Fasting combined with exercise can boost health benefits

According to a new study, intense exercise at the start of a fast may help maximize the health benefits of temporarily abstaining from food. According to a new study, intense exercise at the start of a fast may help maximize the health benefits of temporarily abstaining from food.

The study’s findings were in the journal “Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise.”

“Fasting combined wanted to see if they could change the metabolism during the fast through exercise. Especially how quickly the body enters ketosis and makes ketones,” said Landon Deru, a BYU Ph.D. student. He helped design the study for his thesis.

In addition to providing a healthy energy source for the brain and heart, ketones help fight diseases. Such as diabetes, cancer, Parkinson’s, and Alzheimer’s.

The researchers asked 20 healthy adults to fast for two 36-hour periods while remaining hydrated for the study. Each fast began with a standardized meal. With the first fast beginning with no exercise and the second with a strenuous treadmill workout. The subjects completed hunger and mood assessments and levels of B-hydroxybutyrate (BHB), a ketone-like chemical, every two hours while awake.

Exercise made a significant difference: when participants exercised. They reached ketosis three and a half hours earlier on average and produced 43% more BHB.

“Fasting is most difficult for me between 20 and 24 hours. So anything that allows me to stop fasting before 24 hours while maintaining the same health outcomes is beneficial. Or, if I fast for the standard 24 hours but begin with exercise, I’ll reap even more benefits. Said study co-author and BYU exercise science professor Bruce Bailey.

“If you carb Fasting combined load or eat a large meal before fasting, you may not reach ketosis for days. Even if you exercise, so eat moderately before fasting,” Bailey advised.