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Intermittent Fasting Microbiome

Meaning

Intermittent Fasting Microbiome refers to the adaptive changes in the composition, diversity, and metabolic activity of the gut microbial community induced by cyclic periods of feeding and fasting. This dietary pattern acts as a temporal stressor, selectively favoring certain microbial species that can utilize different energy sources or withstand periods of nutrient deprivation. The resulting microbial shifts are thought to mediate many of the systemic health benefits of intermittent fasting, including improved insulin sensitivity, reduced inflammation, and enhanced gut barrier function. Understanding this interplay is key to leveraging fasting for metabolic and hormonal health.