7 Things That Happen To Your Body Within 20 Minutes Of Eating Healthy

We're constantly preaching the benefits of healthy eating, but have you ever thought about why we do it, beyond a general, vague idea that it's better for us? Do we know how long it takes for our bodies to benefit from an increase in nutrients and a decrease in inflammatory foods? According to our experts, it takes only minutes to see positive change. Here's what starts to happen in your body in the minutes, days, and years after you adopt a healthier diet:

According to Dr. Terry Wahls, "The bacteria living in your bowels, on average, divide every 20 minutes. That means what you eat is continuously either fertilizing the health-promoting bacteria or the disease-promoting bacteria, minute by minute."

"Because of the gut-brain connection, the food you eat impacts your brain within hours," says Dr. Wahls. More sugar tends to create more inflammation, which has a negative impact on your brain. On the flip side, more "microbial accessible carbohydrates," which, in non-doctor speak, means resistant starch and non-starchy vegetables, will create less inflammation and healthier brain function. The bottom line: Grabbing a bagel before that big meeting isn't a great idea.

According to hormone expert Dr. Sara Gottfried, within just three days of eating a fresh, unprocessed diet balanced with protein, whole grains and tons of plants, your insulin and cortisol levels will normalize. This results in normalized energy levels and mood stability throughout the day.

"One of the first things I see improve in patients' lives once they start eating a clean, nutrient-dense diet is an increase in energy and a decrease in brain fog," says Dr. Will Cole. "Often these happen within the first two weeks. According to the World Health Organization, healthy eating can increase productivity by 20 percent!"

"When you start eating better, you'll immediately notice a rehydration of your skin and extra glow! If you're struggling with acne, look to your diet first. Being overweight or eating too many simple carbs can make you more likely to develop acne problems, and eating a clean diet will result in clear skin, often in as soon as four weeks!"

According to Dr. Gottfried, this means you'll be able to keep weight stable, you'll find yourself experiencing fewer mood swings, you'll have normal pap smears, and your hair will stop falling out.

Your telomeres get shorter as you get older and are one of the parts of DNA that scientists believe are responsible for signaling your body to age. Studies have shown that after five years on a plant-heavy diet, telomeres were significantly longer than those in a control group. Forever young? We'll take it.

When we commit to giving our bodies what they need to be happy and healthy, they will work just as hard to support us too—keeping us strong, sharp, and beautiful.