Intermittent fasting and concentration: does it really work?

Intermittent fasting is increasingly adopted as a strategy to improve well-being psychophysical and lose weight. Among its benefits, it is He often talks about his potential boost on focus mental and cognitive abilities.

But how much truth is there? And it really has consequences healthy metabolism? Let's find out more about this eating plan focusing above all on the relationship between intermittent fasting and concentration through the scientific evidence that has emerged over the years.

What is intermittent fasting? 

It consists of alternating periods of fasting with time windows dedicated to nutrition: it is more important when you eat what. These are the most common methods:

• 4:8 p.m.: 16 hours of fasting followed by 8 hours of feeding.
• 5:2: Five days of normal diet and two days with strong calorie restriction.
• OMAD (One Meal A Day): only one meal a day.
• FMD (Fasting Mimicking Diet): The fasting-mimicking diet lasts 5 days, during which take all the essential nutrients, but within a food plan restrictive, which includes between 700 and 1,100 calories per day.

During fasting periods, the body activates processes biological systems that affect various systems, including the nervous system. But how Is all this connected to concentration?

How intermittent fasting works and Effects on the brain 

During fasting, the brain undergoes some changes positive, supported by scientific evidence:

• Production of ketone bodies: In the absence of glucose, the body uses fats as an energy source, producing ketone bodies that improve mental focus.
• BDNF Increase: brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is a protein that it promotes brain plasticity, which is essential for learning and memory.
• Reduction of oxidative stress: Fasting helps fight free radicals, protecting cells Brain.

These effects not only protect the brain for a long time but contribute to a greater ability to concentrate during the day.

Intermittent fasting: what the science? 

Several studies have analyzed this plan offering interesting evidence on the effects on the functions of the Cognitive. Rafael de Cabo (Translational Gerontology Laboratory of the National Baltimore Institute of Aging) and Mark Mattson (Department of Neuroscience of Johns Hopkins University) have created one of the largest research on intermittent fasting.

The most important results of their work put in place evidence that intermittent eating promotes a good state of health of cells, in every organ. The benefits are linked to the use of fat as an energy source. In particular, these advantages emerged:

• Better regulation of blood sugar.
• Less inflammation.
• Increased resistance to stress.
• Lower blood pressure.
• Decrease in blood lipids and resting heart rate.
• More energy with a higher level of attention and concentration.

According to scientific research, the benefits of fasting also concern prevention, in particular health brain: it could have a significant preventive role for diseases such as cerebral stroke, Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.

Is it a meal plan for everyone?

Despite the benefits, intermittent fasting does not It is suitable for everyone. It is not recommended for children, adolescents and the elderly, to pregnant women, to those suffering from serious diseases and to those who are underweight. Those who practice high-intensity sports, those who suffer from hypoglycemia or those who are in a Your particular medical condition should consult a doctor before you begin.

If you want to increase your concentration and your mental performance, don't forget to include in your eating routine A functional drink with no added sugar such as S-Nap Shot: discover The secrets of the exclusive formula that recharges the mind.