Does Fasting Have Health Benefits?

Many folks are trying fasting to see if it comes along with the health benefits that health gurus say it does. Fasting has been a practice in place for thousands of years and is often done by religious groups during certain times of the year or for certain specific reasons. Some health experts are saying that fasting can increase energy, improve focus, and give the digestive system a reset.

Most people who are healthy can fast for 1-3 days — this means only taking in water or black coffee. Many folks go on cleanses where they only give their body the minimal amount of nutrition it requires for the duration of the cleanse. Some of these cleanses can last days or weeks.

Some people say to fast once a week; some say once a month. It doesn’t hurt to get experimental with your diet, as long as you’re not hurting yourself.

Fasting has been shown to improve mental cognition and help out the digestive system, not to mention detoxify the body. 

You can also experience those sorts of benefits by limiting the time you eat in each day — say, noon to 8 pm. That way your body can spend the lion’s share of the day digesting and replenishing the body. It will also ensure a good night’s sleep.

You can also limit fast food and try to eat only clean, whole foods to improve your digestive system as well. Eating smaller portions will ensure your body doesn’t get bogged down trying to digest processed foods.

Whether you decide to fast or not, that’s up to you. We’re here to help with any advice or supplemental treatment along the way. Contact Holmes Chiropractic to learn how our treatments go hand-in-hand with a healthy lifestyle.