New Research Debunks Myths About Intermittent Fasting and Brain Health
A recent review found that short-term intermittent fasting (around 12 hours) does not impair cognitive performance, and the brain adapts by using ketone bodies as an alternative fuel when glycogen is low, making short-term fasting safe for most people. Longer fasts over 24 hours may slightly affect cognition, and initial feelings of distraction when starting fasting are often due to hunger and adaptation, especially for those new to fasting or with metabolic conditions.