“Every one has a doctor in him; we just have to help him in his work. The natural healing force within each one of us is the greatest force in getting well. To eat when you are sick, is to feed your sickness” ~Hippocrates
Reducing food availability over a lifetime (caloric restriction) has remarkable effects on aging and the life span in animals. Studies in animals and humans have shown that many of the health benefits of intermittent fasting are not simply the result of weight loss. Instead, intermittent fasting elicits a primitive response in our cells in a manner that improves glucose regulation, increases stress resistance, and suppresses inflammation. It is important to point out that there is no robust evidence for eating throughout the day.
In addition, statements such as “breakfast is the most important meal of the day” is based on dogmatic beliefs rather than on any objective evidence. There has also been considerable marketing from cereal companies to propagate this message in a manner which has become entrenched in society much to the detriment of our health.
Before commencing IF, please discuss it with your GP as you could have serious consequences if you are on certain diabetic medications as fasting could be contraindicated without medical supervision in that context.