Skipping breakfast or trying intermittent fasting might leave you feeling foggy at work, but research suggests this isn’t true for healthy adults. In fact, studies show that cognitive performance remains the same whether individuals are eating regularly or not.
The key is understanding how our brains process food and energy. When we eat regularly, our brains rely on glucose for fuel. However, after about 12 hours without food, our bodies switch to using fat as an alternative source of energy. This metabolic flexibility has been linked to numerous health benefits, including improved insulin sensitivity and reduced chronic disease risk.
Our meta-analysis of 63 scientific articles found no significant difference in cognitive performance between fasted and satiated adults. However, age, timing, and type of test mattered. Children and adolescents did worse on tests when they skipped meals, while longer fasts were associated with better performance.
For healthy adults, the findings offer reassurance. Intermittent fasting can be explored without worrying about mental sharpness being affected. But caution is needed for children and teens, those with demanding jobs or frequent food cues, and individuals with medical conditions or special dietary needs. Ultimately, fasting should be used as a personal tool rather than a universal prescription.
Source: https://www.sciencealert.com/we-were-wrong-about-fasting-massive-review-finds