Intermittent fasting aids your body in maintaining an overall healthy balance, which is one reason it becomes easier to stick to once you’ve adjusted.
The Easier Route to Intermittent Fasting
Unicity’s Feel Great program was launched, in part, to make intermittent fasting easier so more people can experience its amazing benefits. The Balance and Unimate products can help extend the time between dinner and your first meal the next day, as well as provide essential nutrients that support proper digestion.
Intermittent fasting can be a safe and effective way to support overall health. However, if you have any health conditions or are pregnant or nursing, it’s best to consult your healthcare provider beforehand. Learn more about the Feel Great program today, and make intermittent fasting part of your journey to meeting your health goals here in Leyland.