Did you know that extensive studies of individuals who have achieved both exceptional health and a long life consistently highlight intermittent fasting as a crucial factor in their longevity? Moreover, an abundance of animal studies underscores fasting as a potent means to extend life, enhance cognitive function, and provide protection against a myriad of diseases such as obesity, diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and cancer.
Impact on Health and Longevity
Throughout most of human history, food was a periodically scarce resource. Our ancestors naturally oscillated between feasting and fasting on a daily basis, often enduring prolonged periods without food. This ingrained metabolic flexibility allowed us to effortlessly switch between utilizing carbohydrates and fat as our primary energy sources. We got most of our energy from fat and little from carbohydrates. Once carbs were depleted, our liver seamlessly continued to maintain energy levels by producing ketones.
However, in today’s world, most people seldom find themselves running low on carbohydrates, leading to a dormant metabolic flexibility. Consequently, when carbs run low, our bodies do not effortlessly switch to fat burning mode. Instead, we crave for a quick carbohydrate fix. Fortunately, it’s entirely possible to restart our metabolic flexibility, even in later stages of life. Think of it as upgrading from a single-engine vehicle to a hybrid model by incorporating an engine that operates more efficiently and sustains longer, all while generating fewer waste byproducts.
When our bodies shift into fat-burning mode, they not only provide a steady and reliable source of energy but also activate a repair, protection, and focus mechanism. This entails enhanced detoxification, reduced inflammation, and increased production of neuroprotective antioxidants for cleansing. It repairs by activating a class of so-called longevity genes, and increases the production of BDNF (brain-derived neurotrophic factor), the brain’s growth hormone that enables brain repair and development. And it increases our focus and efficiency, primarily because vital organs such as the heart and brain operate up to 25% more efficiently on ketones compared to glucose, while simultaneously producing far fewer waste products.
Live Happier, Healthier, Longer
Intermittent fasting is one of several influential factors that can have a radical impact on your quality of life, rate of aging, risk of disease, and lifespan. But the challenges, goals and journey is different for everyone. And lifestyle changes can be hard to realize and maintain.
At the Longevity Institute, we are dedicated to providing programs, tools, and knowledge to help you assess and improve these risk factors, enabling you to live a happier, healthier, and longer life. Download the Longevity app to get a powerful companion on the journey.
References
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Mattson, M. P., & Moehl, K. (2018). Ingestive behavior, neuroplasticity, and aging. Ageing Research Reviews, 47, 183-191.
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Longo, V. D., & Panda, S. (2016). Fasting, Circadian Rhythms, and Time-Restricted Feeding in Healthy Lifespan. Cell Metabolism, 23(6), 1048-1059.
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Rafiei, H., Omidian Khorasani, S., Ahmadimoghaddam, D., Marandi, S. M., & Nematpour, S. (2019). The Effects of Intermittent Fasting During Ramadan on Physical Performance and Glycemic Control in Physically Active Men. Asian Journal of Sports Medicine, 10(3).