From fat loss to longevity, intermittent fasting has been hyped as a health revolution. But is it actually useful, and does it relate to chiropractic?
The Claimed Benefits
Commonly reported benefits of intermittent fasting include:
• Weight loss and fat metabolism
• Reduced inflammation
• Improved blood sugar regulation
• Mental clarity and energy
• Longevity
It’s often practiced in cycles like 16:8 (fasting for 16 hours, eating within 8), or longer fasts done occasionally.
What the Science Says
There’s strong support for intermittent fasting’s effects on metabolic health, especially insulin sensitivity and reduced inflammation. It’s also been linked to improved cardiovascular markers and cellular repair processes like autophagy.
A 2020 review in New England Journal of Medicine noted benefits for blood pressure, oxidative stress, and even brain health.
However, results vary, fasting isn’t suitable for everyone, especially those with adrenal fatigue, hormonal imbalances, or high training loads.
The Chiropractic Connection
While Chiropractic focuses on the spine and nervous system, it’s deeply connected to lifestyle wellness. Nutrition, movement, and stress regulation work together to create a well-functioning system.
If your body is inflamed, stressed, and overfed, it’s harder to recover, regulate pain, or maintain good posture. Fasting, when done safely, can support a more adaptable, balanced nervous system, the same one your chiropractor is working to regulate.
In summary: Intermittent fasting supports overall health, but works best when combined with movement, alignment, and recovery, a great complement to Chiropractic care.
References
Patterson RE, Sears DD. (2017). Metabolic effects of intermittent fasting. Annual Review of Nutrition, 37:371–393.
de Cabo R, Mattson MP. (2019). Effects of intermittent fasting on health, aging, and disease. New England Journal of Medicine, 381(26):2541–2551.
Tinsley GM, La Bounty PM. (2015). Effects of intermittent fasting on body composition and clinical health markers in humans. Nutrition Reviews, 73(10):661–674.
