Fasting for Gut Health

Fasting is the voluntary abstinence from food and/or drink for a period of time. It has been practiced for centuries for religious, spiritual, and health reasons. In recent years, there has been a growing interest in fasting for its potential health benefits, including improved gut health and digestion.

In this step-by-step guide, we’ll explore the ins and outs of intermittent fasting, giving you the knowledge and tools to explore this practice safely.

What is it?

Intermittent fasting (IF) is an eating pattern that cycles between periods of eating and fasting. This powerful approach gets linked to various health benefits, such as weight management and decreased inflammation, this includes inflammation of the gut.

The Benefits

Allows the the digestive system a chance to rest and repair.

Improves gut barrier function through the process of autophagy, the cellular cleansing process that removes damaged cells and debris.

Increases the diversity and promotes the growth of beneficial gut bacteria, helping to fend off pathogenic bacteria.

Reduces inflammation in and around the gut, easing symptoms of IBS.

Increases stomach acid and digestive enzyme production, improving digestion and absorption of vitamins and minerals.

Stimulates gut motility, the movement of food through the digestive tract, minimising the risk of constipation.

How to do it

There are a few options in the full guide, but one of the easiest and most popular methods is to extend your usual nighttime fast, adopting a daily 16-hour fasting period followed by an 8-hour eating window (The 16/8 Method,) which is generally sustainable.

How to BREAK your fast

When it’s time to refuel, choose foods rich in protein, healthy fats, and safe carbohydrates such as vegetables and low fructose fruits. Nutrient-dense meals will leave you satisfied and energised. Resist the temptation to overeat or indulge in high-carby/sugar cr@p!

IMPORTANT!!!

Know your limits and NEVER force a fast, and if you have any underlying health conditions it is important to talk to your doctor before considering using Intermittent Fasting to improve your gut health.

I hope that gives you some food for thought…you can download the full guide using the button below!

Hi I’m Lizzy, a certified Primal Health Coach and Human Intestinal Microbiome Specialist with a focus on IBS and SIBO, helping you find your way to true gut health, allowing yourself freedom from discomfort while effortlessly managing your weight while giving you back your comfort & confidence.

I once suffered with Bloating & IBS and relied on exercise to manage my weight, until 2012 when I found something that turned this all around…and I’ve never looked back! I will teach you everything I know for you to be empowered with the knowledge to help you feel fantastic.