Fasting has been around forever hence the word BREAKFAST ,literally means to Break (the) fast. Many think it’s only a weight loss method. However, fasting offers profound benefits that extend beyond the scale. Let’s dive a little deeper aspect of fasting, emphasizing its holistic advantages, including improved health and the potential to aid in the treatment and prevention of diseases, notably cancer. Let’s talk about autophagy.
Autophagy-The Body’s Self-Cleansing Process
Autophagy, (which is triggered after the 18-hour mark) a natural cellular process, occurs when we fast. The term “autophagy” originates from the Greek words “auto” (self) and “phagein” (to eat), signifying “self-eating.” This process involves the breakdown and removal of damaged or dysfunctional cellular components.
During fasting, a state of cellular repair and regeneration is initiated as our bodies naturally cleanse themselves.
Autophagy acts as a spring cleaning for our cells, eliminating old, damaged cells, and paving the way for the growth of new, healthy ones. This phenomenon not only supports longevity but also contributes to disease prevention and management.
Fasting and Disease Prevention
Several ways in which fasting contributes to disease prevention include:
Cancer Prevention:
Emerging evidence suggests that fasting may reduce the risk of cancer. Autophagy can target and eliminate potential cancerous cells, strengthening our defenses against the disease. There are also many studies that are showing a Doctor supervised water fast can help eliminate certain kinds of cancer!
Enhanced Insulin Sensitivity:
Fasting aids in regulating blood sugar levels and improving insulin sensitivity, mitigating the risk of type 2 diabetes.
Heart Health:
Fasting has been linked to improved heart health by addressing risk factors like high blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
Cognitive Well-being:
Fasting supports brain health by reducing oxidative stress and inflammation, potentially lowering the risk of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s.
Autoimmune Conditions:
Fasting may assist in managing autoimmune diseases by reducing inflammation and allowing the immune system to reset itself.
Fasting for Healing
It’s really unfortunate that information like this isn’t readily available to people fighting disease. In our culture the first answer is to take this medication or to do this treatment. Without going down the rabbit hole too far I would just like to say that I believe the reason Fasting for healing and disease prevention isn’t a more mainstream approach is because there is no money in it. There is no money to be made from telling people “Just don’t eat” You can’t sell a fast. You can however charge thousands for doctor visits, medication, and procedures. I know when I was going through my own journey with Graves’ disease the Doctor told me there was no other option than to take meds and either remove or burn my thyroid and to be on medication for the rest of my life. I wrote about it here. I thought how this can be. You can’t even tell me the root cause of this disease and I’m supposed to listen to you. As I write my thyroid numbers are perfect! That was the very catalyst for this blog and my posts to try and educate people to be their own advocates. Who knows your body better than you? Noone!
For people who have confronted health challenges or fought diseases like cancer, fasting can serve as a potent tool in their healing journey.
However, it is crucial to approach fasting under the guidance of healthcare professionals. Many individuals have reported positive outcomes when combining fasting with traditional treatments.
Fasting is not a one-size-fits-all approach, and individual experiences may vary. Some may opt for intermittent fasting, while others may consider prolonged fasts under medical supervision.Some may do both. Women should also take their menstrual cycles into consideration when fasting. I wrote an article about it here.
Fasting is more than weight loss; it can aid in making major health changes!
Make sure to do your research and talk to a holistic or integrated health care professional if this could be something that you are Interested in trying. The information is out there you just have to know what to look for. Hopefully this will help you along your way. If you would like more information, leave a message or comment I’m happy to help. I will also link some resources at the bottom here to help you during your fast and other information on fasting for health.
LMNT is an amazing water additive to help you get all the electrolytes your body needs during your fast without the sugar
For Longer fasts I enjoy sipping on this adaptogenic mushroom coffee by Four Sigmatic. Its nice and warm for these fall days and you can drink it any time of day with no caffeine in it. These are both affiliate links that I may earn a commission from:)
Dr Mark Hyman is a Natural Health Doctor. If I am looking for any information, I look to him first. He has a podcast called The Doctors Farmacy and a bunch of amazing books I have linked one here! good luck on your Fasting for health Journey!
