Health News

Three Important Breakthroughs In Depression Research

Several depression research studies have linked this serious health condition to certain lifestyle habits and biological phenomena. Here, we will briefly touch on depression, as well as several important scientific studies that offer new insight into possible causes of depression and novel ways to minimize its deleterious effects.

What is Depression?

Depression encompasses more than merely feeling down or being unhappy. This condition is a serious mental disorder that often causes significant life disturbances. In many instances, depression is precipitated by a chemical imbalance within the brain, brain trauma, other underlying medical illnesses or significant systemic hormonal imbalances.

There are several manifestations of depression which may be diagnosed. These include postpartum depression (which develops after a woman gives birth to a child), seasonal affective disorder (in which a stricken individual becomes depressed during seasonal periods, most often wintertime), psychotic depression (whereby afflicted persons experience depressive episodes along with other major mental maladies such as hallucinations or psychoses), dysthymia (in which a person experiences repeating depressive episodes over a period of at least two years and bipolar disorder (where those stricken experience extreme mood swings ranging from quite high to extremely low).

Symptoms of Depression

Depending upon the exact type of depression experienced and its severity, specific physical and mental manifestations can range from case to case. However, all forms of depression often share certain common manifestations that individuals should be on the lookout for including cognitive problems like concentration or memory difficulties, feelings of hopelessness and despair, potential thoughts of suicide, irritability, anger, frustration, restlessness, anxiety and a lack of interest in activities that were once enjoyed. Additionally, depression could precipitate numerous non-mental health related symptoms such as appetite loss or gain, sleep disturbances, digestive issues, systemic body aches and increased fatigue.

If left unchecked, depression could render the afflicted person incapable of performing simple everyday tasks such as performing a job or executing necessary household chores. In the most extreme instances, depression may result in more serious disability that may prevent one from executing even simple tasks such as bathing, dressing or preparing basic meals.

Depression Research Studies

Although on some occasions scientists are relatively certain as to what precipitates the brain-altering chemical fluctuations that cause depression, in other cases the answer continues to be a mystery. For this reason, intense research into depression is ongoing. Three clinical studies in particular just may shed light into previously unknown potential underlying factors of this condition and new ways to help affected individuals cope.

Dietary Alterations Affect Depression

In the first study, a team of English researchers discovered that the consumption of a diet rife with fiber and vegetables may help reduce the severity of depression symptoms. These scientists, who represent Manchester University, examined how such dietary amendments impacted nearly 46,000 people diagnosed with depression and who associated manifestations.

The vast majority of those investigated experienced some improvement of specific mental manifestations such as mood fluctuations. However, of particular significance is the fact that female subjects seemed to experience more significant mental health improvements than men. Research organizers are confident their findings could eventually pave the road for one day utilizing dietary changes as a more accepted form of depression treatment.

Gut Bacteria Imbalance Linked to Depression

In a second study, a group of Belgian biologists found a significant link between an individual’s intestinal flora (also referred to as gut bacteria) and a person’s risk of developing depression.

The researchers, whom are employed by Leuven Venter for Microbiology, postulated that certain “neuroactive” digestive microorganisms emit substances that could impact the nervous system. To test their hypothesis, scientists created the Flemish Gut Flora Project, which studied the intestinal tracts of more than 1,000 individuals diagnosed with depression.

Examination administrators discovered that many of the test subjects’ digestive tracts were completely devoid of specific neuroactive bacteria that are thought to emit signals designed to help the nervous system perform at optimal levels. The researchers thereby concluded that limited bacterial diversity within the digestive tract might be a legitimate precipitating factor for the onset of depression.

Individuals with limited bacterial gut growth or an imbalance of healthy gut bacteria may be able to correct this issue through the use of probiotic supplements geared towards stimulating the growth of healthy intestinal flora.

Unique Tryptophan and 5-HTP Formulation May Offer Hope

In a third study, a collection of European scientists found that the administration of therapeutic preparations containing specific concentrations of timed-release tryptophan and fast-release 5-hydroxotryptophan (5-HTP) could play a significant role in soothing some of the physical and mental symptoms of depression.

