Why fasting feels so good
Fasting can feel surprisingly good for several psychological and biological reasons. Here’s a breakdown of why:
🧠 Brain and Mood Boost
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Increased Mental Clarity: After a certain point (often 12–18 hours), your body switches from burning glucose to burning fat (ketosis). This can lead to improved focus and mental sharpness.
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Endorphin Release: Fasting may trigger a mild release of endorphins—feel-good chemicals similar to those released during exercise or excitement.
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Dopamine Reset: When you're not constantly eating, your reward system becomes more sensitive. This can make ordinary pleasures (like a good meal or a breeze) feel more rewarding.
🔬 Biological Mechanisms
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Ketones = Clean Energy: Once you start burning fat, your body produces ketones—an efficient, steady fuel source for the brain and muscles.
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Autophagy (Cellular Cleanup): Fasting triggers autophagy, a process where your cells "clean house" by recycling damaged parts. This may feel energizing or even euphoric for some people.
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Stable Blood Sugar: With no constant spikes and crashes from frequent eating, your energy may feel more even and reliable.
🧘♀️ Psychological and Lifestyle Factors
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Sense of Control: Choosing not to eat can create a feeling of discipline and mastery over your body.
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Simplicity: Skipping meals reduces decision fatigue—no need to think about what to eat or cook.
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Spiritual/Emotional Uplift: Many people report a feeling of spiritual clarity or emotional peace during fasting, which is why it's often tied to religious or meditative practices.
🕐 But Timing Matters
The feel-good effects often kick in after the first wave of hunger passes—usually within 12–24 hours. Before that, some people feel irritable or tired (commonly called the “fasting hump”).
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