British Chancellor Rishi Sunak's 36-hour fasting routine at the start of the week has caught the attention of fitness-conscious people and those looking to lose weight. A source close to Mr Sunak told The Sunday Times that the prime minister will begin a strict fast at 5pm on Sunday and continue it until 5am on Tuesday in a bid to reset and detoxify his system. . During this fasting period, you are allowed to drink water, tea, or black coffee. In a recent interview on the ITV morning show on January 30, Sunak spoke about his weekly health routine: Even if you intend to, at some point you will come into contact with reality. ” Sunak went on to say that she loves her food and “eats a lot of sweet pastries for the rest of the week.” (Also read | Rishi Sunak's 36-hour fast may prevent Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease: study)
What is Monk Fast, a 36-hour fasting pattern?
Experts say Rishi Sunak's eating pattern of 36 hours a week, commonly known as monk fasting, is a type of intermittent fasting. When combined with exercise, fasting patterns can help you lose fat and maintain muscle mass in your body. Not eating for 36 hours in a row accelerates the removal of damaged cells and promotes the regeneration of healthy cells. According to nutritionists, it also has a positive effect on hormonal regulation. Experts say monk fasting can improve decision-making skills and cognitive abilities and may be particularly beneficial for Rishi Sunak. Long-term fasting can improve brain power.
Talking about the benefits of this dietary pattern, Dr. Priyanka Rohatgi, Chief Nutritionist at Apollo Hospitals, says it helps in losing weight, maintaining a toned body, also helps in healthy cell regeneration and has anti-aging effects. states.
“Working on monk fast, a 36-hour fasting regimen, alongside resistance training has been proven to be effective for weight loss, especially for shedding fat while maintaining lean body mass. This combination , can contribute to a healthier body composition.Monkfast Activates Autophagy, a natural cellular process that promotes the removal of damaged cells and promotes the regeneration of healthy cells. This mechanism not only provides anti-aging benefits but also acts as a protective measure against non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as heart disease, diabetes, and heart disease. cancer, neurodegenerative conditions, etc.,” says Dr. Rohatgi.
Dr. Rohatgi says 36-hour fasting can have a positive effect on blood sugar levels, which is especially beneficial for individuals looking to manage or prevent symptoms related to abnormal blood sugar levels.
“Monk fasting allows you to create a calorie deficit, which is important for weight management and can be a helpful component of a comprehensive approach to a healthy lifestyle,” she says.
According to nutritionists, a 36-hour fasting period also exhibits anti-inflammatory effects and contributes to reducing overall inflammation in the body. Chronic inflammation is associated with a variety of health problems, and alleviating it can have a positive impact on your overall health.
Possible side effects of 36 hour fasting
However, Dr Rohatgi warns of the side effects of long-term fasting, saying it can cause fatigue, irritability and difficulty concentrating in the short term. Without a doctor's consultation, this diet may not be ideal for diabetics.
“Longer periods of not eating, such as 24-, 36-, 48-, or 72-hour fasting periods, are not necessarily good for your health, and can even be dangerous. , your body may actually start storing more fat in response to your appetite.'' “Intermittent fasting can have unpleasant side effects: increased hunger, fatigue, insomnia, irritability, and difficulty concentrating.'' Possible symptoms include depression, nausea, constipation, and headaches. Most side effects disappear within a month,” she says.
Rishi Sunak's 5 Benefits of Weekly Fasting
Dr. Archana Batra, a nutritionist, physiotherapist and certified diabetes educator from Gurgaon shares the benefits of Rishi Sunak's diet.
1. Improved metabolic flexibility
One of the main benefits of Rishi Sunak's 36-hour fasting routine is promoting metabolic flexibility. The body becomes adept at switching between burning glucose and fat for energy, and this process supports weight management and reduces insulin resistance. This flexibility ensures more efficient use of energy and contributes to improved overall metabolic health.
2. Improved cognitive function
Fasting is associated with improved brain function and cognitive performance. During fasting, your body produces ketone bodies, which act as an alternative energy source for your brain. This metabolic change is associated with improved focus, concentration, and mental clarity. Rishi Sunak's adherence to this fasting method may have contributed to his sharp decision-making abilities.
3. Autophagy and cell repair
Fasting triggers a process called autophagy, which allows your body to remove damaged cells and regenerate new, healthy cells. This cellular repair mechanism is critical to longevity and overall health. By adopting a 36-hour fasting routine, people like Rishi Sunak may be promoting cell regeneration, potentially reducing the risk of chronic disease and supporting a healthier aging process. there is.
4. Balanced hormones
Extending the fasting period can have a positive impact on hormonal regulation. Insulin sensitivity tends to improve, reducing the risk of type 2 diabetes. Additionally, fasting can lead to an increase in human growth hormone (HGH), which plays a role in muscle preservation, fat metabolism, and overall body composition. Rishi Sunak's commitment to this fasting habit may be contributing to maintaining a healthy hormonal balance.
5. Psychological resilience and discipline
The 36-hour fasting routine not only provides physical benefits, but also develops psychological resilience and discipline. Learning how to manage your hunger and resist the temptation to eat during your fasting period will strengthen your self-control and willpower. This mental strength extends beyond your eating habits and can positively impact other areas of your life, such as work and personal relationships.