Together, these substances influence the brain’s production and secretion of serotonin. Serotonin is a hormone that is strongly believed to play a critical role in the development of improved mood and general feelings of well-being.

In the study, researchers placed 140 test subjects (70 men and 70 women) into seven separate groupings and administered various dosages containing either the special combination of tryptophan and 5-HTP or placebos to the participants twice daily for approximately one month. Scientists concluded that those who received the tryptophan and 5-HTP formulation experienced an increased production of serotonin and an improvement in mild to moderate incidents of depressive episodes and related symptoms.

Gut Bacteria and Immune System Function Fundamentally Linked

Mar 11 by Ewcopywriting

Each year, the research supporting the importance of maintaining a healthy balance of gut bacteria for good overall health grows. However, many of the previously known health effects of a healthy microbiome involved the digestive system. Could your gut bacteria also affect how well your immune system protects against infection and even prevent autoimmune disease? New research suggests that gut bacteria and immune system function are linked in several critical ways.

Your Microbiome and Your Health

The Western world has spent much of the last century in a battle against bacteria. We have developed a wide variety of antibiotics to treat even the mildest infections. We even vigilantly sterilize our homes and our food under the assumption that bacteria are bad for our health. New research on the gut microbiome has turned this assumption on its head, offering solid evidence that many bacteria are good for human well-being and even essential to our health.

Everything that we eat passes through our GI tract, with key nutrients absorbed through our intestines. The GI tract is not a sterile tube, but rather a complex ecosystem containing a wide variety of bacteria. These bacteria help to break down macronutrients into more easily absorbed fragments and also are essential in absorbing certain vitamins.

Having the right balance of bacteria is crucial to good health. Not only will the right bacteria support our nutritional health, but they also can interact with the rest of the body in a variety of ways. Several studies have suggested that our microbiome plays an important role in regulating the immune system, helping our bodies to kill invaders while also preventing them from attacking our own tissues.

Links Between Gut Bacteria and Immune System Function

Autoimmune disease has been described by physicians as “a case of mistaken identity.” People with autoimmune diseases have a chronically overactive immune system that attacks their own tissues, leading to tissue destruction as well as chronic inflammation.

Several studies have found links between a gut microbiome imbalance and autoimmune disease. People with autoimmune diseases often have less diversity in gut bacteria as well as lower amounts of the bacteria which are known to be beneficial. Many scientists and doctors believe that issues with our natural flora can actually cause autoimmune disease and that re-establishing a healthy microbiome should be a key part of treatment for autoimmune disorders.

Could Low Vitamin D Affect Gut Health?

Many people in the Western world suffer from low levels of vitamin D. This can have devastating effects on the immune system. Not only is vitamin D essential for immune function, but it also appears to prevent certain types of autoimmune disease. Low vitamin D has been linked in several studies to autoimmune disease and is even considered a risk factor. Because of known links between skin cancer and sun exposure, many people avoid sunlight, the main historic source of this nutrient. In addition, the Western diet is extremely low in vitamin D-rich foods that could make up for our aversion to natural sunlight.

According to new research, the link between vitamin D and autoimmune disease may be partially due to links between vitamin D deficiency and poor gut health. Vitamin D appears to be extremely important for gut bacteria. Taking this vitamin may actually help to restore a healthy microbiome. At the same time, healthy gut bacteria can increase absorption of this vitamin. Having an unhealthy balance of bacteria can set off a downward spiral in health in which the body absorbs less vitamin D, then suffers from an increasingly failing microbiome due to a shortage of the vitamin.

Modern people are more at risk of both vitamin D deficiency and gut imbalance than ever before. Could these factors be the cause of growing rates of autoimmune disease as well as other devastating chronic illnesses?

