Constant access to food is a relatively recent phenomenon. For most of our 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, even right here in Carnforth.
It’s one of the reasons why intermittent fasting has been gaining popularity in Carnforth. By spending less time each day eating, we’re doing more than just consuming fewer calories. It’s about giving our bodies a break from constantly digesting food, which helps us out in a myriad of ways.
One of the key benefits of fasting is that it supports gut health. What you eat, and when you eat, has a big effect on your microbiome and your digestive system as a whole.
Why Gut Health is Important
Gut troubles are hard to ignore and can significantly impact your quality of life. A healthy gut not only supports mood and brain function but also helps ward off other health issues. In Carnforth, we find that diet is usually the first port of call when looking to support our gut health. Eating a variety of microbiome-friendly foods like whole grains, vegetables, yogurt, and fermented foods such as kimchi and sauerkraut is important for maintaining a happy gut.
Research also shows that the timing of our meals, not just their content, can impact gut health.
3 Ways Intermittent Fasting Benefits Gut Health
When it comes to gut health, most of the focus is on the foods we eat. But it’s becoming more evident that when you eat (or rather, when you don’t eat) can play a big role in gut health, too. Here are three ways intermittent fasting benefits gut health:
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. Intermittent fasting can enhance gut microbiome diversity by promoting the growth of beneficial bacteria and reducing harmful bacteria.
Improves Digestion
One way to improve digestion is to give your body breaks from having to digest food. Digestion consumes a lot of energy, and constant eating means our bodies must continuously dedicate extra energy to this process. When it’s been a while (at least 12 hours) since your last meal, your body gets some much-needed rest and repair. This process is known as autophagy, during which old or damaged cells are removed or repaired, helping to 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.” Intermittent fasting helps modulate certain hormones and neurotransmitters related to digestive processes, such as appetite and hunger, and even mood. This helps your body maintain an overall healthy balance, making it easier to sustain once you’ve adjusted 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, including those in Carnforth, can experience its amazing benefits. Balance and Unimate help extend the time between dinner and your first meal the next day, as well as provide nutrients that promote proper digestion.
Intermittent fasting can be a safe and effective way to support your overall health. If you have any health conditions or are pregnant or nursing, please consult your healthcare provider beforehand. Learn more about Feel Great today and how it can help you meet your health goals here in Carnforth.