Is Intermittent Fasting Right for You ?

1. Is Intermittent Fasting Right for You? What Science Says Today, due to increasing health concerns, many individuals are now turning to natural body healing. Intermittent fasting is an example of one such effective method, which involves eating within a specific time period and fasting throughout the rest of the day. But did you know that it is not a contemporary health trend? Fasting is one of the most powerful natural remedies in ancient Ayurveda. As we know, fasting is considered the supreme medicine, as first stated in the ancient Ayurvedic law of “Langhanam Param Aushadham”. According to Ayurveda, our internal organs function differently at different times. For example, the lungs tend to be more active during the morning hours, and bile (Pitta) levels are naturally higher at specific times of day. Observing these rhythms can help prevent diseases. The process, which involves the self-cleaning of the body through the digestion of unfit or damaged cells, was discovered by Japanese scientists Yoshinori Ohsumi and Yoshimi, who were later awarded the Nobel Prize. With the support of modern scientific findings, HIIMS Shuddhigram, under the guidance of Acharya Manish Ji, has now established that intermittent fasting not only helps us lose weight but also normalises our metabolism and can even reverse chronic diseases such as diabetes and hypertension. This blog will explore what it is, its centuries-long history in Ayurveda, and the benefits to your health in the modern world. What do you mean by intermittent fasting? A potent healing technique, intermittent fasting (IF) is more than just a diet craze. It entails fasting for the remaining 16 hours and eating during a specific period of time, such as 8 hours. A routine is to finish dinner by

2. 6 p.m. and have the next meal at 10 a.m. the following day. Both researchers and health supporters favour this 16:8 approach. Ayurvedic view on intermittent fasting Ayurvedic view on intermittent fasting is as follows: 1. Agni, or the digestive fire, is strengthened during fasting, which aids in improved digestion and the removal of toxins from the body. 2. Each organ has its biological clock. The pancreas and liver require rest at night to function optimally, while the lungs are most active in the morning. 3. Pitta dosha can be balanced by fasting, particularly in the early morning when Pitta normally rises. 4. It facilitates the digestive system's natural cleansing by allowing it to recover. 5. Fasting helps maintain dosha balance, particularly in diseases related to metabolic problems and intestinal excess. What Science Says About Intermittent Fasting? 1. Increases Metabolism: Fasting helps the body burn calories more effectively and enhances hormone function. 2. IF for Weight Loss - Reduces body fat by utilising stored fat for energy during fasting hours. 3. Enhances Insulin Sensitivity: This helps regulate blood sugar levels by increasing your body's sensitivity to insulin. 4. Initiates Autophagy: This process aids in cell purification by eliminating harmful or damaged cells organically. 5. Reduces Inflammation: By reducing inflammation markers, fasting promotes general health.

3. 6. Promotes Longevity: Research indicates that fasting may prolong a healthy lifespan and slow the ageing process. Advantages of Intermittent Fasting for Weight Loss 1. Increases the burning of fat: Weight loss results from the body using stored fat as fuel during a fast. 2. Reduces calorie intake naturally: Limiting eating hours often results in fewer total calories consumed. 3. Improves hormone function: It raises growth hormone and norepinephrine, which aid in fat loss. 4. Enhances insulin sensitivity: Reduced insulin encourages the breakdown of fat and decreases its accumulation. 5. Maintains muscle mass: Fasting targets fat while promoting lean muscle, in contrast to crash diets. 6. Reduces belly fat: Research indicates that it is particularly effective in reducing stubborn belly fat. 7. Makes meal planning easier: With fewer meals, less time is spent on snacking and cooking, which promotes consistency. 8. Long-term sustainable: In contrast to severe diets, it can develop into a manageable way of life. Conclusion It is more crucial than ever to raise awareness about natural healing in the era of rising lifestyle diseases. A well- established wellness practice with roots in the Ayurvedic view on intermittent fasting, known as Langhanam Param Aushadham (fasting is the supreme medicine), it is more than just a global health craze. This method gives benefits supported by science, whether your goal is disease prevention, detoxification, or intermittent fasting for weight loss. Fasting requires discipline, self-awareness, and appropriate supervision. Because real healing begins when you align your lifestyle with your body's natural rhythms, be informed, vigilant, and make conscious decisions. FAQ

4. 1.What is Intermittent fasting? This eating pattern alternates between eating and fasting intervals. 2.Is weight loss possible with intermittent fasting? Using stored energy during fasting hours aids in fat burning. 3.What is the Ayurvedic perspective on fasting? Fasting is referred to as the "ultimate medicine" (Langhanam Param Aushadham) in Ayurveda. 4.Can intermittent fasting reverse diseases? Research suggests that it may aid in the treatment or reversal of diseases such as diabetes and high blood pressure. 5.What is the ideal duration for intermittent fasting? The 16:8 strategy is a popular approach that involves eating within an 8-hour window after fasting for 16 hours.