Keeping a Healthy Gut For Your Circadian Rhythm and More

Everyone wants good health and an immune system that functions in top form. However, this can be a challenge in the modern world. Our food and our homes are cleaner and more sanitary than ever, which is a blessing as much as a curse. We are no longer taking in the healthy range of bacteria that our bodies have evolved to need.

In addition, the standard Western diet is not one that supports good gut health. Both soluble and insoluble fiber sources are necessary to feed our microbiome so the right gut bacteria can flourish. These are known as “prebiotics” as they can be taken before probiotics to support a healthy population of gut bacteria. Although it is important to eat a healthy diet, taking both prebiotics and probiotics can make up for the inherent deficiencies in our foods.

Getting enough vitamin D is also important to supporting digestive and immune health. A fair skinned person can get the vitamin D that they need from just ten minutes of direct sunlight. Organ meats and certain oils also are good sources of this nutrient.

In a world filled with unhealthy options, being healthy requires conscious choice. Maintaining good gut health requires only minimal lifestyle changes. However, it can have dramatic effects on your immune system, helping your body to fight off diseases of all kinds.

How to Support Healthy Weight and Shed Holiday Pounds Naturally This Spring

Mar 07 by Ewcopywriting

Spring is a time of renewal and rejuvenation. All around us, trees are budding and new patches of green line the earth. In this time of new growth, many people seek to become healthier, ridding themselves of old habits while ushering in a new and healthier lifestyle. Often, maintaining a healthy weight becomes a focus.

Whether you want to address the issue of weight to improve your health and fitness, to fit into skimpier summer clothing, or simply to be a better version of yourself, there are several natural ways to embark on your fitness journey. The following safe and natural ingredients are known to promote healthy weight maintenance and can help support your efforts to shed those stubborn pounds.

1. Chromium for Energy and Metabolism

Chromium has long been one of the most popular weight maintenance supplements on the market. This mineral is essential to a healthy lifestyle because it helps your body to convert calories to usable energy rather than storing them as fat.

In addition, recent studies have shown that chromium has huge benefits for people who have metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes and other issues with blood sugar. Chromium appears to help maintain healthy blood sugar levels, which can be especially helpful to people who are trying to maintain a healthy weight.

2. African Mango for Fiber and More

Eating more dietary fiber is a well-studied way to maintain a healthy weight. Sufficient intake of dietary fiber helps to stave off hunger, slow the absorption of sugar and may even prevent some calories from being absorbed.

African mango is an excellent source of dietary fiber. However, it appears to have other weight-related benefits as well. In a study comparing African mango to oat fiber, participants who took African mango experienced increased weight loss. The exact reason is unknown, but this natural supplement appears to have huge potential for your weight maintenance arsenal.

3. Bitter Orange to Boost Calorie-Burning

Many people who want to lose weight turn to stimulants to increase the speed at which the body burns calories and fat. These can have unwanted and even dangerous side effects such as higher blood pressure and heart rate.

Bitter orange appears to offer a metabolic boost without the unwanted effects of stimulants. People who take this supplement have been found to burn calories more quickly without increased blood pressure or other dangerous adverse effects. That’s a win-win situation that can quickly contribute to a slimmer waistline.

4. Green Tea: An Anti-Oxidant With Fat-Burning Benefits

Green tea is popular as an anti-oxidant and detox agent. The extract of this tea helps cells to clean out metabolic wastes and modulate inflammation, helping to support healthy cell growth and promote overall health.

However, green tea also has another key benefit: It supports healthy fat-burning. Green tea also helps to increase energy levels, giving a much-needed boost to those who are trying to lead a more demanding healthy lifestyle. Because it has been used for thousands of years both as a health supplement and as a beverage, the safety of green tea is well-known.

5. Hawthorn for a Healthy Heart and Healthy Weight

Hawthorn has been used in traditional medicine for centuries for cardiovascular health. This plant is known to support healthy blood pressure already within normal ranges and to offer a wide range of benefits for people with heart issues.

