Due to intermittent fasting’s increasing popularity, there is a lot of information out there for potential participants. So, to help you out, we have taken the time to separate fact from fiction to help you keep the information straight so you can go forth with intermittent fasting with confidence!

•   Myth: Fasting sends your body into starvation mode. The human body has evolved to not only handle short periods of fasting, but to actually benefit from it. “The body takes energy from food. Once the food is broken down into usable parts (carbohydrates, fats and proteins), the body uses some energy and stores the rest. Even though a person stops eating [during a fasting period], the body continues to run on the fuel from their last meal for about eight hours, until the digestion process is complete. Once all the nutrients have been absorbed, the body begins to use glucose stored in the liver and muscles for energy. When these stores have been used up, and no additional nutrition has been consumed, the body begins to burn fat.”[1]

•   Fact: Fasting can improve long-term brain health. “Fasting increases the production of a protein called brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), which promotes neural health.” This protein can help protect your brain cells from neurological changes associated with various health issues.

•   Myth: Fasting makes it difficult to focus. According to the Cleveland Clinic, there is no available data that suggests intermittent fasting is detrimental to cognitive function. In fact, it is quite the contrary: “studies show short periods of fasting could even improve cognitive function, stimulating faster learning and better memory.”

•   Fact: Fasting can help clear up your skin. “When you take a break from eating, your body is able to focus on other regenerative systems. This allows the body to clean up toxins and regulate the functionality of other organs, including your kidney and liver, which in turn can help clear your skin.”[2]

Of course, before beginning intermittent fasting, be sure to talk to your doctor who can help you clear up any other myth vs. fact questions you might have and guide you in the right way to make sure intermittent fasting works for you and your health goals.

[1] “4 Ways Fasting Can Improve Your Health.” Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, 31 May 2016, www.clevelandclinicabudhabi.ae/en/health-byte/pages/4-ways-fasting-can-improve-your-health.aspx.

[2] “Myths and Facts about Intermittent Fasting.” Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, 31 May 2017, www.clevelandclinicabudhabi.ae/en/health-byte/pages/myths-and-facts-about-intermittent-fasting.aspx.