The Science Behind Intermittent Fasting for Mental Clarity

Excessive screen time, sleep deprivation, and a lack of physical activity all can lead to brain fog. Gladly, by practising intermittent fasting, you can improve your brain health and memory. Want to know more about the science behind intermittent fasting and mental health? Continue reading! 

What is Intermittent Fasting? 

Intermittent fasting refers to a lifestyle approach where you alternate periods of eating and fasting. It's not like dieting where you starve yourself; instead, you cut down on your calories for a short duration. Even during the fasting phase, you can drink water and other beverages like black coffee. 

How Does Intermittent Fasting Work?

Intermittent fasting can work in various ways, and there's no perfect one-size-fits-all solution. 

For instance, you can plan to fast for 12 hours, during which 7 to 8 hours can be your sleep time. And if you skip dinner, you allow your body to tap into its energy sources and burn fat more quickly. 

Other than this, you may also try alternate-day fasting, where you eat normally for 5 to 6 days and fast for one to two days a week. 

Connection Between Intermittent Fasting and Mental Health

Now that you are aware of what intermittent fasting is, here's an overview of the connection between intermittent fasting and mental health: 

• Neuroplasticity: At its core, neuroplasticity is actually the ability of the brain to reorganise itself by making new neural connections throughout life. Intermittent fasting can lead to this process as it promotes the production of a unique brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). This BDNF then supports nerve cell growth and strengthens neural connections, resulting in good mental clarity. 
• Cell Repair: Another way intermittent fasting leads to better mental clarity and health is by cell repair. So what happens is that when you do intermittent fasting, your body activates autophagy. It then removes cellular waste and supports brain protection. 
• Improved Focus: During fasting, your body makes ketones that serve as brain fuel. You get an energy boost that makes you more alert and improves your overall focus. 

How Long Should You Fast for Brain Health? 

Most beginners who get to know about the science behind intermittent fasting and mental health ask: how long should you fast? Well, you should aim for 13 hours of fasting, and when your body allows, take it to 16 or 18 hours. Here are some beginner-friendly tips: 

• Drink plenty of water throughout the day to make sure you don't come across frequent hunger pangs. 
• Take nutrient-rich and dense food that keeps you full longer and also provides you with an adequate quantity of minerals and vitamins. 

However, know that taking any type of calories can translate to breaking your fast. So while you can take tea and coffee during fasting, don't overload them with any sweeteners or creamers. 

Conclusion 

The connection between intermittent fasting and mental health is powerful, as it relieves stress and sharpens your memory.  However, if you want some quality supplements to keep you full for long, contact HealthEssent. Don't forget to sign up for our newsletter so you get updates about any upcoming discounts and new products!