This can be particularly important for people who are trying to lose weight and to exercise. Being overweight takes a toll on your cardiovascular system. Getting back into shape can be difficult when maintaining heart health is also a concern. Hawthorn helps promote optimum cardiovascular health while also reducing feelings of tiredness and other challenges encountered early in a fitness journey.

6. Java Tea to Support Fat-Burning and Healthy Appetite

Long used as a medicine in Asian culture, java tea is quickly becoming popular in the West for its benefits in healthy weight maintenance. Java tea may soon be one of the most important natural remedies for achieving a healthy weight.

In addition to supporting healthy fat-burning, this supplement increases levels of the hormone leptin. Leptin is a hormone made by our bodies when we eat fatty meals and is known for creating a feeling of fullness. As a result, people who take java tea have been reported to feel fuller with less food and eat a significantly smaller amount of food. This can be very helpful for people who are struggling with newly decreased portions and the hunger that these can bring.

Losing Weight the Natural Way

Maintaining a healthy weight is important, but this should never come at the expense of whole-body health. Taking natural supplements can help many people who are struggling to maintain a healthy weight while leading a natural and wholesome lifestyle. In addition, there are other healthy ways to support healthy weight, such as:

Drink more water; around eight glasses a day.
Use yoga, walking and other gentle exercise in addition to your fitness regimen.
Avoid sugar and other sweeteners.
Make all of your meals at least half fruits and vegetables.

Maintaining a healthy weight is hard work. With the right help and a little willpower, you can make this spring a time of healthier new habits and a new you!

Spring Detox: Recharge, Revitalize and Replenish for Ultimate Energy and Health

Mar 05 by Ewcopywriting

Although some regions are still in the icy grips of winter, the days are slowly getting longer, signaling the start of a bright new season. Traditionally, spring is a time of new beginnings. Whether you are going strong on your New Year’s resolutions or adjusting your habits for other reasons this season, a spring detox can help you shed unwanted weight, restore gut health and boost your mood. Here we examine just a few benefits of engaging in some “spring cleaning” in preparation for the warmer months ahead.

Drop Unwanted Weight Naturally

By eating more naturally and reducing your dependency on processed foods, you will make it easier for your body to burn excess fat. Some natural foods actually contain compounds that help to speed up metabolism, which is the process of converting fat into energy. Additionally, certain constituents in some fruits and vegetables can actually affect the hormones that control appetite. By eating these types of foods, you will feel full for longer periods of time. In addition to eating healthier foods, you can also supplement your diet with a high-quality formula containing ingredients that help promote healthy weight maintenance for further benefits.

Green Tea

Green tea is recommended for a number of reasons. It’s especially helpful in promoting healthy cell growth. It also supports overall health because its antioxidant properties can protect against free radicals and oxidation in the body. It’s also a natural stimulant that supports healthy fat metabolism. Due to its diuretic actions, green tea also stimulates urine production, which means it can help alleviate bloating and excessive water retention.

African Mango and Bitter Orange

There is some research to suggest that African mango helps protect against the unhealthy production of fat cells. This can result in less fat storage around the waist. There is also evidence to suggest that African mango may help the symptoms of metabolic syndrome in people with diabetes.

Bitter orange is similar to African mango in that it promotes healthy metabolism, supporting efforts to maintain a healthy weight. Additionally, a dietary supplement that provides bitter orange extract can also help to boost energy levels. Maintaining energy levels is vital for fostering the ambition and enthusiasm needed to stick to a regular exercise schedule, which is essential to better weight control.

Chromium

A chromium formula is one of the most potent supplements you can take, because it has one of the biggest effects when it comes to supporting healthy metabolism. In addition to metabolic benefits, chromium also helps the body build lean muscle faster, and promotes the utilization of stored fat in the body. As a result of these properties, chromium can contribute to healthy weight maintenance and the maintenance of lean muscle mass. Chromium also supports healthy blood sugar levels in the body.

Found primarily in brewer’s yeast, kidneys and mushrooms, chromium is somewhat difficult to come by in most western diets, which is why taking a chromium supplement is often preferable.

