This lecture outlines the benefits of fasting in an evolutionary context. How going without food for short periods actually made us stronger. 

There are many great minds in history of our species, who have been active proponents of fasting, They have used it for cleansing, healing and mental clarity. They may not have known the science behind why it actually works but intuitively they felt the benefits. I will go through a few of them in this lecture.

In this lecture I will explore the concept of homoeostasis - this is natures way of keeping things in balance and can occur at many different levels, macro & micro. A natural variable like body temperature will fluctuate but kept in balance by a homeostat (like a thermostat) by sweating or shivering... an acceptable range of body temperature is maintained.

This lecture explores our energy systems - it is useful to understand because when we deny our bodies food, it has to adapt and make alternative plans to survive.

What doesn't kill us makes us stronger. This is an important adaptive concept when it comes to intermittent fasting

In 2016 Yoshinori Ohsumi won the Nobel prize for Physiology and Medecine for his discovery of the mechanisms of autophagy. Autophagy and apoptosis are key mechanisms for cleaning out old and dysfunctional cells and is kicked i when intermittent fasting.

This video is an introduction and outline to this section. The benefits of intermittent fasting are enormous and the consensus in the science is also very encouraging... enjoy

Longevity is living longer. There have been some amazing animal studies on the effects of fasting on longevity. Some animals have shown an increase between 15% and 60% when subjected to fasting regimens.

Whilst we can't always assume that animal studies will directly relate to human experience, so many of the physiological mechanisms are present in a wide range of species including humans.

This is lecture covers some of the science behind the effects of IF on longevity.This is quite a technical lecture, so if you are less interested in the technical side of the science, feel free to skip through to the next lecture.

Age related brain diseases are becoming more and more prevalent, partly because we are, as a species living longer. The research on intermittent fasting and brain health is extremely exciting. Brain health has to be a priority if we are going to extend our lifespans.

Intermittent fasting has also had great success in animal studies. Human studies are more sparse but what has been observed is the success of cancer treatment in conjunction with fasting.

Many of the studies of IF and cancer treatment have also revealed a surprising increase and improvement of overall immune function.

Inflammatory diseases are on the rise in modern western society. The normalisation of hormone balance, especially in relation to insulin, results in an overall reduction in inflammation. Studies on people partaking in the Ramadan  fast month showed a significant reduction in inflammatory markers.

Increases in autophagy, apoptosis and mitochondrial biogenesis all have positive effects on heart health. The change in energy metabolism from glucose to fats also improves the HDL cholesterol profile of fasters.

Going without food for a period of time can be a great way to normalise some of your 'less healthy' eating habits. Fasting makes you extremely perceptive of how your body feels, both in terms of hunger and energy.. You will also find you will have a greater desire for healthy food choices rather than grabbing for fast or comfort food. 

Many people are anxious that they might lose muscle mass as a result of fasting. In fact th exact opposite  is true. Fat weight is lost and lean muscle is maintained or even increased.

Whilst much research has concentrated on longevity, brain health, heart health and cancer treatment, weight loss or weight stabilisation was observed in most studies. One simple reason is that the IF participants never make up the calorie deficit of a fasting period and so overall calorie is reduced overall.

There are many different ways to fast. This lecture outlines some of the most popular. Most methods have benefits; it is important you find one that you are OK with and is sustainable in your lifetyle. 

Like the methods, frequency of fasting can come in many shapes and sizes. Again, find a frequency you can maintain.

I hope you enjoyed the course. Give fasting a try ... you won't regret it.

Please check out some of my other courses under the SHINE model.

Sustainable

Health

Inspired by

Nature and

Evolution.