Today marks the first day of our group Prolon Fasting Mimicking Diet, and I’m sitting this round out. If you should be sitting it out as well, it should become apparent.
The Compelling Benefits of Fasting:
Fasting offers a remarkable array of potential health advantages, making it a significant area of interest for overall well-being and disease management:
- Metabolic Health Optimization: Fasting can significantly improve metabolic health by helping to lower blood sugar levels and reduce insulin resistance. This foundational improvement impacts a wide range of conditions, including cancer, autoimmune diseases, dementia, heart disease, promoting healthy longevity, and managing diabetes.
- Enhanced Chemotherapy Outcomes: Emerging research suggests that strategically fasting the day before, the day of, and the day after chemotherapy may lead to fewer side effects and potentially better treatment outcomes.
- Longevity Promotion: Fasting has been linked to increased neuroplasticity – the brain’s ability to form new nerve connections – which is crucial for cognitive function and may contribute to longevity.
- Improves Cardiovascular Health and Reduces Inflammation: Both are key factors in the development and progression of many diseases, including cancer. As a matter of fact, inflammation has been called “the smoking gun of modern disease”. So anything you do that decreases inflammation is healthy.
- Mental Clarity, Focus, and Sleep: Beyond the physical, many individuals report improved mental clarity, enhanced focus, and better sleep patterns when they do periodic fasting.
Crucial Considerations About When NOT to Fast:
Despite these compelling benefits, fasting is not suitable for everyone. It’s vital to recognize situations where fasting can be detrimental. Always consult with your healthcare provider before starting any fasting regimen to determine if it’s safe for you.
Here are some key contraindications to fasting:
- Being Underweight
- Taking Medications That Need to Be Taken with Food
- Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
- Having a History of Eating Disorders
- Experiencing Weakness or Having a Tendency Towards Hypoglycemia (Low Blood Sugar)
- Active Infection
Spotlight on Mold and Fasting:
This is a particularly important point for those dealing with mold exposure or undergoing mold treatment:
Fasting During Mold Treatment: If you have a significant mold colonization and are actively undergoing treatment, fasting may not be advisable. When the body is under stress from mold and you fast, the die-off of mold can release mycotoxins, potentially intensifying your symptoms and making you feel significantly worse. It’s crucial to discuss this with your healthcare practitioner who is managing your mold treatment.
If you are dealing with mold, be sure to watch my next post for important information and tips on reducing mold exposure!