How does fasting affect blood sugar?
When you fast, your insulin and blood sugar levels decrease. The pancreas begins to produce glucagon, a hormone that helps the liver release glycogen (the reserve form of sugar). If you continue to endure, your body will switch to fat burning, creating ketones, an alternative energy source for the brain and muscles.
According to Dr. Kimberly Prado, clinical associate professor at Rutgers University of Nursing (USA): Glucagon hormone helps maintain energy when fasting. The longer it is, the more fat the body burns and produces more ketones, increasing concentration and reducing cravings."
Impact of each fasting stage
8 - 12 hours: The body consumes glycogen, blood sugar begins to decrease.
12 - 18 hours: burn fat more clearly, increase ketone production, improve mood and reduce hunger.
24 hours or more: Auto-encephaly activation, mechanism for clearing damaged cells, immune support.
36 - 48 hours: Increase growth hormone, support muscle recovery and metabolism.
72 hours: Start the stem cell regeneration process, helping to improve the immune system.
"Eating an encounter is like a total cleansing for the body. First, scanning the surface, burning glycogen, then going deeper, breaking down fat and cleaning up old cells," Prado said.
Who should not follow the fasting regimen?
Despite its many benefits, fasting is not safe for everyone. According to nutritionist Yasi Ansari, from UCLA Health: "Fries can lower blood sugar, lose energy, affect eating habits and hinder social activities".
Don't fast if you belong to the following groups:
People with a history of eating disorders
Pregnant or breastfeeding women
People with high physical activity or are being treated for chronic diseases
People with type 1 or type 2 diabetes if there is no medical prescription
Intermittent eating of frog can improve blood sugar control, but you should monitor closely if you are taking medication or have hormonal problems, says expert Abigail collen (Mount Sinai Hospital, USA).
Proper fasting can help control blood sugar, lose weight and increase metabolism. However, consult your doctor before applying, especially if you have health problems.