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Has IF actually reduced my anxiety?!

I just finished my first ever 36 hour fast this morning and since then I’ve been sooo relaxed. I know it’s only been a few hours, so maybe it’s a coincidence but I just went to the grocery store which usually fills me with anxiety and I was the most chilled out I’ve been in years! I just feel at peace when usually my default mode is totally the opposite.. very anxious and on high alert. Not what I expected considering IF is supposed to increase cortisol and can create a stress response. Anyone else ever experienced this?

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I just started IF a couple of weeks ago and have noticed this too. I think it’s linked to glucose and also the gut. I’ve had a lifetime of IBS so I think giving my gut a break has really helped with anxiety.

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High levels of insulin are strongly linked to mood issues like depression, attention and anxiety. Lowering them with diet change &/or spacing eating can have a profound effect.

https://www.dietdoctor.com/low-carb/mental-health-guides

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Yes. I experienced this, too!

I’ve always been a pretty chill person until last year (after eating 6-8x a day, low fat, high carb). Suddenly, I was getting panic attacks while driving or right after eating something like oatmeal. My tolerance to coffee drastically decreased. I had no clue what was going on.

Turns out, I was hyperinsulinemic.

After some IF, I became my chill old self again. It’s crazy what a difference eating habits can make on one’s mental and physical health.

Keep going 🙌

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I think so, fasting is a stress, once you get used to that, lesser stressors no longer quite compare.

Difficult people? Delays? Change of plans? pffft does it compare to literally not eating for 95% of your life? Then who cares.

Fasting makes you mentally and spiritually tough, as well as lean and strong. There’s a reason ancient warriors and top athletes do it.

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I do a weekly 36h fast. I snapped at my husband last week over something minor on the day that is normally my fasting day.

“Can you please go back to fasting on Friday? You’re so much calmer when you don’t eat.”

:(

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What IF has taught me is that I have more control than I used to think. This has helped me curb late evening snacking. Seeing results on the scale gives me a lift. All of this helps my mood. In addition to other observations here, there is a behavioral reinforcement taking place.