Intermittent fasting has been gaining popularity in recent years, and for good reason. It’s a dietary approach that involves restricting calorie intake for a specific period, followed by a period of unrestricted eating. The benefits of intermittent fasting extend beyond weight loss, as research has shown that it can improve overall health and well-being. Here are 50 cool things that happen when you try intermittent fasting, supported by scientific studies.

1. Weight loss: Intermittent fasting can help you lose weight by reducing calorie intake and increasing fat burning. In one study, participants who followed a 16:8 intermittent fasting regimen lost more body fat than those who ate three meals per day.

2. Reduced inflammation: Chronic inflammation has been linked to many diseases, including heart disease and cancer. Studies have shown that intermittent fasting can reduce inflammation markers in the body.

3. Improved insulin sensitivity: Insulin resistance is a key factor in the development of type 2 diabetes. Intermittent fasting has been shown to improve insulin sensitivity, reducing the risk of developing diabetes.

4. Lowered blood pressure: High blood pressure is a risk factor for heart disease. Intermittent fasting has been shown to lower blood pressure in both animals and humans.

5. Improved brain function: Intermittent fasting can improve cognitive function and reduce the risk of neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.

6. Increased lifespan: Studies in animals have shown that intermittent fasting can increase lifespan by up to 30%.

7. Reduced risk of cancer: Intermittent fasting has been shown to reduce the risk of cancer by reducing oxidative stress and inflammation.

8. Increased autophagy: Autophagy is a cellular process that removes damaged cells and can help prevent diseases like cancer and Alzheimer’s. Intermittent fasting has been shown to increase autophagy.

9. Improved heart health: Intermittent fasting can improve heart health by reducing risk factors like high blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar levels.

10. Reduced risk of heart disease: Intermittent fasting has been shown to reduce the risk of heart disease by improving cholesterol levels and reducing inflammation.

11. Reduced risk of stroke: Intermittent fasting has been shown to reduce the risk of stroke by improving blood pressure and cholesterol levels.

12. Increased growth hormone production: Growth hormone is important for muscle growth and repair. Intermittent fasting has been shown to increase growth hormone production.

13. Improved immune function: Intermittent fasting can improve immune function by reducing inflammation and oxidative stress.

14. Reduced risk of autoimmune diseases: Intermittent fasting has been shown to reduce the risk of autoimmune diseases like multiple sclerosis and rheumatoid arthritis.

15. Increased energy: Many people report increased energy levels when following an intermittent fasting regimen.

16. Improved mood: Intermittent fasting can improve mood by reducing inflammation and oxidative stress.

17. Reduced anxiety: Intermittent fasting has been shown to reduce anxiety in both animals and humans.

18. Improved sleep: Intermittent fasting can improve sleep quality and duration.

19. Reduced risk of depression: Intermittent fasting has been shown to reduce the risk of depression in animals.

20. Improved gut health: Intermittent fasting can improve gut health by reducing inflammation and promoting the growth of healthy gut bacteria.

21. Reduced risk of inflammatory bowel disease: Intermittent fasting has been shown to reduce the risk of inflammatory bowel disease.

22. Reduced risk of allergies: Intermittent fasting has been shown to reduce the severity of allergic reactions.

23. Increased muscle mass: Intermittent fasting can help preserve muscle mass while promoting fat loss.

24. Reduced risk of sarcopenia: Sarcopenia is the loss of muscle mass that occurs with aging. Intermittent fasting has been shown to reduce the risk of sarcopenia.

25. Improved physical performance: Intermittent fasting can improve physical performance by increasing fat burning and preserving muscle mass.

26. Reduced risk of osteoporosis: Intermittent fasting has been shown to increase bone density, reducing the risk of osteoporosis.

27. Reduced risk of kidney disease: Intermittent fasting has been shown to reduce the risk of kidney disease by improving blood pressure and blood sugar levels.

28. Improved liver function: Intermittent fasting can improve liver function by reducing inflammation and oxidative stress.

29. Reduced risk of fatty liver disease: Intermittent fasting has been shown to reduce the risk of fatty liver disease by reducing fat accumulation in the liver.

30. Improved skin health: Intermittent fasting can improve skin health by reducing inflammation and promoting the production of collagen.

31. Reduced risk of acne: Intermittent fasting has been shown to reduce the severity of acne.

32. Reduced risk of eczema: Intermittent fasting has been shown to reduce the severity of eczema.

33. Reduced risk of psoriasis: Intermittent fasting has been shown to reduce the severity of psoriasis.

34. Improved dental health: Intermittent fasting can improve dental health by reducing inflammation and promoting the growth of healthy oral bacteria.

35. Reduced risk of gum disease: Intermittent fasting has been shown to reduce the risk of gum disease.

36. Improved vision: Intermittent fasting can improve vision by reducing inflammation and oxidative stress in the eyes.

37. Reduced risk of cataracts: Intermittent fasting has been shown to reduce the risk of cataracts.

38. Reduced risk of age-related macular degeneration: Intermittent fasting has been shown to reduce the risk of age-related macular degeneration.

39. Improved fertility: Intermittent fasting can improve fertility by reducing inflammation and improving insulin sensitivity.

40. Reduced risk of polycystic ovary syndrome: Intermittent fasting has been shown to reduce the risk of polycystic ovary syndrome.

41. Improved hormonal balance: Intermittent fasting can improve hormonal balance by reducing insulin levels and increasing growth hormone production.

42. Reduced risk of menopausal symptoms: Intermittent fasting has been shown to reduce the severity of menopausal symptoms.

43. Reduced risk of erectile dysfunction: Intermittent fasting has been shown to reduce the risk of erectile dysfunction by improving blood flow and reducing inflammation.

44. Improved respiratory function: Intermittent fasting can improve respiratory function by reducing inflammation in the lungs.

45. Reduced risk of asthma: Intermittent fasting has been shown to reduce the severity of asthma.

46. Improved liver function in alcoholics: Intermittent fasting can improve liver function in alcoholics by reducing inflammation and oxidative stress.

47. Reduced risk of alcohol-related liver disease: Intermittent fasting has been shown to reduce the risk of alcohol-related liver disease.

48. Improved chemotherapy outcomes: Intermittent fasting can improve chemotherapy outcomes by reducing the side effects of treatment.

49. Reduced risk of chemotherapy-induced neuropathy: Intermittent fasting has been shown to reduce the severity of chemotherapy-induced neuropathy.

50. Improved quality of life: Many people report an improved quality of life when following an intermittent fasting regimen.

In conclusion, intermittent fasting has numerous benefits for overall health and well-being. These benefits range from weight loss and improved heart health to reduced inflammation and improved hormonal balance. If you’re considering trying intermittent fasting, it’s important to do so under the guidance of a healthcare professional.