Alternative and Integrative Pain Solutions: Fasting…How “Hangry” Are You?

Were humans made to eat every 2-3 hours?  Why do we get hunger pangs?  Throughout all of human existence we have experienced times of feast and famine, and we have the adaptation to function well with less.  Most American diets, while not the most nourishing, do provide ample caloric density.  Yes, major micronutrient deficiencies stem from the poor nutrition many people consume on a regular basis, but that’s not the major focus for this article.  Although, if considering using fasting as a tool, supporting nutrients is important.  

Therapeutic fasting or intermittent caloric restriction has demonstrated significant benefits in a wide variety of human diseases.  Some of the obvious effects can be seen on those with blood sugar issues (insulin resistance/diabetes), cardiovascular disease (heart attacks/strokes) and those with excess weight.  Fasting can also improve mitochondrial function (power producing system), help with DNA (genetic) repair and enhance autophagy (cleaning damaged cells).  These items can increase longevity and optimize brain and cognitive function.   

So, what about the pain part?  Fasting reduces the pro-inflammatory and oxidative stress aspects of the system.  This will reduce the inflammatory burden and allow for regeneration and repair to occur in joints, muscles, connective tissues and even the nervous system.  The benefits can be seen by slowing progression of arthritis and other mechanisms of chronic pain.  

When making nutrition changes, I always recommend working with a practitioner who will monitor the effects on your body.  If you want to start with fasting, my first recommendation is reducing your daily eating window.  Most people eat for a 12-14-hour period of time during the day.  Each week try reducing that window by 30 minutes with a goal of seeing if you can consume all your meals in about 6-8 hours.