Revitalize Your Gut Microbiome

Your body is filled with bacteria, viruses, fungi and other microbes and, while these microorganisms may be harmful under other circumstances, when present in the proper balance they actually help the digestive system. They thrive in a community called the microbiome, which is located in the small and large intestine, the skin and throughout the body.

The microbiome is essentially an extra organ that helps the body maintain health in a variety of ways. A microbiome that’s operating efficiently can help you properly digest fiber, milk and other foods, manages how the immune system functions and even protects the health of the brain.

As you expose your digestive system to harmful foods, such as processed meats, refined sugar and unhealthy fats, the functioning of the microbiome is inhibited. Fortunately, changing your diet can help you to restore your microbiome to a healthier state. Here are just a few ways to restore your gut health for better overall health this spring.

Mix Up Your Plate

By eating a broad range of plant-based foods, you can introduce new types of bacteria into your microbiome. This will make the microbiome stronger, so it can function more efficiently. Fruit, legumes and beans are among the best foods for promoting a healthier microbiome.

Fermented Foods to Fight Disease

Kefir, yogurt and sauerkraut are the more widely known fermented foods, so these items may be easier to find in stores. Eating more of these foods will provide your microbiome with Lactobacilli, bacteria that help the gut rid itself of disease-causing agents.

Ditch the Artificial Sweeteners

If your purpose for drinking diet soft drinks is to lower your blood sugar levels, you’re only contributing to the problem. Sweeteners like aspartame promote the growth of enterobacteriaceae, harmful bacteria that boost glucose levels.

Add Prebiotic Foods or Supplements to Your Diet

Prebiotic foods promote the growth of healthy bacteria in the large intestine. Examples of prebiotic foods include bananas, asparagus, oats, artichokes and apples. Supplementing the diet with a formula that contains both prebiotics and probiotics (“friendly” bacteria that help balance the microbiome) is also a wonderful way to boost the health of your microbiome.

Boost Your Mood and Energy Levels With Vitamins and Minerals

In addition to helping you to maintain a healthy weight and improving your gut health, taking a high-quality daily vitamin and mineral supplement can also elevate your mood and give you a boost of energy. According to Dr. Bonnie Kaplan, daily vitamin supplements can boost mood and energy, especially for those suffering from mood disorders. In a study involving a group of 97 adults with mood disorders, Dr. Kaplan’s team served the subjects a higher dosage of vitamin supplements. The test subjects exhibited higher cognitive functioning as a result of the increase in nutrients.

While most of us maintain energy levels with unhealthy, artificial stimulants, this practice actually promotes an energy imbalance. By following up a spring detox with a healthier daily routine, you will create more sustainable energy levels. For instance, the energy provided by certain fruits and vegetables is regulated by the body, so the energy stays consistent throughout the day. Conversely, the energy derived from coffee, soft drinks and candy is released in one burst that results in a temporary high. That high is followed by a crash that leaves the individual feeling fatigued by mid-afternoon.

If you resolved to live healthier this year, but are feeling a bit defeated by holiday binges in the early half of the year, there’s still time. A little “spring cleaning” now and a decision to live healthier for the remainder of the year can help you improve your health and get in shape. While supplements won’t do it all for you, they can give you a needed boost, so you can achieve your nutrition and fitness goals much sooner.

Blocking Estrogen Receptors in Brain Boosts Bone Mass

Feb 26 by Ewcopywriting

While most of us have often heard the term osteoporosis, many people don’t fully understand what this disease entails. Osteoporosis is a degenerative disease in which the production of new bone decreases or stops completely. As we age, our bones naturally lose density, becoming more porous; with osteoporosis, the body’s reduced ability to produce new bone tissue leaves the existing bone weaker and more brittle.

While men can develop osteoporosis, it more commonly affects post-menopausal women. This is because a woman’s body produces less estrogen as she reaches menopause, and estrogen is the hormone responsible for guarding against the onset of the disease. As the body experiences a diminished level of estrogen in the body, it becomes more susceptible to bone loss. Since people with osteoporosis have weaker bones, they’re also more susceptible to suffering from fractures and other bone injuries.

