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 in places like Rawtenstall.
This is one reason intermittent fasting is gaining popularity. Spending less time each day eating does more than just reduce calorie intake; it gives our bodies a break from constantly digesting food, which helps us out in many ways.
One of the benefits of fasting is that it supports gut health. What you eat, and when you eat, has a significant effect on your microbiome and affects your digestive system as a whole.
Why gut health is important
Gut troubles are hard to ignore and can greatly impact your quality of life. A healthy gut can also support your mood and brain function, as well as help ward off other health issues.
Diet is usually the first source we go to for supporting gut health. Eating a variety of microbiome-friendly foods, like whole grains, vegetables, yogurt, and fermented foods such as kimchi and sauerkraut, is key to maintaining a healthy, happy gut.
Research is also showing that the timing of our meals, not just the contents, can impact gut health as well.
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 increasingly clear that when you eat (or rather, when you don’t eat) can play a big role in 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. These changes in the microbiome are 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 having to digest food. Digestion uses a lot of energy, and if we’re eating incessantly, 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 gets some R&R, aka, rest and repair. This process is called autophagy. During this time, old or damaged cells are removed or repaired, which can help 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, which is one reason it gets easier to do once you’ve adjusted to a new schedule.
Making Intermittent Fasting Easier
Unicity’s Feel Great program was launched, in part, to make intermittent fasting easier, so more people can experience the fantastic benefits of intermittent fasting. Products like Balance and Unimate help extend the time between dinner and your first meal the next day, in addition to providing nutrients that promote proper digestion.
Intermittent fasting can be a safe and effective way to support your overall health. If you have 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, no matter where you are, even in Rawtenstall.