Groundbreaking Research Reveals Effects of Seven-Day Water Fast on Human Body
A recent study published in the Nature Metabolism journal has shed light on the effects of a seven-day water fast on the human body. The research, conducted by scientists from Queen Mary University of London’s Precision Healthcare University Research Institute and the Norwegian School of Sports Sciences, not only confirmed that participants lost a significant amount of weight during the fast but also uncovered other intriguing changes within the body.
The study, which involved 12 volunteers who were closely monitored throughout the week-long water fast, aimed to understand how the body responds to calorie restriction and identify any protein level changes. The researchers found that during the first 72 hours of the experiment, the participants’ bodies switched to using their own fat stores as a source of energy. As a result, they lost an average of 12.5 pounds, comprising both fat and lean mass. Interestingly, while the lost lean mass was restored after the participants resumed eating post-fast, the fat mass was not.
Study author Claudia Langenberg, the director of Queen Mary’s Precision Health University Research Institute, emphasized that fasting can be an effective weight loss intervention when done safely. However, she also noted that the health benefits of fasting go beyond weight loss. Langenberg explained that the fast triggered whole-body protein level changes, leading to improved functioning of certain organs, including the supportive structure for neurons in the brain.
Maik Pietzner, another study author and co-lead of the Computational Medicine Group at Berlin Institute of Health at Charité, highlighted that their findings provided a scientific basis for the age-old knowledge surrounding the use of fasting for certain conditions. However, he cautioned that fasting might not be suitable for individuals in ill health. Pietzner expressed hope that their research could contribute to the development of treatments that patients can safely undertake based on the benefits of fasting.
Diets incorporating fasting have gained popularity due to their potential health benefits. Intermittent fasting, in particular, has been associated with outcomes beyond weight loss, such as reducing the signs of Alzheimer’s and aging. However, recent studies have also linked intermittent fasting to a higher risk of death, Type 2 diabetes, and fertility issues. Therefore, it is crucial to seek advice from a healthcare professional before embarking on any fasting regimen.
Water fasting, specifically, has been found to have various potential benefits, including lowering blood pressure, preventing disease, and promoting autophagy, the process of cell recycling. However, it is important to note that water fasting can lead to the loss of muscle mass, exacerbate existing medical conditions, and cause dehydration due to the lack of hydration from food. Medical supervision is recommended for water fasts lasting longer than 24 to 72 hours.
In conclusion, this groundbreaking research has provided valuable insights into the effects of a seven-day water fast on the human body. While weight loss is a significant outcome of fasting, the study revealed additional changes at the molecular level that can enhance organ functioning. However, it is essential to approach fasting with caution and seek professional guidance to ensure its safety and suitability for individual circumstances.
