Most religions practice fasting (fasting) as a demonstration of faith and repentance, and the opportunity for religious thought. Fasting is also used as a means of political expression and a form of protest. Although fasting may not be the most practical and safe diet, some people use it as a way to lose weight and cleanse the body of toxins, although some experts say that the body is perfectly capable of doing it myself.

How to Use Fasting for weight loss depends on the diet. Some methods involve only fasting water intake, or raw food for one or more days, while others restrict the food every second day. Certain fast allows to use only a liquid such as water, juice or tea, and other severely limit calories, but does not preclude ingestion.

Does fasting to lose weight?

When you are starving, your body has to go deep into their own reserves of energy to produce "fuel" necessary for life, so that you will lose weight. The big question - how long can you keep the new weight. As our ancestors often lacked food, our body is genetically programmed to, to fight the effects of starvation. When you eat less, your metabolism slows down, to stock up on energy. Then, when you return to your normal diet, slow metabolism can cause the accumulation of large amounts of energy, which means that you probably again will type the weight that is lost, and possibly even gain weight by consuming the same amount of calories, as before fasting.

When you are starving, your body will adapt, reducing appetite, so you will feel less hungry. But when you stop hunger, appetite hormones are activated and you can begin to feel more hungry, and, most likely, there will be more.

Studies have shown that fasting is conducted in a day can help you lose weight, but not for long. During one study, people who ate in a day, lose weight, even if they did all they wanted, in the days when you could eat. Over time, however, they could not hold the weight gained.

Can fasting remove toxins from the body?

Some methods of fasting, allegedly, can cleanse the body of toxins. However, there is evidence that fasting cleanses the body of toxins, or what do I need detoxification of the body. It is naturally designed so that the toxins out through the skin (sweat), liver, intestines and kidneys.

Can fasting to prolong life?

Research starvation in rodents and humans have identified a link between calorie restriction and longevity. In one study involving men and women with excess weight, calorie restricted diet reduced the markers of aging Internal and external aging: it is necessary to think in advance Such as insulin levels and body temperature.

Fasting can also increase life expectancy by delaying the development of diseases associated with aging, including Alzheimer's disease, heart disease and diabetes. One study found that the refusal of food once a month (as do representatives of some religious groups) reduces the risk of clogging of the arteries (the formation of plaque, which can lead to heart attacks and strokes). However, this study is not clear whether one starvation improve the health of these people, or a healthy lifestyle in general (as the members of these religious groups refuse alcohol, smoking and coffee).

Researchers do not yet know whether the starvation leads to an increase in life expectancy, as they are not observed for human beings for a long enough time. However, the idea of ​​periodic fasting, such as a periodic deliberate refusal of food, attracting more and more attention. It seems that it is a relatively safe way to cut calories, easier for some people. But still no data to support this.

Is it safe to starvation?

Starvation for one or two days will probably not hurt the people who generally healthy, with the proviso that they will consume enough fluids. However, a complete rejection of food for a long time can be harmful. The organism needs a variety of vitamins Vitamins for everyone , Minerals, and other nutrients that we get from food to stay healthy. If we do not receive enough of these nutrients during fasting, this may lead to symptoms such as fatigue, dizziness, constipation, dehydration, formation of gallstones, and cold intolerance. As a result, too long you can die of starvation.

Even short-term fasting is not recommended for people suffering from type 1 diabetes, because it can lead to dangerous spikes in blood sugar levels. Pregnant or nursing women, or people with chronic diseases, should not starve.

Before starting any new diet, especially one that involves fasting, talk to your doctor to find out whether it is safe, and whether it suits you. Also ask your doctor to recommend a reliable nutritionist who can tell you how to develop a healthy eating plan Healthy eating .

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