Constant access to food is a relatively recent phenomenon, especially when you think about our history in Upholland. For most of human history, food had to be foraged or hunted down with only limited options for long-term storage. Today, food is much easier to come by, leading to round-the-clock eating habits that can significantly affect our health.
This shift is one reason intermittent fasting is gaining popularity in Upholland and beyond. By spending less time each day eating, we’re doing more than just consuming fewer calories. It’s giving our bodies a break from constantly digesting food, which benefits us in many ways.
One of the standout benefits of fasting is its support for gut health. What you eat and when you eat have a significant impact on your microbiome and your digestive system as a whole.
Why Gut Health is Important
Gut troubles are hard to ignore and can severely impact your quality of life. A healthy gut doesn’t just support digestion; it also influences mood, brain function, and helps ward off various health issues.
Upholland residents often turn to diet to support gut health first. Consuming a variety of microbiome-friendly foods like whole grains, vegetables, yogurt, and fermented foods like kimchi and sauerkraut is essential for maintaining a healthy, happy gut.
Research also shows that the timing of our meals, not just the contents, can impact gut health.
3 Ways Intermittent Fasting Benefits Gut Health
When it comes to gut health, most folk focus on the foods we eat. However, it’s becoming more evident 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 can promote gut health by improving microbiome diversity. Intermittent fasting encourages the growth of beneficial bacteria while reducing harmful bacteria.
Improves Digestion
Want to improve your digestion? Give your body breaks from constantly 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 you’ve eaten, your body undergoes a process called autophagy. During this time, old or damaged cells are removed or repaired, helping 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, often leading to the gut being referred to as the “second brain.” Intermittent fasting helps modulate hormones and neurotransmitters related to digestive processes like appetite and hunger (and even mood). This balance makes it easier to stick to a fasting regimen once you’ve adjusted to the new schedule.
The Easier Route to Intermittent Fasting
Unicity’s Feel Great program was launched to make intermittent fasting easier, so more people, including those in Upholland, can experience its benefits. Products like Balance and Unimate help extend the time between dinner and your first meal the next day, providing essential nutrients that support 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 Feel Great today and how it can help you meet your health goals.