In recent years, fasting has gained significant attention for its potential health benefits. From weight loss to improved cognitive function, fasting has been studied extensively. Fasting is not appropriate for everyone and should be discussed with your doctor beforehand, but there are two forms of fasting that open up the option of fasting to a wider group.

Let’s explore the numerous health benefits of fasting, with a focus on time-restricted eating and the innovative fasting-mimicking diet, each of which are safer and easier to implement for the average person.

Health Benefits of Fasting

Fasting, the practice of abstaining from food for a specified period, has shown remarkable effects on human health. Here are some key benefits:

1. Weight Loss and Metabolic Health: Fasting has been linked to weight loss by promoting a state of increased fat burning. Research suggests that fasting can improve insulin sensitivity, and lower the risk of chronic diseases like type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular diseases.

2. Improved Cognitive Function: Studies have indicated that fasting may enhance brain health and cognitive function. Fasting triggers various molecular and cellular processes that protect the brain against age-related diseases, such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases. Additionally, fasting has been associated with increased production of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a protein that supports brain health and neuroplasticity.

3. Cellular Repair and Longevity: Fasting has been found to induce a cellular process called autophagy, which helps remove damaged cells and promotes the regeneration of healthy cells. This process is thought to play a crucial role in reducing the risk of age-related diseases and extending lifespan.

4. Inflammation Reduction: Fasting has been shown to reduce markers of inflammation and improve chronic inflammatory diseases without compromising the ability to fight infection and repair tissue damage.

Time-Restricted Eating (TRE)

Time-restricted eating (TRE) is a form of fasting that involves limiting the daily eating window to 8-12 hours while maintaining normal caloric intake.

TRE is a great way to begin integrating fasting into your heath routine in a low-risk and easy way.

TRE has all the benefits of fasting while still being able to eat every day and can even help align eating patterns with the body's natural circadian rhythm, promoting better sleep quality and overall well-being. It can also improve digestion and nutrient absorption.

The Fasting-Mimicking Diet

A fasting-mimicking diet is essentially a very low-calorie diet that provides the body with nourishment while mimicking the physiological effects of fasting. Prolon is a scientifically developed, five-day fasting-mimicking diet kit that is routinely recommended to patients at Aspen Health every 3-6 months. Prolon is a popular choice as it is safer and more comfortable than prolonged water-fasting but with a similar strong effect while preserving muscle mass.

The well-studied Prolon kit has been shown to promote weight loss, reduce abdominal fat, improve markers of metabolic health, reduce markers of inflammation, induce autophagy, reduce markers of aging, and promote overall well-being.

Should I Fast?

Before embarking on any fasting regimen, it's important to consult a healthcare professional to determine the most suitable approach for your individual needs, particularly if you are taking any medications. For patients at Aspen Health, be sure to ask in your next appointment about how fasting can best be integrated into your personal health plan. Also, remember to take advantage of Aspen Health’s 20% discount on Prolon kits via your Fullscript account.