Embracing Intermittent Fasting for Better Gut Health in Clitheroe

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.

Considering our lives in Clitheroe, with its array of local produce and delightful eateries, it’s easy to find ourselves eating at all hours. This shift in our eating habits is one reason why intermittent fasting is gaining popularity. 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 helps us out in several ways.

Why Gut Health Matters in Clitheroe

Gut troubles are hard to ignore and can have a significant impact on your quality of life. Here in Clitheroe, where we cherish our leisurely walks through Clitheroe Castle and bustling market days, a healthy gut can support your mood, brain function, and help ward off other health issues.

Normally, we’d turn to our diets to support gut health. Eating a variety of microbiome-friendly foods like whole grains, vegetables, yogurt, and fermented foods such as kimchi and sauerkraut is essential for a healthy gut. However, it’s not only about what we eat, but also when we eat. Research is showing that the timing of our meals can also have an impact on gut health.

Three Ways Intermittent Fasting Benefits Gut Health

When it comes to gut health, most of the focus is on the foods we eat. However, the timing of our meals can play a significant role in our 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 other health factors. Intermittent fasting can improve gut microbiome diversity by promoting the growth of beneficial bacteria and reducing the growth of harmful bacteria.

Improves Digestion

A great way to improve digestion? Give your body breaks from having to digest 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 you haven’t eaten for at least 12 hours, your body undergoes a process called autophagy. During this time, old or damaged cells are removed or repaired, 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, often leading folks to refer to the gut as the “second brain.” Intermittent fasting helps modulate certain hormones and neurotransmitters related to digestive processes, including appetite and mood. This balance makes it easier to maintain a fasting schedule once you’ve adjusted to it.

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 the amazing benefits. Products like Balance and Unimate help extend the time between dinner and your first meal the next day while 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 Feel Great today, and discover how it can help you meet your health goals.

So, here in Clitheroe, amidst our busy market days and tranquil strolls through nature, remember that when it comes to your eating habits, sometimes less is more for a healthier gut and a happier you.