Fasting is far from a new trend—it’s a centuries-old practice embraced by various cultures and religious traditions. But lately, it’s been making headlines for its potential health perks that go well beyond mere weight loss.
While many people still associate skipping meals with deprivation, fasting—done responsibly—can be a powerful way to give your body and mind a purposeful break.
It has a ton of suggested health benefits. Functional nutrition brand The Turmeric Co. offers its three life-changing benefits of fasting.
What Is Fasting?
In simple terms, fasting involves purposely waiting a longer-than-usual stretch between your last meal of the day and the first meal of the next.
You could, for example, finish eating at 8 p.m. and not have your first bite until noon the following day, keeping all your meals within an eight-hour window. Some people shorten that window even more.
Despite its recent popularity in health-focused circles, fasting is actually one of the world’s oldest therapeutic practices. Many major religions include some form of fasting in their celebrations—Ramadan in Islam is a well-known example—highlighting its longstanding cultural and spiritual significance.
How Does Fasting Work?
Think of glucose as the fuel your liver uses for energy. When you fast, your body turns to stored glucose in the liver to keep you powered.
Once that glucose is used up, your cells begin releasing fats that travel to the liver, where they’re converted into ketones—another source of energy. Essentially, your body taps into its sugar reserves, then shifts to burning fat.
Keep in mind that any food or drink can break your fast, even if it’s just a small snack or a daily turmeric shot. If you’re experimenting with time-restricted eating, be sure to plan those meals and drinks carefully.
Suggested Benefits of Fasting
1. Better Mental Clarity
When you fast, you’re giving your digestive system a rest, which may free up energy for your brain. After a short adjustment period, you could experience sharper thinking and clearer memory.
The theory is that once your body is rid of certain toxins, your brain has a “cleaner” blood supply, possibly enhancing mental alertness.
2. Physical Rejuvenation
During a fast, the body reallocates nutrients and may help eliminate dead or diseased cells. In other words, it holds on to the good stuff—vitamins, minerals—and flushes out older toxins and tissues. This natural reset can leave you feeling more energised and refreshed over time.
3. Greater Willpower
Fasting can be a test of mental strength. Resisting the urge to snack might feel tough at first, but succeeding can give you a sense of accomplishment.
This mindset shift often spills over into other goals, like walking 10,000 steps a day, tackling a long-overdue closet clean-out, or lifting heavier at the gym. You did it once—you can do it again.
Tips for a Healthier Fast
For anyone nervous about trying a fast, the experts at the English Institute of Sport, in partnership with The Turmeric Co., have a few helpful suggestions:
- Stay Hydrated: You won’t get as many electrolytes from food during a fast, so drink more water to compensate.
- Choose High-Energy, High-Fibre Foods: When you do eat, opt for nutrient-dense meals that keep you feeling full.
- Skip Fried and Ultra-Processed Foods: Although they might taste great in the moment, these foods could lead to a sugar crash later.
- Eat Mindfully: Try not to scroll through your phone while you eat. Focus on each bite to help regulate your appetite.
Fasting Safely
As beneficial as fasting might be for some people, it’s not the right fit for everyone. Healthcare providers may discourage fasting if you:
- Have diabetes
- Struggle with low blood sugar
- Are recovering from surgery
- Are breastfeeding
If you’re unsure whether fasting is a good choice for you, consult a medical professional. And always pay attention to how your body responds. If fasting leaves you feeling dizzy or unwell, it may be time to stop or adjust your routine.
A Natural Partner for Wellness
Founded by professional footballer Thomas Hal Robson-Kanu, The Turmeric Co. supports athletes, sports teams, and health enthusiasts by offering naturally produced turmeric shots that aim to boost recovery and overall wellbeing. These shots are available to everyone at theturmeric.co.
Whether you’re interested in exploring the historical roots of fasting or curious about modern-day benefits, understanding what fasting is—and how to do it correctly—can be a game-changer for both body and mind.
Just remember: the key is to listen to your body, plan wisely, and seek professional advice if you have any concerns.