Greg Lindberg Shares the Science Behind the Fasting Process

Fasting has been a common practice in many cultures. But it’s only gained mainstream popularity in recent years.

 

For many, this is still a new phenomenon, and its benefits continue to go through more scientific research.

 

To help understand how fasting works, Wellness Advocate Greg Lindberg shares the science behind fasting and how our bodies work when we stop eating.

 

The Science of Fasting

 

According to National Institutes of Health (NIH), intermittent fasting or prolonged fasting means when a person restricts the intake of solid foods for a certain period of time. People typically fast for a specific time during the day while others fast for a few days or more.

 

During fasting, the body starts burning its fat allowing the cells to repair themselves and use other means to produce energy, says Lindberg. At this stage, the body starts gluconeogenesis, a process which it uses to produce its own sugar. This is when the liver starts converting non-carbohydrate foods into glucose energy.

 

As the fasting cycle continues, the body also starts a process called ketosis. This is when the body begins to burn stored fat and turns it into its primary energy source.

 

“When the body burns fat, that’s when it starts to repair itself and begin the process of self-rejuvenation,” says Lindberg, who has been fasting for more than three years. “When the body burns all of its sugar and body fat, a sirtuin (or protein) activating compound gets released, sending out this massive cascade of genes, which in turn they repair your cells, your mitochondria, vascular system and neurons.”

 

Benefits of Fasting

 

Scientific studies show that intermittent fasting or prolonged fasting can be a practical method for treating some diseases, including type 2 diabetes.

 

During fasting, the body goes through a mild stressor called hormesis, a biological phenomenon where a beneficial effect results from the exposure of low dose stressors. A hermetic experience like fasting makes the body stronger and healthier.

 

“Fasting can reduce blood sugar and insulin levels, helping the body reduce its weight and prevent it from developing diabetes or heart disease,” Lindberg says. “Fasting also can increase physical performance, enhance cognitive functioning, reduce inflammation and oxidative stress levels, promote tissue regeneration, improve mental well-being, and even enhance longevity.”

Lindberg, who fasts three to four days a week, says dietary restrictions such as fasting can help repair mitochondrial networks inside cells, a process which can help reverse aging and improve health.

 

“As the body ages, the cells have fewer and fewer mitochondria, and those mitochondria are less robust,” says Lindberg. “During the fast, they undergo the process of DNA repair. Older cells are cleared away, making room for healthier cells to grow. While the total number of stem cells in your body stays the same, that pool becomes a healthier and more vibrant one.”

 

Committing to Fasting

 

The body transformation doesn’t happen overnight. Lindberg said fasting is a long-term commitment. It’s important to tailor fasting to personal preferences and living habits and also ease into the routine to avoid complications or harm your health.

 

“Achieving this level of fasting took me about three years,” said Lindberg. “It required me to essentially train my body to remain committed and eventually started seeing results.”