What Happens to Your Body When You Fast?

Whether you’re brand new to fasting or have been doing some type of intermittent fasting for years, it’s no secret that the popular diet trend is everywhere nowadays. Intermittent fasting (IF), in which you eat and abstain from food during certain times of the day. But what actually happens to your body as it moves through different stages of fasting?

Fasting may help activate your metabolism, increase longevity, and can even mimic the health benefits of aerobic exercise, says Kelsey Costa, MS, RDN, a dietitian and nutrition consultant for the E-Health Project. That said, fasting isn’t for everyone. There are many potential side effects, and limiting your diet may not be best for everyone’s body or lifestyle. So, you should always consult with your doctor or a registered dietician before starting a fasting protocol.

Below, experts explain the four stages of fasting, what happens during each part of the fasting timeline, and who should (and shouldn’t!) try fasting. Meet the experts: Raj Dasgupta, MD, is a physician and the chief medical advisor for Sleep Advisor. Kelsey Costa, MS, RDN, is a dietitian and nutrition consultant for the E-Health Project.

Excerpted from Yahoo! Sport

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