Intermittent fasting and its benefits
Intermittent fasting (IF) is a method of eating in between periods of eating and periods of fasting. IF has grown in popularity to lose weight, gain muscle, and banish the belly bloat.
There are five main intermittent fasting plans ranging from 16 hours a day for two whole days a week. The objective of this method is to help improve blood sugar levels and boost your weight-loss goals.
Also, IF also effects on your physical health, it could have some health benefits for your mental health. Intermittent fasting demonstrated an expansion in the levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in rodents and monkeys.
Levels of BDNF protein
The BDNF protein acts on certain neurons, and it’s important for long-term memory. It could also impact depression. Researchers found that decreased BDNF expression associated with major depressive disorder in clinical studies of patients, while those who treated with antidepressants had increased BDNF expression.
IF also have anti-inflammatory properties specifically best for alternate day fasting. According to researchers, intermittent fasting reduced levels of oxidative stress and inflammation.
Since, research has linked inflammation to depression in mice also to other physical diseases, such as cancer, diabetes, and heart disease in humans. IF could help lower inflammation in the body, which may possibly play a role in mental health.
Intermittent fasting is a cure or should even be considered a treatment for depression. As usual, you should check with your doctor before setting out on any kind of mental health treatment plan. But, research shows there could be a surprising mental health benefit of IF also its effectiveness for weight loss.
