Fasting has been a part of human history for thousands of years, with religions and cultures integrating it into their practices. Recently, there has been a resurgence of interest in fasting, with various studies showing its health benefits. According to experts, fasting not only helps with weight management, but it also has anti-aging benefits and can even aid in cancer treatment. In this article, we explore the science behind how fasting can give youth to the body and benefit cancer patients, as well as providing insights into how one can adopt a safe fasting protocol.
Ramadan is a special time of year for the Muslim community, a period in which they refrain from eating during daylight hours. While this practice has religious significance, it also has numerous health benefits according to Professor Şebnem Kılıç Gültekin, head of the Immunology Working Group of the National Allergy and Clinical Immunology Association of Türkiye (AID).
Gültekin explains that when meals are interrupted for 14 to 16 hours, antioxidant defense mechanisms come into play, which triggers DNA repair in cells. This in turn leads to autophagy, which cleans damaged cells and produces new, healthier ones. Furthermore, this break from food is important in breaking down misfolded or clustered proteins, cleaning damaged organelles, and eliminating intracellular pathogens.
One of the most significant benefits of fasting is its impact on brain function. Staying hungry for a long time leads to an increase in learning and memory capacity as well as an improvement in brain functions. Ketone bodies, which occur as a result of the breakdown of fat cells during fasting, delay the aging of the brain and body and play an important role in metabolism. This can lead to a partial improvement in the complaints of patients with Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease.
Fasting also reduces the risk of several diseases, including obesity, rheumatological diseases, and cancer. It has been shown that this way of nutrition in patients receiving chemotherapy responds better to treatment as well. Additionally, it is important to note that fasting is not equivalent to starvation, as individuals who fast during Ramadan are also expected to take sufficient fluids during the free hours of eating.
In conclusion, the Ramadan ritual of intermittent fasting can bring numerous youth and health benefits to the body, provided it is done safely and under proper guidance. Gültekin highlights that this way of nutrition also allows our immune system to perform annual maintenance on our body. With that said, the practice should only be undertaken with the advice of a medical professional, particularly if one has underlying health conditions.
In conclusion, fasting is not just an ancient practice, but also a modern-day solution for various health issues. From slowing down aging to aiding the growth of new brain cells, it has proven its effectiveness time and again. Cancer patients, in particular, can benefit from it by reducing the side-effects of chemotherapy and strengthening their immune system.
As we go by our daily routine, let us not overlook the simple yet effective solution of fasting. In doing so, we can take control of our health, prevent diseases, and live life to the fullest.
