effectively use glucose—and fat—as fuel.
Enhanced fat loss. In the morning, cortisol is
naturally elevated, allowing for the mobilization of
stored fatty acids and sugars that our organs can use
for fuel. By fasting, we enable cortisol to do what it
does best.
Activation of survival genes involved in antioxidant
protection and repair. Intermittent fasting is one of
the best ways to jumpstart the Nrf2 pathway, a genetic
master switch that increases antioxidant coverage.
Activation of autophagy. Autophagy is the body’s
waste disposal system, whereby cellular junk
(including damaged cells that could lead to cancer)
get cleaned up.^18 Much of this debris is pro-
inflammatory, and stoking this cleanup process has
been associated with dramatically longer life spans
and health spans in animals.
Improved hormone profile. Fasting is one of the best
ways to boost growth hormone, which is
neuroprotective and helps preserve lean muscle
tissue.
Increased BDNF and neuroplasticity. Fasting is a
potent BDNF booster, which promotes neuroplasticity
at any age. Neuroplasticity is the ability to grow new
brain cells and preserve the ones you have, and it
even helps to improve mood.
Increased cholesterol recycling. Soon after
beginning a fast, the breakdown of excess cholesterol
into beneficial bile acids begins.^19