Our client Taj George of the iconic R&B group SWV is no stranger to a busy lifestyle. In fact, her on-the-go lifestyle and poor eating habits landed her down a long road of struggling with her High Blood Pressure triggered from the time of her pregnancy. For years her vice was an intense sugar addiction. It had her hooked until she decided enough was enough.
After many fad diets, broken health promises and inconsistent regimens, Taj knew she had to change her relationship with wellness for good. She took The DeTox Now’s 14-Day Water Fast and broke her sugar addiction for good. Taj even raved about how she was able to go on a national tour with her group SWV and maintained her low sugar lifestyle rocking stages daily more fiercely than ever!
Like Taj, studies suggest that nearly 75% of US Americans have a form of sugar addiction. Physiologically, sugar is as addictive as cocaine. Sugar has addictive potential because it releases opioids and dopamine in the brain. Eating sugar also increases the release of serotonin, a neurotransmitter that gives us a “happy” feeling. Simply put, eating sugar causes chemical changes and imbalances in the brain that make us feel good, and once that feeling has worn off, we’re left wanting more. However, the negative impact does much more long-term harm than good.
WHAT IS THE BENEFIT OF FASTING?
Fasting, the practice of abstaining from food for a specific period of time, has gained significant attention in recent years for its potential health benefits. Beyond its association with weight loss, fasting can offer additional advantages by supporting heart health and aiding in the elimination of toxins and chronic inflammation. In this blog post, we will explore how implementing fasting into your lifestyle can have a positive impact on your overall well-being, specifically focusing on heart health and the body’s detoxification process.
PROMOTING HEART HEALTH THROUGH FASTING:
Fasting has been found to have several benefits for cardiovascular health. Firstly, it can help improve insulin sensitivity and regulate blood sugar levels, reducing the risk of developing type 2 diabetes, a significant risk factor for heart disease. Additionally, fasting has been shown to decrease blood pressure, triglyceride levels, and LDL cholesterol levels—all markers associated with an increased risk of heart disease. Intermittent fasting, in particular, has demonstrated promising results in enhancing heart health by reducing inflammation and oxidative stress within the cardiovascular system.
DETOXIFICATION—CLEARING THE PATH TO OPTIMAL HEALTH:
Our bodies are exposed to various toxins through the environment, food, and lifestyle choices. Over time, these toxins can accumulate and contribute to chronic inflammation, a precursor to many health conditions. Fasting provides an opportunity for the body to focus on detoxification and eliminate harmful substances. During periods of fasting, the body initiates autophagy, a cellular process that helps remove damaged cells and recycle waste materials. This autophagic response can support the reduction of chronic inflammation and promote overall health and longevity.
TIME-RESTRICTED EATING—A PRACTICAL APPROACH TO FASTING:
Similar to Time-Restricted Eating (TRE) is an accessible and popular form of fasting that involves limiting your daily eating window. By compressing your meals into a shorter time frame, such as an 8-hour window, you extend the fasting period, allowing your body to experience the benefits described above. TRE can be personalized to fit your lifestyle and preferences, making it a sustainable approach to fasting. However, it’s essential to prioritize nutrient-dense foods during your eating window to support heart health and provide your body with the necessary nutrients.
PRECAUTIONS AND INDIVIDUAL CONSIDERATIONS:
While fasting can provide many benefits, it may not be suitable for everyone. It’s crucial to consult with a healthcare professional, particularly if you have any underlying health conditions or take medication. Pregnant or breastfeeding women, individuals with