Fasting is one of the tools I use to improve my skin and overall health. It is one of humankind's oldest and most powerful healing behaviors.
Fasting has been practiced thousands of years for religious and health reasons. It is simply the practice of not consuming food for a period of time, opting instead for non-caloric beverages like water and herbal teas.
I wanted to bring fasting to your attention this time of the year because spring is the best season for detox.
I started fasting when I was in my 30s. Then I became too busy with life and quit for almost two decades. Big mistake, because the results from fasting just one day a week were profound! Thankfully I am back on track and have been intermittent fasting for several years.
What fascinates me the most about fasting is how good I feel AFTER - calm, energetic, and more mental clarity. I also see visible skin improvement. My skin was literally glowing after five days of water fasting!
There are numerous health benefits of fasting:
- Reduces inflammation in the body;
- Resets the entire immune system;
- Stimulates the development of stem cells;
- Improves genetic repair mechanisms;
- Reduces the risk of chronic disease;
- Activates autophagy (cellular clean up of debris) ;
- Reduces stress on the digestive system;
- Stimulates fat burning;
- Boosts energy levels;
- Improves insulin sensitivity;
- Enhanced mental health;
- Improves skin conditions.
Fasting is not just another popular fad, it is a lifestyle that you choose.
There are different ways to incorporate fasting into your life: intermittent, extended fasting, water fasting, green juice fasting, and other fasting strategies. I prefer intermittent for my busy schedule.
You can learn more about safe fasting at Dr. David Jocker's website here. He is one of the leading experts on fasting. If you have never fasted before, I suggest baby steps and perhaps consulting a functional medicine practitioner to help in choosing the right strategy for you.
Releasing toxins is essential for younger-looking skin and for overall health. In previous Newsletters I have emphasized ways of helping your skin and body release toxins: physical exercise, sauna, green juices and smoothies, and massage.
From my heart to your health,
Viktoriya Hopperstad