Tag Archives: fasting

Intermittent Fasting Diets and Fertility: Considerations For Reproductive Health

The exponentially popular dietary trend of time-restricted eating, also referred to as intermittent fasting (IF), is viewed as much more than a weight loss intervention; IF has surged in popularity over recent years due to its potential health, anti-aging and longevity, and overall well-being benefits.

Evidence-based health benefits of fasting diets include improved cellular repair, gene expression, and metabolic rate; reduced insulin resistance, oxidative stress, inflammatory markers, and blood glucose levels. Some studies have even suggested that IF may boost fertility.

However, emerging evidence suggests that the risks associated with this type of nutritional pattern may greatly outweigh the benefits in specific populations, particularly those attempting to conceive.

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Breakthrough Research Finds Meal Timing Is Key To Longevity

Plant-based diets have long been the focal point of longevity research as they have proven to stave off chronic disease, improve biological markers of aging, and aid in weight management, among many other benefits. Current dietary interventions primarily encourage the consumption of plant-based foods and the elimination of processed ingredients. However, emerging research suggests that it is not only the type of food consumed but also the timing of meals that can profoundly affect life- and healthspan. A new study published in the journal Science reveals the promising potential of strategic meal timing to promote anti-aging effects.

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National Nutrition Month: 5 Myths about Fasting and Fasting Diets, Debunked

Fasting diets have witnessed a surge in popularity in recent years due partly to celebrity endorsement, increased awareness of fasting benefits, and a growing body of research that supports this dietary intervention. These nutritional protocols come in many variations, including 5:2 – during which five days of unrestricted eating are followed by two days of fasting – 18:6 – 18 hours of fasting per day with a 6-hour eating window – and alternate-day fasting – which consists of fasting every other day.

A large body of scientific evidence has proven that regular, short-term fasting can improve overall health, promote weight loss, benefit gut health, and enhance cognitive function. While there are different approaches and purported benefits to the popular dietary trend, many misconceptions remain. Read on to discover the popular myths about fasting and the science-backed facts behind them.

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