The Evolution of Our Eating Habits and the Rise of Intermittent Fasting in Poulton-le-Fylde
Constant access to food is a relatively recent phenomenon. For most of our history, food had to be foraged 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.
One approach that’s gaining popularity in Poulton-le-Fylde and beyond is intermittent fasting. 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 offers numerous benefits.
How Intermittent Fasting Supports Gut Health
One significant benefit of intermittent fasting is that it supports gut health. What you eat and when you eat has a big effect on your microbiome and the digestive system as a whole.
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, as well as help ward off other health issues.
We often turn to diet to support gut health. Eating a variety of microbiome-friendly foods like whole grains, vegetables, yogurt, and fermented foods like kimchi and sauerkraut is critical for a happy, healthy gut. However, research also shows that the timing of our meals can significantly impact gut health too.
3 Ways Intermittent Fasting Benefits Gut Health
When focusing on gut health, most people concentrate on the foods they eat. But it’s becoming more apparent that the timing of your meals—or when you don’t eat—can play a significant role in gut health too.
1. 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; our bodies need gut diversity. Intermittent fasting can improve gut microbiome diversity by promoting the growth of beneficial bacteria and reducing the growth of harmful bacteria.
2. Improves Digestion
One effective way to improve digestion is by giving your body breaks from having to digest food. Digestion uses up a lot of energy, and constant eating means our bodies have to dedicate extra energy to it. When you haven’t eaten for at least 12 hours, your body enters a state of rest and repair, known as autophagy. During this time, old or damaged cells are removed or repaired, which can help strengthen the gut lining and support the digestive system.
3. 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.” One of the benefits 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 maintain an overall healthy balance, making it easier to adjust to a new eating schedule once you’re accustomed.
The Easier Route to Intermittent Fasting
Unicity’s Feel Great program was launched, in part, as a way to make intermittent fasting easier so more people can experience its amazing benefits. Balance and Unimate can help extend the time between dinner and your first meal the next day, while also providing 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 the Feel Great program today, and discover how it can help you meet your health goals right here in Poulton-le-Fylde.