Osteoporosis is a growing problem that currently affects 53 million people in the United States. One reason instances of the disease are so widespread is that poor lifestyle choices, such as tobacco smoking and unhealthy diets, boost the risks of developing the condition. Since osteoporosis affects the bones, there are few noticeable outward signs of this disease, though one may feel bone pain or begin walking with a stooped posture as osteoporosis develops and worsens.

Currently, there is no cure for osteoporosis. In addition to encouraging patients to engage in more physical exercise and to eat healthier foods, doctors often prescribe drugs to help prevent additional bone loss. However, new research suggests blocking specific brain receptors may more effectively treat osteoporosis by actually increasing bone mass.

Recent Studies May Lead to a New Treatment For Osteoporosis

Researchers recently joined forces from the University of California at Los Angeles and San Francisco to take a deeper look at how estrogen and osteoporosis are related. Led by Dr. Holly Ingraham, the researchers examined how the brain used estrogen to affect metabolism at various stages in an individual’s life cycle. The group concentrated their observations on the hypothalamus, because this is the part of the brain that regulates the relationship between the endocrine system and the nervous system.

Working with animals, the researchers blocked estrogen receptors in the hypothalamus to see what effect a lack of the hormone would have on the metabolism. The result? Researchers noticed that the animals became less active and gained weight. While this may not seem surprising initially, the team was shocked to learn that the weight gain was largely the result of a significant increase in bone mass. Astoundingly, in some animals, bone mass was boosted by as much as 800 percent overall. In addition to building up bone mass, the researchers found that the strength of the bones was also multiplied.

The study examined mice that had already experienced 70 percent bone loss at the start of the study. By denying estrogen to the arcuate nucleus, bone mass was restored by up to 50 percent in those mice. This leads the research team to conclude that, while estrogen in the blood supply does promote the growth of bone, it actually inhibits bone growth once the hormone is exposed to the hypothalamus. The researchers are hopeful that further research will lead to new treatments for osteoporosis, particularly in post-menopausal women.

Maintain Strong Bones with These Lifestyle Changes

Get Enough Protein

Your bones are largely comprised of protein, so a low-protein diet can actually do you more harm than good. It is ideal to take in 0.8 to 1.0 grams of protein per kilogram of weight per day. The best sources of protein are red meat derived from grass-fed cattle, freshly caught fish, eggs, poultry, yogurts, cheeses, nuts and seeds and legumes.

Get More Exercise

While those suffering from osteoporosis should stay away from exercises that involve jumping and bending, weight-bearing exercise can help to build up bone strength. Activities like walking, swimming, yoga and pilates are ideal for helping to increase bone strength and mass.

Prevent Falls and Other Accidents

If you have started to experience bone loss, you’re already susceptible to breaks and fractures, so it’s important to take action to prevent falls. Making use of a walker or cane is a good idea, but also be sure to use railings wherever they’re provided. It may also be a good idea to invest in new shoes that have skid-resistant soles.

Get More Vitamin D

Taking a dietary supplement specifically formulated to provide natural ingredients that support bone health can also help. Vitamin D, calcium, magnesium, vitamin K and MSM are just some of the nutrients that can help keep your bones healthy and strong.

In addition to taking a supplement, you should try to spend more time outdoors. Wearing a good quality sunscreen will allow your body to absorb vitamin D without exposing yourself to the harmful effects of the sun’s UV rays. Since vitamin D is vital for strong and dense bones, getting up to 20 minutes of sunshine per day can help you fight off bone degeneration.

Even if new treatments for osteoporosis are still a few years away, there are things you can do to minimize bone degradation now. Essentially, living a more active lifestyle and eating more protein can have a big impact on your bone health. Even as new treatments become available, pursuing healthier choices can only help to boost your bone mass and strength, allowing you to maintain a good quality of life for a longer period of time.

