IMF & Detoxing For Longevity: Is it Hype Or Can it Help You Live Longer?

A Practice As Old As Time

I ntermittent fasting (IMF) has been around for thousands, if not millions, of years. Before the name IMF, fasting, which is the absence of food and drink for a prolonged period, was not optional. The first humans hunted and foraged for food, which took several hours or even days. Thousands of years later, fasting took on a religious theme, with prophets abstaining from food and drink for various reasons. Fasting also has ethical origins, with influential people doing so for causes or as forms of protest. Over time, however, scientists and doctors noticed there were health benefits to short periods of fasting or IMF. Now, many health advocates encourage IMF for detoxification and longevity.

Let’s break down IMF

Intermittent fasting is a prolonged period of not consuming any calories. Whether or not people are aware, IMF is in the fabric of everyday life. Everyone fasts between sleep and the first meal of the day, also known as breakfast. This process is still used in many religions at certain points, such as Lent, Ramadan, and Yom Kippur. IMF is the timeframe between the last meal of the day and the first meal of the next. This timeframe can be spread out into a 16:8 split, 18:6 split, or 20:4 split. There is also one meal a day (OMAD) fasting, alternate day fasting, and the eat, stop, eat method. Some people fast with or without consuming water, while others consume some liquids like black coffee or tea. The goal is to perform IMF in a healthy, constructive way.

Exploring the science behind intermittent fasting

Are there any benefits to IMF, especially beyond the overnight fasting period? The body goes through significant metabolic processes during the fasting period. The fasting period turns energy stores to removing damaged cells, repairing cells, and recreating new ones. This cellular repair is critical to reducing inflammation and preventing certain diseases like diabetes, heart diseases, and even some neurodegenerative disorders. Additionally, fasting is key for weight loss. By depleting all glucose stores, the body can begin to use fat and ketones for fuel. The longer the fast, the more likely this process, called ketosis, will occur. There are also hormonal, brain health, and neurological benefits to IMF.

Can you really detox your body with IMF?

There is no direct evidence that fasting alone is enough to detoxify the body. The body contains organs like the liver and kidneys that are adept at removing waste and other toxins from the body. Once these organs are healthy and the individual has a nutritious diet, detoxification can take place. Fasting, however, can make the process much more efficient and effective. The liver and kidneys can process all existing contents by giving the digestive system a rest, relieving any bottlenecks. Fasting also speeds up the cell turnover and cell repair process. Lengthening the time of the fast, for example, skipping breakfast can give the body more time and resources to eliminate waste.

When IMF can harm more than help

With fasting, there is a law of diminishing returns. Prolonged fasting can begin to negatively affect the body. In the short term, prolonged IMF can lead to hunger pangs, reduced focus, and dehydration. Over several days, the body starts breaking down muscle tissue for energy. A reduced supply of vitamins and minerals from whole foods also leads to vitamin deficiency symptoms. Long periods without food can exacerbate pre-existing conditions, damage organs, and weaken the immune system. In some cases, extensive fasting can be life-threatening. Short periods of IMF have some fantastic benefits when done in a controlled environment under the supervision of a doctor.

Hype? Or nah?

Fasting is not hype. Studies show that there are numerous benefits to general health and wellness. However, there’s no clear line between the IMF and helping individuals live longer. If anything, fasting promotes longevity with addition by subtraction. The thinking is that the less food is consumed over time, the less chance there is for inflammation and related issues like diabetes and cardiovascular disease. However, scientists have yet to prove that people who fast will live longer than those who do not. This study would require consistent fasting with control groups over a lifetime, which is challenging.

A balanced perspective from your doctor

While fasting alone cannot detox the body, IMF may provide the body with the means to optimize the natural detoxification process. These fasts should be based on health and previous experience with fasting. Consistent periods of IMF, such as the 16:8 or 18:6 protocol, can have fantastic additional benefits. However, fasting alone should not be a solution to detoxify the body or achieve optimal health. See a doctor if chronic symptoms are impacting quality of life. There may be an underlying condition that requires treatment. A proper diagnosis and care can open the door to other strategies, like IMF.