I’ve had aphantasia my entire life, but only about three years ago did I realize that other people could visualize in their minds.
Since then, I’ve been keeping close track of my ability, or lack of ability, to visualize. I’ve had some success, and many failures, but I’ve learned a lot along the way.
Be sure to check out the different sections on Curing Aphantasia if you are curious about the tips and ticks I’ve developed over the years.
That said, today I want to share my thoughts on intermittent fasting, and how it might be beneficial to those with aphantasia. I started intermittent fasting about 18 months ago, and since then, I’ve lost over 30% of my body weight. I’m slowly regaining the weight, but with muscle growth instead of adding fat. I credit intermittent fasting completely with this result.
In addition to weight loss, intermittent fasting has helped with a bevy of other health ailments which have bothered me over the years. My heart, my sinuses, my head, skin rashes, stomach pains, food sensitivities and much more have been greatly reduced or eliminated via intermittent fasting.
Intermittent Fasting’s Affect on Aphantasia
So intermittent fasting works, but what about its affect on aphantasia? I’ve noted in the past that intoxication or flu-like symptoms can induce visualization ability, perhaps due to a mechanism of visualization restriction in the brain being “turned off.” Therefore, improvements to mind and body suggest a stronger ability for the brain to function as it chooses – further restricting visualization ability if this mechanism does exist as I predict.
However, I have noticed a general improvement in my visualization ability ever since I started the intermittent fasting. This could be a result of other measures I’ve taken along the way, but it’s worth noting that the healthier my body and mind are, the more capable I am of visualizing. Perhaps, a healthy body and mind are more inclined to visualize, due to other factors. Maybe I’ve decalcified my pineal gland (if that’s even a thing)? Maybe a healthier mind feels more free to engage in fantasy behavior?
Whatever the reason, it’s important to note that my general visualization ability (with ups and downs), has improved over the duration of my intermittent fasting experience. I would recommend to all readers of Curing Aphantasia that you try intermittent fasting not only for the health of your body and mind, but potentially as a boost to your visualization abilities in the future.
If enough people are curious, I will do a post on intermittent fasting and what specifically worked for me.
Happy Thanksgiving and Merry Christmas to all, and please enjoy your visualization whenever or if ever it may happen!