Can Fasting Boost Your Immune System?

Can Fasting Boost Your Immune System?

Fasting, the practice of purposely abstaining from food or other consumption for a preset period of time, has been used for centuries around the world. But can this age-old practice actually provide benefits to your health? In particular, can fasting boost your immune system and better protect you from infections and illnesses? Let's take a closer look.

Fasting's Potential Benefits to the Immune System

Studies have found that prolonged fasting may help the immune system in a few ways. In one in vitro study, researchers found that prolonged fasting triggered stem cell-based regeneration of an individuals white blood cells. This means that fasting can stimulate the bodys inflammatory response and metabolic resetting, which may help prevent infection.

In addition, another study showed that short-term water fasting triggers metabolic changes that positively modify many functions of the innate immune system and helps reduce inflammation in specific chronic conditions. As such, research indicates that fasting can directly or indirectly bolster immunity and also potentially improve other health conditions.

Healthy Ways to Fast

The type of fast an individual chooses depends on various factors including their personal health goals, past experiences with fasting, medications they are taking, and medical conditions they manage. Some popular types of healthy fasting include intermittent fasting (18:6 or 16:8, for example), 24 hour fasts once or twice a week, 5:2 intermittent fasting (involving eating only 500-600 calories two days out of the week and eating regularly the other five days), and extended water fasts lasting anywhere from three days to three weeks.

Interestingly enough, giving up certain foods is thought to be an effective means of stimulating autophagy a biochemical process important for cellular renewalwhich involves digestion via breaking down cells into smaller parts. Autophagy is also thought to reduce risks for diseases like cancer and Alzheimers disease.

Safety & Precautions Concerns About Fasting

• Dehydration Risk: Diarrhea is often induced by when entering a fasted state. Water should always be consumed before and during a fast to keep cells hydrated as dehydration has been linked to inflammation.
• Digestive Stress Risk: If not consuming adequate levels of fat before transitioning into a fasted state or caloric deficit symptoms can become exacerbated due to depleted energy stores.
• Hormonal Imbalances Risk: Not consuming adequate protein regularly during a fast could lead to decreases in testosterone and growth hormone levels.

In conclusion, it is apparent that while there may be potential health benefits associated with fasting - such as boosting the immune system - those considering intermittent or long-term fasting should ensure they follow proper safety precautions in order to maximize its health benefits while minimizing its potential risks.