Fasting

Back Clinic Fasting Functional Medicine Team. Fasting is the abstinence or reduction from some or all meals, drinks, or both for a period of time.

• Absolute or a quick fast is generally defined as abstinence from all food and liquid for a specified interval.
• Tea and black coffee can be consumed.
  Water fasting means abstinence from all food and drink except water.
• Fasts can be intermittent or may be partially restrictive, limiting substances or particular foods.
• In a physiological context, it can refer to the status of a person that has not eaten or to a Metabolic state.
• Metabolic changes occur during fasting.

Ex: a person is believed to be fasting after 8-12 hours have elapsed since their last meal.

Metabolic changes from the fast state start after absorption of a meal, usually 3-5 hours after eating.

Health Benefits:

• Promotes Blood Sugar Control
• Fights Inflammation
• Enhances Heart Health
• Triglycerides
• Cholesterol Levels
• Prevents Neurodegenerative Disorders
• Increases Growth Hormone Secretion
• Metabolism
• Weight Loss
• Muscle Strength

Types of Fasts:

• A diagnostic fast means from 8-72 hours (depending on age) conducted under observation to facilitate investigation of health complications, such as hypoglycemia.
• Most types of fasts are performed over 24 to 72 hours
• Health benefits increase weight loss
• Better brain function.
• People may also fast as part of a medical procedure or test, such as colonoscopy or operation.
• Finally, it can be a part of a ritual.

Diagnostic tests are available to determine a fast state.