Metabolism is the chemical reaction in the body which is responsible for all body functions. It is involved in functions like body growth, aging, cleansing the body, responding to the environment, etc. It is always ideal for the body to have a slow metabolism rate. Having slow metabolism rate helps you have longer life, reduces aging and controls the body functions.
The wide belief of fasting and metabolism is that once the fast is stopped, the body is going to process the food faster and increase the body weight rapidly. This is not true. When fasting is started the body realizes that there is no food input, and automatically reduces the rate of metabolism so as to conserve the energy for future use.
Effects on Metabolism Due to Fasting: As discussed earlier, the body will reduce the metabolism rate. It makes the metabolism slower so as to conserve energy. During the initial stages of the fast, the metabolism drops rapidly to the minimum rate physiologically possible. In these stages, the body is self sufficient with the fat content in the body, with which the body can generate energy.
As the fast is continued, the body will slowly run out of resources and starts to reduce the metabolism rate even more to a new low. This time it goes down to pathological levels. This is when the body is vulnerable to getting attacked by diseases.
Advantages of Slow Metabolism: The metabolism is said to be more efficient if it is slow. The slower the metabolism the healthier the body. The different benefits which are associated with slow metabolism are:
- The body is more efficient in the usage of calories.
- Various nutrients like vitamins, minerals and proteins are utilized properly by the body. This makes the metabolism even slower.
- Reduces aging of the body and improves the immune system.
- More energy is generated in the body.
- The digestive organs are more efficient and perform faster.
