Fasting and Metabolism

Fasting and metabolism are closely related. During a fast the metabolic rate slows down. It gets lowered from one fourth to two fifths. You can observe rapid fall in the metabolic rate during the first part of the fasting. Once you break the fast don’t eat high calorie foods. It results in gaining weight more quickly than before fasting. Fasting gives many benefits. This article gives information about how fasting and metabolism are related.

Fasting and Metabolism

• Body uses little energy to digest food. During a fast this energy is used for other purpose.
• Reducing the calorie intake will lower the basic metabolic rate.
• During fasting the body becomes more efficient with calories. The efficiency of the body increases if you fast for longer time.
• The body becomes more receptive in accumulating proteins, vitamins, minerals and calories.
• Therefore the metabolic rate becomes slow or more efficient.
• After fasting colon walls get cleansed of impacted (dense) feces and allows improved nutrient absorption.
• The liver, gall and pancreas also get cleansed and results in better metabolism of food.
• All these are physical improvements which give better result. But after fasting, if you take high calorie food you will gain more weight than before the fast.
• Fasting brings out cleansing which gives you good health and increase metabolic performance.
• Exercise also helps to increase resting metabolism.

Benefits of fasting:

• Fasting improves mental clarity.
• It can increase confidence.
• Rapid and safe weight loss.
• Balanced nervous system.
• Energy levels increase after fasting.
• It gives new life to the organs.
• The skin becomes soft, silky and smooth.
• Restores normal metabolic and cell oxygenation.
• Breathing becomes easy.
• Fasting helps in detoxification.

Foods to avoid during fasting:
Cooked whole grains, bread, cooked vegetables, whole grain flour products,pasta, etc.
Dairy: cheese, ice cream, milk, yogurt, meat, butter, eggs, prepared foods, junk food, fast food, etc.
Chemicals: caffeine, sugar, sweeteners, artificial flavoring, etc.

Do not consume any drugs, alcohol and nicotine during fast.

After breaking your fast take light foods. If you take high calorie foods it will waste your fast by increasing your weight.