Gastrang’s Changing Approach to Meal Timing and Gut Health
The concept of constant access to food is a relatively recent phenomenon. For a large part of human history, food was something that had to be foraged for or hunted down, with limited options for long-term storage. In today’s world, however, food is much easier to come by, leading to round-the-clock eating habits that can affect our health.
This is one reason intermittent fasting is gaining in popularity right here in Garstang. By spending less time each day eating, we’re doing more than just consuming fewer calories. We’re giving our bodies a break from constantly digesting food, which helps in various ways.
Why Gut Health is Important
Gut troubles are hard to ignore and can significantly impact your quality of life, right here in Garstang as anywhere else. A healthy gut supports not just your digestive system but also your mood and brain function, helping to ward off other health issues.
When we think about supporting gut health, diet is usually our first go-to. Eating a variety of microbiome-friendly foods like whole grains, vegetables, yogurt, and fermented foods such as kimchi and sauerkraut is indispensable for a happy, healthy gut. However, research is also showing that the timing of our meals, not just the content, can have a notable impact on gut health.
3 Ways Intermittent Fasting Benefits Gut Health in Garstang
When it comes to gut health, the focus is often on the foods we eat. But it’s becoming more clear that when you eat (or rather, when you don’t eat) can play a big role 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 other health 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 breaks from digesting food. Digestion uses up a lot of energy, and if we’re eating all the time, our bodies have to dedicate extra energy to it. When it’s been a while (at least 12 hours) since your last meal, your body gets some R&R, aka rest and repair. This process, known as autophagy, involves the removal or repair of old or damaged cells, which helps 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. It’s not uncommon to hear the gut referred to as the “second brain.” One benefit of intermittent fasting is that it helps modulate certain hormones and neurotransmitters related to digestive processes, like appetite and hunger (and even mood). Intermittent fasting helps your body maintain an overall healthy balance, making the practice easier once you adjust to a new schedule.
The Easier Route to Intermittent Fasting
Unicity’s Feel Great program was launched, in part, to make intermittent fasting easier, so more people can enjoy the amazing benefits. Balance and Unimate help extend the time between dinner and your first meal the next day, providing nutrients that promote proper digestion.
Intermittent fasting can be a safe and effective way to support your overall health. However, if you have any health conditions or are pregnant or nursing, please consult your healthcare provider beforehand. Learn more about the Feel Great program today, and discover how it can help you meet your health goals right here in Garstang.