How Fasting Supports Cell Regeneration, Digestion & Metabolic Health

Hey everyone, Lola here, to talk all about fasting and if it’s worth it! If your digestive system could talk, it would probably say something like, “Hey… could I have a day off?” And that, in a nutshell, is the charm behind intermittent fasting. Not eating for certain periods of time might sound like a medieval punishment, but in reality, it can be a powerful tool for metabolic health, cell regeneration, and overall wellbeing.

Before you imagine yourself heroically skipping breakfast while angels sing in the background, let’s explore the science (the fun version), the benefits, and the important caveats—because fasting, like skinny jeans, is not ideal for everyone.

The Science Behind Fasting

When you fast, your body switches gears from “I’m processing food” to “Let’s tidy up the place.” During fasting windows, the body enters autophagy, a remarkable process where old, damaged cells are broken down and recycled. Think of it as your body running a spring-cleaning service.

Other cool things happening behind the scenes:

• Cellular regeneration gets a boost.
• Digestive organs get a well-earned break, so they’re not constantly churning food like a 24/7 factory line.
• Insulin sensitivity can improve, which supports more stable energy and better metabolic function.

No wonder people rave about fasting—it’s like a free internal spa day.

Conditions Fasting May Be Helpful For

Current research suggests that intermittent fasting can be beneficial for a variety of wellness-related concerns (though not a cure and not a one-size-fits-all approach). Potential benefits include support for:

• Weight management and metabolic health
• Insulin resistance
• Inflammation reduction
• Digestive issues (thanks to that much-needed rest)
• Cognitive support—the brain loves metabolic efficiency
• Cellular ageing and overall vitality

These are broad potential benefits—always check with a healthcare professional if there are underlying medical conditions.

But Hold Up… Fasting Isn’t for Everyone

Before diving headfirst into an 18-hour fast, there’s something important to know:
If your blood sugar isn’t stable, fasting can actually stress the body.

When blood sugars swing like a caffeinated toddler, fasting forces the body to make up the energy deficit by increasing cortisol, your stress hormone. And when cortisol rises:

• The body becomes more stressed
• Blood sugar becomes even more unstable
• Immunity can dip, because high cortisol can suppress immune function

So yes—fasting is amazing, but only when the body is ready for it.

Step 1: Balance Blood Sugar First (This Is Non-Negotiable)

Before you flirt with any fasting schedule, focus on three solid meals a day:

• High in protein
• High in healthy fats
• Balanced with whole-food carbohydrates and fibre

This stabilises blood sugar, calms cortisol, and lays the foundation for successful fasting later on. Think of this phase as “training your metabolism”—without the sweat.

Step 2: When You’re Comfortable, Drop One Meal

Once your energy is stable, your hunger feels predictable, and your mood no longer rises and falls like a stock market chart, you can experiment by:

• Dropping one meal (usually breakfast or dinner)
• Eating two meals closer together
• Consuming the majority of food before 4 pm, which supports natural circadian rhythms and digestion

This is a gentle, body-friendly way to begin intermittent fasting without shocking your system.

The Takeaway

Intermittent fasting, when done at the right time and in the right way, can support cell regeneration, digestive rest, metabolic health, and more. But the key is preparing the body first through balanced blood sugar, high-protein meals, and consistent nourishment.

Fasting doesn’t have to be extreme. It doesn’t have to be miserable. And it should definitely not leave you feeling like you’re starring in a survival documentary. Start steady, listen to your body, and let fasting become a tool—not a battle.

Lola x