The Health Benefits of Fasting: New Research Contradicts Previous Beliefs
Properly conducted fasting has long been known to offer an array of health benefits, but a recent study has shown that these benefits may not be apparent in shorter or more intermittent fasts. Researchers in Europe and the UK discovered that it takes more than three days for major organs to undergo the protein production changes that can predict better health in individuals participating in a seven-day water-only fast. The study, which involved 12 healthy participants, found that these changes were consistent across all subjects. This breakthrough provides the first insight into the molecular-level effects of fasting on the body.
Benefits Beyond Weight Loss
The study, conducted by epidemiologist Claudia Langenberg from Queen Mary University of London, demonstrated that there are significant health benefits to fasting that extend beyond weight loss. However, these benefits were only visible after three days of total caloric restriction, which challenges previous beliefs that shorter fasting periods are sufficient to reap the rewards.
Langenberg explained, “Our results provide evidence for the health benefits of fasting beyond weight loss, but these were only visible after three days of total caloric restriction – later than we previously thought.”
Consideration and Risks
While fasting may offer health benefits, it is crucial to examine the potential risks and consider whether they outweigh the desired outcomes. Health professionals generally caution against intermittent fasting for children, teens, pregnant individuals, and people with diabetes or eating disorders.
One of the dangers of fasting is dehydration, as about 20% of our usual fluid intake comes from food. Therefore, it is vital to ensure adequate water consumption while fasting.
Furthermore, prolonged fasting can be hazardous, and the benefits it potentially provides are still not clearly understood. To provide patients with evidence-based advice, further clinical trials and research are essential.
Intermittent Fasting and Potential Health Improvements
Recent studies have suggested that intermittent fasting, as opposed to prolonged fasting, may enhance various aspects of human health. These may include weight loss, decreased blood pressure, improved bone density, and the ability to control appetite.
Intermittent fasting has even shown indications of possibly slowing down the natural aging process and extending lifespan, as some experiments have uncovered.
Protein Changes and Health Benefits
Researchers measuring over 3,000 proteins in the participants’ blood found that about a third of them showed significant changes after a seven-day water-only fast. The protein changes that were predicted to have the most significant health benefits, such as improvements for rheumatoid arthritis and cardiovascular health, were observed only after three consecutive fasting days.
This supports previous trials that imply fasting becomes more impactful than simply reducing calorie intake when it extends over several days. However, most proteins return to their baseline levels once a person resumes their regular diet, emphasizing the importance of sustained biological changes from fasting for long-term health benefits.
Conclusion
While fasting has shown potential health benefits, especially beyond weight loss, the field of research remains limited. The recent study provides valuable insights into the molecular-level effects of fasting and serves as a reference point for future research. However, the study’s small sample size indicates that its results may not represent the effects of fasting on a diverse human population. Further scientific exploration and clinical trials are crucial to fully comprehend the potential health benefits and develop interventions.
The study has been published in Nature Metabolism.
