DOES INTERMITTENT FASTING IMPROVE BRAIN POWER?

Intermittent fasting is a widely recognised dietary approach that alternates between fasting and eating periods and has been asserted to enhance weight loss, improve insulin sensitivity, reduce inflammation, promote longevity, and many more benefits.

- Dr Arun Oommen MBBS, MS (Gen Surg), Mch (Neurosurgery), MRCS Ed (UK), MBA (Hospital administration), ENLS, DLitt(H), Phd(H), D Sc(H) Neuro Endoscopy Fellow Senior Consultant Neurosurgeon VPS Lakeshore Hospital Kochi, India.

Research indicates it may also contribute to enhancing brain health and controlling or managing specific neurological disorders such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, stroke, and multiple sclerosis.

As a facility focussed on enhancing brain health and performance, The Brain & Performance Centre recognizes the significance of adequate nutrition and its direct impact on cognitive and physical capabilities. Implementing dietary modifications, such as intermittent fasting, supports brain health, encourages weight loss, and helps keep some specific illnesses under control.

There is considerable discussion within the health and wellness community regarding the optimal diet for one's health. Given the multitude of conflicting viewpoints, determining whom to trust can be quite challenging. Fortunately, there exists an approach to eating that may assist in weight loss, enhance brain health, and potentially extend longevity, all without the need for stringent dietary limitations. Most importantly, it is not classified as a "diet" at all. This approach, referred to as intermittent fasting (IF), is rapidly gaining popularity, not only among dietary enthusiasts but also within the scientific community. Moreover, the relationship between intermittent fasting and brain health appears to become increasingly positive with each new study. Indeed, recent studies indicate that consistent intermittent fasting "can lead to structural and functional changes in the brain," which is an exceptionally encouraging result stemming from a straightforward modification in our eating habits.

What is intermittent fasting?