From a medical point of view, the body’s reaction to produce new white blood cells is stimulated by fasting. Moreover, the results were highlighted regardless of age. Older people, whose immune systems lose efficiency, may recover more easily when they have to fight common diseases.
People with compromised immune systems, such as cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy, benefit most from fasting. It also helps the elderly, whose immune system has declined due to the passage of years, says The Telegraph, which cites a study conducted on a sample of tens of thousands of people of all ages, as a result of which it was found that fasting ” “turns on a regenerative switch” that prompts stem cells to make white cells.
“The stem cells thus start the proliferation and reconstruction of the whole system,” explained professor of geriatrics and biology Valter Longo, from the University of California Biological Sciences, the leader of the study. Basically, he explained, “if you start the journey with an impaired immune system chemotherapy or aging, fasting cycles can literally spawn a new immune system.”
During each period of fasting, the decrease in the number of white blood cells triggers the regeneration of new ones with the help of stem cells of the immune system, which are fundamental in the fight against infections. The research was done for half a year, on participants who fasted between 2 and 4 days. Fasting for 72 hours also protected cancer patients from the toxic impact of chemotherapy.
Even though chemotherapy saves lives, it destroys part of the immune system, says Tanya Dorff, professor of medicine at USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center and Hospital. “The study shows that fasting can partially mitigate the negative effects of chemotherapy.” The team of American researchers also discovered that the enzyme PKA, associated with the aging process but also with a risk hormone for the appearance of tumors, is reduced during fasting.
“I have received emails from many cancer patients who have used chemotherapy combined with fasting, many with the assistance of oncologists… Most patients reported better condition and a few experienced side effects, fainting and temporary increase in liver markers… Many studies are needed and any dietary intervention should be done under the guidance of a doctor… We are investigating the possibility that the results may be applicable to several systems, not only the immune system,” Prof. Longo added.
The stages of a black fast (only with water) for the duration of 5 days
Stage 1 – Stabilization of blood glucose (8-12 hours)
Fasting begins approximately 8 hours after the last meal. Now blood glucose starts to drop drastically which comes with some unpleasant effects like hunger, strong appetite, concentration problems and fatigue. If you manage to overcome this obstacle, the body will start using the glycogen reserves stored in the liver and muscles, therefore it will stabilize the level of glucose in the blood.
Stage 2 – Ketosis / ketosis (12-18 hours)
In stage 2, the body goes into the mode of burning the stored fats, which means that you will lose weight quickly. After a maximum of 2 days after the glucose stores have been exhausted, the body starts to use ketones for energy. The level of Ghrelin (the hunger hormone) decreases, which leads to the suppression of the feeling of hunger. Therefore the appetite disappears and defines easier to continue fasting. Bonus you may also experience increased mental clarity due to an increase in a protein called BDNF that helps the brain function normally, I’ll paraphrase study / study 2, a link was found between low BDNF levels and certain neurodegenerative diseases.
Stage 3 – Autophagy (24 hours)
After 24 hours the body goes into repair and maintenance mode. It begins to replace old cells and those that no longer function properly, which leads to the reduction of inflammation. The body begins to function more efficiently when it is subjected to moderate stress. Autophagy, because of the way it is carried out, has powerful anti-aging effects.
Stage 4 – HGH Secretion (after 36 hours)
A study from 1992 shows that after 48 hours the secretion of growth hormone (HGH) increases by 400%. This hormone helps us gain muscle mass faster, increases exercise capacity, improves bone density, helps tissue recovery and repair.
Stage 5 – Stem cells and the immune system (after 72 hours)
After 3 whole days without food the immune system is almost completely reset according to a 2014 study. At this stage it was observed that certain cells of the immune system may be completely replaced with new ones. Musculoskeletal changes are possible due to the actions of the stem cells, this process may be a little painful.
