When fat enters your body it is broken down into lipid molecules to be transformed into energy for your body and brain’s functioning. During the process, the body produces molecules known by the name of ketones. When you fast, your body has no recent energy sources, which makes it break down fat already stored in your body for energy. This process is known as ketogenesis and can be helpful as it helps to burn your stock of fat which makes you lose weight and fuel your brain.

Your brain is a neuroplastic organ which means it changes function and form daily in response to your day’s thoughts, emotions, behaviors, and experiences. Intermittent fasting can help increase your brain’s neuroplasticity because it encourages the changes in your brain that allow it and can keep cognitive decline away.

Neurogenesis is when your brain produces new cells. The hippocampus is responsible for this process, which is a part responsible for the creation and retention of memories. Restricting the number of calories consumed, can improve your memory function and improve the neurogenesis process. According to researchers restricting calories can lead to a mild stress response in your body as well as increase BDNF which is the brain-derived neurotrophic factor as well as new neurons.

Mitochondria are cellular organelles that create the majority of cellular energy of your body. Given that your brain is the organ that uses the most amount of energy in your body, mitochondria are very important for good brain functioning. Intermittent fasting, paired with exercising, can help increase new mitochondria production in your brain. This means the efficient production of energy and improved brain functioning. Mitochondrial biogenesis is linked with increased synapse which has a good impact on memory and learning.

The cells in your body are responsible for the proper functioning of different organs in your body. With time, the different parts of these cells start to age and the cells are responsible for rebuilding them. However, to do so, the cells need to remove the old organelles and then create new ones. Cells are regularly under renovation however, in your brain, neurons do not renovate themselves, and the only solution to keep the brain cells healthy is to produce new ones, by neurogenesis.

Fasting can help you with neurological conditions. Age can lead to many disorders including brain-related problems such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. The production of Ketone and its usage can alleviate disease progression in Alzheimer’s. Furthermore, fasting’s effects on your brain can become greater when accompanied by exercise.