Fasting has received a lot of attention over the last few years. Intermittent fasting is supposed to increase energy, weight loss, and longevity, and studies are starting to back it up. There are several online communities that swear by it, although there doesn’t seem to be a straight definition of how long to skip meals. If you’ve come across it and are considering trying it out, make sure you’re taking a daily multivitamin for extra dietary support so you’re always covering your nutritional bases.
What is intermittent fasting? While one study asked volunteers to go 58 hours without food, most of the communities around the web advocating for it are using a much gentler approach. Some define it as being strict about, and extending, their nighttime fast; not eating after dinner, and waiting a little longer for breakfast. Others pick a day of the week to not eat, or to go longer without eating. There are, of course, some who pick more extreme options, but fasting can quickly become something you shouldn’t do without a doctor.
Why does fasting work? It triggers a bunch of changes in the body, including producing more antioxidants, giving your good stomach bacteria a rest, and increasing your metabolism. Official research is back and forth on its effectiveness for weight loss, but there seems to be consistent research pointing to its health benefits for DNA and aging.
Fasting isn’t for everyone. There are numerous medical conditions that could make it unsafe, so you should consult a doctor before trying it. If you do consider it, make sure to take a daily multivitamin. Whenever you cut back on eating, whichever way you do it, a daily multivitamin helps ensure that you don’t also cut back on important nutrients and that you’re getting the variety you need.
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