Fasting therapy, or therapeutic fasting, is the practice of abstaining from food and sometimes drink for a specific, recurring period to promote health. It is not a new concept and has roots in various cultures and religions. In a medical context, it’s a structured approach with the goal of achieving specific health benefits by triggering metabolic changes in the body.
- Metabolic Switch: The body begins to break down fat for energy, a process that produces ketone bodies. This switch from glucose to ketones is a key mechanism.
- Autophagy: Fasting stimulates a cellular “cleanup” process called autophagy (from Greek, meaning “self-eating”). During autophagy, the body breaks down old, damaged, or dysfunctional cells and recycles their components, which can improve overall cellular function and health.
- Hormonal Changes: Fasting can lead to significant hormonal shifts. It can lower insulin levels, increase insulin sensitivity, and boost the production of human growth hormone, which helps with fat loss and muscle preservation. It can also enhance the body’s stress response and reduce inflammation.
Fasting therapy is a structured dietary intervention that triggers metabolic changes, such as ketosis and autophagy, to promote health. Its therapeutic use is a growing area of research, particularly for metabolic and inflammatory diseases.
- Metabolic Syndrome and Related Conditions: Obesity, type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure (hypertension), and high cholesterol. Fasting can significantly improve insulin sensitivity and help with weight loss, which are key to reversing these conditions.
- Cardiovascular Disease: By reducing blood pressure, improving cholesterol profiles, and lowering inflammation, fasting can reduce the risk factors for heart disease.
- Inflammatory Conditions: Fasting has been shown to reduce markers of inflammation, which may be beneficial for conditions like arthritis and other autoimmune disorders.
- Neurological Health: Emerging research suggests that fasting may have neuroprotective effects, potentially helping to prevent or manage neurodegenerative disorders like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease.
- Cancer: While not a cure, some studies are exploring the use of a “fasting-mimicking diet” alongside chemotherapy to potentially enhance the treatment’s effectiveness and reduce side effects.