Mild hunger helps the body reboot and brings about changes from intermittent fasting.

**Mild hunger helps the body "reboot".**

Don't worry about occasional mild hunger; it's harmless, and in fact, experiencing mild hunger occasionally can make you more energetic. Although hunger can be overwhelming and unpleasant, like a sharp knife, it's actually more resilient and manageable than you might think. On your fasting day, by the time you feel unbearably hungry, most of the day should have already passed. Moreover, the hunger will subside.

Hunger is not based on a 24-hour cycle, so never feel trapped by hunger. With patience and patience, you absolutely have the ability to overcome hunger. With strong willpower, you can control the feeling and choose to do something different: go for a walk, call a friend, have tea, go for a run, take a shower... Most people who try intermittent fasting report a reduction in hunger after a few weeks.

In addition, when the body is mildly hungry, the aging process of cells in the body slows down, and the functions of various tissues and organs become more normal and natural, full of vitality. Long-term intermittent fasting can even restore some aging functions to the state of youth, such as improving vision and hearing.

Besides its well-known weight loss benefits, intermittent fasting can also improve mood, protect the brain, and prevent memory loss and cognitive decline for men.

What changes can intermittent fasting bring to the body?

Intermittent fasting advocates a low-calorie, low-salt, low-oil, light, and nutritionally complete diet, which can not only help you lose weight but also bring many health benefits.

**Steady weight loss, no rebound**

We know that intermittent fasting follows the 5:2 principle (5 days of normal eating, 2 days of strict calorie restriction). This method prevents overeating and allows dieters to maintain it long-term. Because intermittent fasting doesn't require complete abstinence, dieters can enjoy food while continuing their healthy weight loss plan. Weight loss can then be achieved gradually through long-term calorie restriction. Furthermore, once this healthy lifestyle becomes a habit, there is absolutely no chance of rebound weight gain after successful dieting.

**Enhance brain function and slow down brain aging**

Professor Hiroshi Ōmura of Kyushu University in Japan has been engaged in geriatric medicine research for many years. His report points out that after a large meal, the amount of a substance in the brain called "fibroblast growth factor" increases tens of thousands of times compared to before eating. This substance can cause the proliferation of fat cells in capillary endothelial cells, promote the occurrence of atherosclerosis, and cause premature brain aging, memory loss, and slow thinking (in severe cases, stroke may occur). It is even related to the onset of Alzheimer's disease.

There is currently no specific drug to control the increase of fibroblast growth factor (FGF). However, it is entirely possible to delay cerebral arteriosclerosis and brain aging by restricting dietary intake and reducing FGF secretion in the brain.

**Improve mood and combat depression**

Factors that can trigger a bad mood include insufficient sleep and excessive toxins in the body affecting the circulation of qi and blood. Although there may be intermittent mood swings during fasting, after a period of time the body will have a calming effect, making the mood more peaceful, increasing sleepiness, and allowing the whole person to get sufficient rest, thus making people feel good.

During fasting, as waste is flushed out and cleansed from the body, all the accumulated repressions and thoughts, messages, and memories that have been stored up in people's hearts for a long time, such as terrifying experiences, hatred, guilt, and anger, will be released one by one.

A study abroad found that among 52 patients with chronic pain, more than 80% experienced relief from depression and anxiety after undergoing a two-week intermittent fasting therapy.

**Lower blood sugar, control diabetes**

The basic principle of intermittent fasting is to reduce calorie intake and increase the proportion of protein in the diet while decreasing the proportion of carbohydrates. This is similar to the dietary requirements for people with diabetes. Therefore, adhering to this healthy eating habit in the long term is very beneficial for preventing diabetes.

A study published in the *World Journal of Diabetes* indicates that intermittent fasting is a safe dietary intervention that can improve fasting and postprandial blood glucose levels. Research from the University of South Australia found that intermittent fasting can reduce the dosage of hypoglycemic drugs while effectively lowering blood glucose levels in patients with type 2 diabetes. Furthermore, some domestic scholars believe that while intermittent fasting may not effectively lower blood glucose in the short term, it can improve insulin sensitivity, which may help prevent and manage diabetes.

**Cancer Prevention**

Our body's cells are constantly replicating, replacing dead, old, and damaged tissue. If cell growth is kept within limits, the body will not experience problems. However, sometimes cells mutate and grow uncontrollably, leading to cancer. High concentrations of hormones like insulin-like growth factor 1, which stimulate cell growth, in the blood can increase the risk of cancer.

Science shows that even short periods of fasting slow down the body's growth process, initiating repair and survival modes while awaiting the return of abundant food. However, cancer cells remain uncontrolled, taking root and sprouting regardless of the harshness of the environment. This "selfish" trait is our opportunity. Fasting before chemotherapy allows your normal cells to enter a dormant state, while cancer cells spread and become easier to attack.

Furthermore, regardless of the duration, fasting can reduce the concentration of insulin-like growth factor 1, thereby lowering the risk of various cancers. A recent study confirmed that fasting can significantly reduce the risk of breast cancer in women.