Who doesn't want to live longer? Taking care of your health will go a long way toward adding extra years to your lifespan. Eating healthy and exercising are very important. But did you know that there is something else you can do that can produce the same benefits as exercise? It's the F-word, but can you guess what it is?
Fasting
Yes, you already know that exercising burns fat. Well so does fasting (especially intermittent fasting) - that is, not eating for a period of time. According to Dr. Mercola, an osteopathic physician who publishes information about alternative medicine on his web site Mercola.com, here are some of the health benefits of fasting:
- Promotes the production of hormones
- Reduces triglyceride levels
- Regenerates stem cells
The last benefit is very important. Regenerating stem cells rejuvenates the immune system, helping it fight off diseases. It will lower your risk of cancer and also help maintain healthy body weight.
How often should you fast?
Dr. Mercola recommends fasting 16-18 hours per day. It may sound impossible, but it can be accomplished by simply altering eating times. This means eating your last meal earlier in the day, and no snacking before bed time. Drinking lots of liquids during day will help reduce hunger. Intermittent fasting also reduces inflammation and helps to slow down the aging process.
Read more about the benefits of fasting at http://fitness.mercola.com/sites/fitness/archive/2016/03/25/health-benefits-fasting.aspx
