Fasting, a method of restricting food intake, has been practiced for thousands of years.
Water fasting is a type of fast that restricts everything except water. It has become more popular in recent years as a quick way to lose weight.
Studies have shown that water fasting could have health benefits. It may lower the risk of some chronic diseases and may stimulate autophagy, a process that helps your body break down and recycle old parts of your cells. Here are a few health benefits of water fasting.
* Promote AutophagyAutophagy is a process where old parts of your cells are broken down and recycled. Several studies have found that autophagy may help protect against diseases like cancer, Alzheimer’s disease and heart disease.
* Help Lower Blood PressureResearch shows that longer, medically supervised water fasts may help people with high blood pressure lower their blood pressure. In one study, 68 people who had borderline high blood pressure water fasted for nearly 14 days under medical supervision.
* Improve Insulin and Leptin SensitivityInsulin and leptin are important hormones that affect the body's metabolism. Insulin helps the body store nutrients from the bloodstream, while leptin helps the body feel full. Research shows that water fasting could make your body more sensitive to leptin and insulin. Greater sensitivity makes these hormones more effective.
* Lower the Risk of Several Chronic DiseasesThere is some evidence that water fasting may lower the risk of chronic diseases like diabetes, cancer and heart disease. In one study, 30 healthy adults followed a water fast for 24 hours. After the fast, they had significantly lower blood levels of cholesterol and triglycerides two risk factors for heart disease.