A Nighttime Fasting Protocol is a clinical and lifestyle recommendation that mandates a consistent, prolonged period of abstinence from caloric intake during the biological night, typically lasting 12 to 14 hours. This strategy emphasizes the importance of the overnight period for metabolic rest, repair, and the transition to fat oxidation. The protocol aims to align the fasting state with the body’s natural circadian rhythm, during which metabolic efficiency is naturally reduced and the body is programmed for repair. Adherence to this protocol is a foundational practice for improving insulin sensitivity and supporting a healthy body weight.
Origin
This term is a practical derivative of Time-Restricted Feeding (TRF) and the broader field of chrono-nutrition, focusing specifically on the nocturnal fasting period. The ‘protocol’ designation indicates a systematic, repeatable intervention. Its scientific basis lies in the established fact that late-night eating conflicts with the liver’s programmed shift toward catabolism and significantly impairs post-meal glucose and lipid handling.
Mechanism
The protocol works by leveraging the nocturnal shift in hormonal balance, characterized by low insulin and high nocturnal growth hormone and catecholamine release. The prolonged fasting state ensures that the liver fully transitions to gluconeogenesis and fat oxidation, promoting the utilization of stored energy. By avoiding the introduction of new nutrients during this period, the protocol prevents metabolic disruption, supports the natural rhythm of lipolysis, and allows the gut to enter a quiescent phase necessary for maintenance and repair.
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