Obesity has become a grave problem in the modern world. For this reason, numerous trends are circulating when it comes to dieting and fitness, and a majority of these trends primarily focus on losing weight rapidly. One such trend that is becoming common these days is the 24-hour fasting diet. Go ahead and continue reading to understand what is meant by 24-hour fasting and the effects that it has on your body.
What is meant by 24-hour fasting?
With the full day fasting trend, people make temporary yet sudden changes in their diet. Fasting in such a way entails giving up all food items and drinks except for water which is required to prevent dehydration.
How does 24-hour fasting affects your body?
During 24-hour fasting, the body undergoes several changes not only on the molecular level but also on the cellular level. The body alters the level of hormones to make the fat stored in the body accessible. The cells also start a repairing process. Mentioned below are a few of the things that occur in your body during 24-hour fasting.
- HGH hormone increases
HGH hormone which is the human growth hormone starts to rise by following this diet. This has some benefits including the fact that it facilitates muscle gain and fat loss. As a result, the rate of metabolism increases. Such an increase in the body allows it to process sugars and cholesterol in a more efficient manner and helps to avoid weight gain.
- Insulin decreases
Due to 24-hour fasting, not only does insulin decrease but its sensitivity also improves. As a result, the fat stored in the body becomes more accessible. Since resistance to insulin decreases, the blood sugar is lowered by at least 3%. Such a decrease facilitates the development of type 2 diabetes.
- Promotes cell repair
The cells start the repair process during the fasting period. This also includes autophagy in which the cells remove all of the dysfunctional proteins that builds up over time within cells.
- Gene alteration
The functions of the genes related to resistance against infections and disease becomes stronger. It also helps promote longevity.
- Secretion of noradrenaline
The 24-hour fasting process initiates the release of a hormone called norepinephrine, more commonly known as noradrenaline. This is a hormone responsible for burning stored fat.
- Increase in brain hormone
Your body contains a brain hormone which is known as BDNF. Fasting for 24-hours promotes the production and the growth of nerve cells. Moreover, it might also help protect people from Alzheimer's disease.
Further benefits provided to your body
Additional benefits that your body experiences during fasting for an entire day include a reduction in the markers of inflammation which is one of the primary cause of chronic diseases. Fasting for 24-hours reduces blood triglycerides and LDL cholesterol, both of which are responsible for causing heart diseases.
Furthermore, this kind of fasting according to animal studies proves that it might help to prevent cancer.
Of course, fasting for 24-hours also helps your body get rid of excess fats. While fasting, the body starts to experience stress because of the lack of food, and this leads to it releasing cholesterol. Consequently, your body, instead of burning glucose, starts to burn the fat. The burning of fat provides fuel to the body during the fasting period.
Moreover, because no food enters the body for such an extended period, the energy levels of the body start to deplete, and you feel lethargic. This means that you can’t hit the gym do heavy exercises while fasting. However, since the 24-hour fasting diet is a relatively new trend, research on its benefits and harmful effects is still ongoing.
