Intermittent fasting (IF) has risen in popularity, as numerous studies continue to illustrate its many benefits. In humans, intermittent fasting improves weight, insulin resistance, inflammation, dyslipidemia, and hypertension.[1] IF has also reduced tumor growth, boosted stem cell production, and increased lifespan in mice.[2] One compelling explanation for these outcomes relates to a term called adaptive stress—a type of physiological stress that elicits positive responses. During fasting, ...

Humans are diurnal animals, meaning we work during the day, and sleep and restore (both physically and mentally) at night. But things like technology, long work days, and even light bulbs have drastically expanded what we consider ‘waking hours’ compared to those of our evolutionary ancestors. For most of history, when the sun went down, our bodies knew it was time for bed. But now, most of us couldn't possibly imagine sacrificing those extra few hours between sunset and bedtime! So if we're ...

A common misconception about holiday meals is that we should starve ourselves before and after them. This isn’t true! In fact, we should try to stick to our usual routines as much as possible leading up to a big holiday feast and jump right back into them after it. Under eating before or after the meal can do more harm than the large meal itself.

Every once in a while, someone on the team here at InsideTracker decides to take on an interesting challenge. From nutrition, to exercise, or a lack of both, these challenges have really run the gamut. So, when our Data Science Intern, Kenny Westerman, who is a Ph.D. student and holds his Masters in Biochemical and Molecular Nutrition from Tufts' Friedman School of Science and Policy, decided he wanted to take on a challenge of his own, who were we to stop him? After all, it's all in the name ...

When you think of holidays, you probably don't think of food deprivation. But, plenty of cultures have integrated fasting into their traditional observances, for millenia. This month, Muslims around the world are celebrating Ramadan, a holiday which emphasizes fasting during daylight hours. Since the holiday essentially mandates time-restricted feeding, with food only being consumed before sunrise and after sunset, Ramadan has piqued the curiosity of the research world. What's more, we also ...