Proven: The Anti-Aging Effects of Fasting

Feb 20 by Ewcopywriting

Fasting, particularly intermittent fasting, is one of the leading trends in weight loss and fitness. But unlike some popular “fad” diets, this one appears to be here to stay. Several new studies have found that intermittent fasting can have positive health effects even outside of the weight benefits. A recent study on the anti-aging effects of fasting suggests that it may even slow down the biochemical process of aging.

What Is Intermittent Fasting?

Humans have fasted for millennia, mainly for religious or spiritual reasons. In modern times, however, many people are realizing that certain types of fasting can have dramatic health benefits. Intermittent fasting is one such type of fasting. In this type of fasting, people go a specific time period without food or calories followed by a time period during which they can eat. The most common time blocks are 16:8, where the fasting period lasts 16 hours and eating is allowed during an eight-hour span each day. However, other popular diets may incorporate slightly shorter fasting periods.

Although maintaining this type of eating schedule may sound difficult, most people find it quite easy once they get used to it. If you think about it, you already fast for around eight hours while sleeping. A person using the 16:8 method, for example, could delay breakfast until noon and eat their last meal before 8 PM.

A growing number of people are using intermittent fasting for the metabolic benefits. Studies have found that eating in this way can increase weight loss, improve your metabolism and help you to gain a leaner and more toned physique. However, research has discovered that the benefits of fasting appear to extend far beyond the superficial.

Metabolic and Anti-Aging Effects of Fasting

Although fasting is often seen as a decision made for either religious or weight loss benefits, there are other reasons to consider this lifestyle. According to recent research, people who fast do not just enjoy a faster metabolism, but also more anti-oxidant activity throughout the body. Fasting may also even slow down the effects of aging; both the visible signs as well as changes deep in our cells.

In a recent stufy, researchers collected blood samples from healthy people who were fasting as well as healthy people who were eating normally. The people who were fasting had higher levels of certain amino acids and certain metabolites that are known to decline with age. These metabolites are seen as a marker of cellular aging, as they naturally gradually decline as we grow older. The fact that fasting individuals had higher levels suggests that their cells were not aging as quickly as normal.

Second, the people who were fasting had higher levels of antioxidants. Antioxidants are crucial in preventing not just aging, but a wide variety of diseases from cancer to heart disease. They help to remove damaging oxygen molecules from our cells and to repair the DNA damage we incur throughout our days.

This is just one study, so we don’t yet understand the mechanism behind these changes. However, so far, the research on fasting is very promising.

Other Health Effects of Fasting

There have been other studies showing the positive effects to fasting — even short term fasting such as intermittent fasting. One study showed that intermittent fasting reduced the aging process of our blood vessels, preventing devastating health events such as heart attack and stroke. It also appears to turn a “metabolic switch” that helps to repair the lining of our gastrointestinal tract, which is particularly important for people with delicate digestion.

Many people are turning to intermittent fasting for weight loss. Although we initially believed that food restriction was the source of the dramatic weight loss seen on this eating plan, we now know that this is not the case. There have been several studies in which lab animals divided into free eating and intermittent fasting groups have been fed the same amount of food. The intermittent fasting groups reliably lose weight faster. In addition, they show metabolic changes that put them at lower risk of both diabetes and obesity. This weight loss appears to be at least partially due to changes in the circadian rhythm.

Is Intermittent Fasting Right for You?

Intermittent fasting is more than just a fad diet. Rather, it is a meaningful and sustainable change in eating habits that can have a variety of positive health effects. If you are like many people just learning about the benefits of intermittent fasting, you may be wondering if it is right for you.

The health benefits of this diet are clear and in fact will be an advantage for most people, whether you are trying to lose weight or just to improve your health. Although many people find fasting to be a challenge in the first few weeks, most will quickly adjust to the new time-limited eating plan. Eating in a way that supports a healthy circadian rhythm, while also supplementing with dietary ingredients that support healthy weight maintenance, can help you to achieve the optimal health you deserve.