Fasting and Gut Health: How Skipping Meals Can Heal Your Body

Most people think fasting is harmful to the gut. But not really. Health expert Shilpa Arora and an MIT study say a 24-hour fast can benefit your gut. It cleanses out the bad bacteria and gives the gut an opportunity to heal and produce new cells. This makes your gut healthier and stronger.

Gut Health Gets Better with Fasting

When you fast for 24 hours, your body initiates a process of cleansing and healing. Your bad bacteria within your gut do not receive food, thus they die. Meanwhile, your gut produces new stem cells. These are fresh cells that help to do better work in the gut. Fasting also provides a break to your digestive system, which helps relax and fix it.

What You Eat After Fasting is Key

Fasting helps in the gut, but what you eat to break your fast is equally important. The first food after a fasting should support intestinal health. Start with foods that are rich in prebiotics, probiotics and polyphenols. These help good bacteria to grow and fight inflammation. Shilpa Arora completes her fast with kanji (fermented drink), fermented vegetables, and sweet potato. These foods are nutritious and easy to digest.

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Healthy Gut = Healthy Mind

Intestinal and brain are closely connected. If your gut is not healthy, it can affect the mood, sleep and energy. If you often feel worried or upset, your gut may be the cause. Taking care of your stomach can make you feel calm and feel better.