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Constant access to food is a relatively recent phenomenon. For the majority of our history, food was something we had to forage or hunt for, with very limited options for long-term storage. These days, food is much easier to come by, even here in Great Harwood, leading to round-the-clock eating habits that can potentially affect our health.
This is one reason why intermittent fasting is gaining popularity. By reducing the hours we spend eating each day, we’re doing more than just consuming fewer calories. We’re giving our bodies a much-needed break from constant digestion, which benefits us in numerous ways.
Why Gut Health is Important
Gut troubles are hard to ignore and can significantly 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. Here in Great Harwood, it’s important to maintain a balanced diet and eating schedule to support gut health.
Diet is typically the first resource we turn to when looking to support gut health. Consuming a variety of microbiome-friendly foods such as whole grains, vegetables, yogurt, and fermented foods like kimchi and sauerkraut is crucial for a happy, healthy gut. However, research is also demonstrating that the timing of our meals, not just the contents, can have a considerable impact on gut health, too.
Three Ways Intermittent Fasting Benefits Gut Health
When it comes to gut health, most of the focus is on what we eat. But it’s becoming increasingly clear that when we eat (or, more importantly, when we don’t eat) can play a significant role as well.
Supports the Microbiome
The gut is home to millions of microorganisms. The gut microbiome can change in response to what and when we eat, along with other health factors. These changes can actually be beneficial; diversity in the gut is essential for optimum health. Intermittent fasting can enhance gut microbiome diversity by encouraging the growth of beneficial bacteria and reducing the growth of harmful bacteria.
Improves Digestion
One way to improve digestion is to give your body breaks from the task of digesting food. Digestion uses up a lot of energy, and if we’re constantly eating, our bodies have to dedicate significant energy to it. When it’s been a while (at least 12 hours) since you last ate, your body enters a state of R&R—rest and repair. This process, known as autophagy, involves the removal or repair of old or damaged cells, which can help strengthen the gut lining and support the digestive system.
Supports a Healthy Gut-Brain Balance
There’s a strong connection between gut health and brain health. It’s not uncommon to hear the gut 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 your body maintain an overall healthy balance, which is one reason it gets easier with time.
The Easier Route to Intermittent Fasting
Unicity’s Feel Great program was created, in part, to make intermittent fasting easier so that more people can experience its incredible benefits. Products like Balance and Unimate help extend the time between your evening meal 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. 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 find out how it can help you achieve your health goals right here in Great Harwood.
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