To Fast Or Not?

Fitness expert Kunal Sharma tells us what to keep in mind while fasting for religious reasons or otherwise.

Fasting refers to going at least eight to nine hours without food, which includes nuts, seeds etc. It does not mean abstaining from liquids like water, lime juice, green tea or coffee. It is always advisable to take certain precautions when fasting. This is especially essential  when the person is diabetic or has other health issues. In such cases, monitoring blood sugar levels is essential.

There is no doubt that fasting is great for overall health but remember, fasting can be damaging for many people who have medical conditions.

Let’s first look at the benefits of fasting:

Fasting is great for BDNF (Brain Derived Neurotrophin Factor - is a protein that is encoded by the BDNF gene, a member of the neurotrophin family of growth factors). Fasting increases the production of BDNF which, in turn, increases the resistance of neurons in the brain to dysfunction and degeneration.

Fasting is great for insulin sensitivity.

Also, fat loss. Our body burns more fats when insulin and cortisol, both fat storing hormones, are under control.