Another study also discovered that intermittent fasting increases neurons’ resistance to degeneration by boosting the production of brain-derived neurotrophic factor, a vital stress resistance protein3.
Increased Stress Resistance
Another one of the benefits of intermittent fasting: one report said intermittent fasting imposes mild stress on the brain cells. Intriguingly, this is a good thing because the brain cells respond by “enhancing their ability to resist more severe stress.”
An animal study even showed that rat subjects on IF are more resistant to being killed by metabolic and oxidative stress4.
You can compare this benefit to lifting. The more you do it, the more you’ll be able to carry heavier weights.
How Can You Make Intermittent Fasting Work for You?
Now that we have a better idea of the benefits of intermittent fasting on the brain, let’s talk about how to make it work. Is there a specific plan you should choose?
Currently, we have little data to determine which plan works best to maximize IF’s benefits for the brain. Still, one animal study may give us an insight.
In the study, the investigators divided mice subjects into two groups. One with a reduced caloric intake, the other was allowed to eat as much as they want but was subjected to every-other-day fasting.
Results showed that both the fasting and calorie restriction led to beneficial changes in the body. However, intermittent fasting was better in protecting the neurons against the administered neurotoxins4.
This could mean that intermittent fasting, or at least increasing the time between meals, can boost our brain health.
Key Takeaways
Intermittent fasting is an eating plan that focuses on eating at a certain period of hours or a window. While it is most known for helping people achieve weight loss goals, some reports indicate the that benefits of intermittent fasting also include brain health improvement by reducing oxidative stress and increasing the brain cells’ resistance to stress.
Lear more about Healthy Eating here.
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