Why fasting is not always good? While fasting, the body undergoes a shift in its energy source and utilization, transitioning from ingested calories to utilizing its own fat reserves. Yet, beyond this alteration in fuel sources, there remains a limited understanding of how the body reacts to extended periods of fasting and the potential health consequences, whether advantageous or detrimental. Emerging methodologies enabling the measurement of numerous proteins circulating in our blood offer a chance to comprehensively investigate the molecular adjustments to fasting in humans with precision and thoroughness.
| Date: | March 1, 2024 |
| Source: | Queen Mary University of London |
| Summary: | “Study identifies multi-organ response to seven days without food.” |
Fasting is not always good because recent discoveries indicate that prolonged fasting induces significant systemic changes throughout the body, affecting multiple organs. These findings not only suggest health benefits extending beyond mere weight loss but also indicate that any potentially significant health-related alterations seem to manifest only after a fasting period of three days or longer.
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Experiment:
In the experiment of fasting is not always good, a group of researchers monitored 12 healthy volunteers who participated in a seven-day water-only fasting regimen. Throughout the fasting period, the volunteers were closely observed on a daily basis to document changes in the levels of approximately 3,000 proteins in their blood, both before, during, and after the fast. By pinpointing the proteins involved in the body’s response, the researchers were able to anticipate potential health outcomes of prolonged fasting by incorporating genetic data from extensive studies.
Result:
As anticipated, in the experiment of fasting is not always good, the researchers noted a transition in the body’s energy sources, shifting from glucose to stored body fat, within the initial two to three days of fasting. On average, the volunteers experienced a reduction of 5.7 kg in both fat and lean mass. Upon resuming eating after three days of fasting, the weight loss was sustained, with the loss of lean mass nearly completely reversed, while the reduction in fat mass persisted.
Thoughts of The Researchers:
The experiment of fasting is not always good, researchers have delivered their opinion:
Claudia Langenberg, Director of Queen Mary’s Precision Health University Research Institute (PHURI), remarked:
“For the first time, we have the ability to observe molecular-level changes occurring throughout the body during fasting. When conducted safely, fasting proves to be an effective strategy for weight loss. Diets incorporating fasting, such as intermittent fasting, claim to offer health benefits beyond weight loss. Our findings indeed support the notion of health benefits associated with fasting beyond mere weight loss. However, these benefits were discernible only after a prolonged period of three days of complete caloric restriction, which is later than previously anticipated.”
Maik Pietzner, Health Data Chair of PHURI and co-lead of the Computational Medicine Group at the Berlin Institute of Health at Charite, added:
“Our research has laid the groundwork for understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying the age-old practice of fasting for certain conditions. While fasting may hold therapeutic potential for certain ailments, it may not always be a feasible option for patients dealing with poor health. We hope that our discoveries can offer insights into the reasons behind the efficacy of fasting in specific scenarios, thereby guiding the development of treatments that are more accessible to patients.”
FAQ on Fasting is Not Always Good:
1. Are there specific populations for whom fasting may not be advisable?
Yes, certain groups should exercise caution or avoid fasting altogether because fasting is not always good. This includes pregnant or breastfeeding women, individuals with certain medical conditions such as diabetes, eating disorders, or a history of disordered eating, as well as children and adolescents whose nutritional needs are crucial for growth and development.
2. Can fasting have negative impacts on mental health?
Yes, prolonged fasting can negatively affect mood, cognition, and overall mental well-being. It may lead to irritability, difficulty concentrating, increased anxiety, and even depression in some individuals. Moreover, restrictive eating patterns associated with fasting can contribute to negative body image and disordered eating behaviors.