Happens On The Inside Of Your Body When You're Fasting
#The Early Phase: The First Few Hours After Eating#
When you fast, your body undergoes a series of metabolic changes to maintain homeostasis despite the absence of food. These changes are complex, involving various systems and processes that shift from using energy obtained from food to using stored energy. Here's a detailed look at what happens inside your body during fasting.After you eat, your body enters a state called "postprandial," where the focus is on digesting food and absorbing nutrients. During this time, glucose from food is absorbed into the bloodstream, causing blood sugar levels to rise. The pancreas secretes insulin, a hormone that helps cells absorb glucose for energy or storage.When you begin fasting, typically after about 8 to 12 hours without food, your body begins to deplete its readily available glucose stores, and the initial changes occur:Your body's primary energy source is glucose, which is derived from the carbohydrates in your food. When you fast, your body begins to break down glycogen, the stored form of glucose found in the liver and muscles. Liver glycogen is released into the bloodstream as glucose to fuel the brain and other vital organs, while muscle glycogen is usually conserved for immediate physical activity.This phase lasts about 12 to 16 hours, during which the liver works to maintain a steady blood sugar level by converting glycogen to glucose. As glycogen stores are depleted, the body requires alternative sources of energy.
#Transition to Fat Burning: Ketosis Begins#
Once glycogen stores are used up, typically after 16-24 hours of fasting, the body begins to enter a metabolic state called **ketosis**. In ketosis, the liver begins to convert stored fat into ketones, which are used as an alternative fuel source for the brain and other tissues. This marks the body's transition from using glucose to using fat as its primary energy source.Ketones are produced from fatty acids and include molecules such as acetoacetate, beta-hydroxybutyrate, and acetone. These compounds circulate through the bloodstream and are used as fuel by tissues such as the brain, heart, and muscles. As the fast continues, ketone production increases, and the body becomes more efficient at using fat. **Hormonal Changes: Insulin and Growth Hormone Levels**Fasting has a significant impact on hormone levels. Insulin levels drop dramatically during fasting because there is less glucose in the bloodstream. This is beneficial because low insulin levels promote fat breakdown and prevent fat storage. When insulin is low, the body becomes more efficient at mobilizing fat for energy.Also, **Growth Hormone (GH)** levels increase during fasting. GH plays a key role in fat burning, muscle preservation, and cell repair. Elevated growth hormone levels help protect muscle and promote fat loss during periods of fasting. This is one reason why fasting, especially intermittent fasting, is linked to fat loss and improved body composition.
#Cellular Repair and Autophagy#
One of the most important and beneficial processes that occur during fasting is **autophagy**, a natural cellular repair process. Autophagy involves the breakdown of damaged cells and components within cells, allowing the body to recycle them and create new, healthy cells. During fasting, autophagy is elevated, especially after 24 hours without food. This process helps maintain cellular integrity and is thought to play a role in longevity and disease prevention.Autophagy may help the body eliminate dysfunctional proteins, repair mitochondria, and remove pathogens. Increased autophagy also reduces inflammation and may help prevent diseases such as Alzheimer's and cancer. **Blood pressure and inflammation**During fasting, the body may experience a decrease in **blood pressure**, which is thought to be the result of several factors: decreased insulin levels, improved blood vessel function, and decreased inflammation. High insulin levels are associated with high blood pressure, and by lowering insulin through fasting, the body may improve heart health.In addition, **inflammation** is reduced during fasting. Chronic inflammation is associated with many diseases, including heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. Fasting reduces markers of inflammation, and by promoting autophagy, it helps clear out damaged cells and proteins that can contribute to the inflammatory response.Fasting also has an effect on the **gut microbiome**, which is the collection of microorganisms that live in your digestive tract.
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