Effects of Intermittent Fasting on Health, Aging, and Disease
Intermittent fasting or IF is a form of nutritional intervention that has gained much attention in recent years due to its potential health benefits. In humans, intermittent-fasting interventions ameliorate obesity, insulin resistance, dyslipidemia, hypertension, and inflammation. Effects of Intermittent Fasting on Health, Aging, and Disease (Review Article, N Engl J Med 2019;381:2541-2551).
Intermittent fasting is a non-caloric restriction approach to health and longevity that has been practiced in some form for centuries. Collectively, the organism responds to intermittent fasting by minimizing anabolic processes (synthesis, growth, and reproduction), favoring catabolic processes (breakdown, mobilization, and elimination). In addition, intermittent fasting may also provide a variety of metabolic and cellular benefits, including improved glucose regulation, enhanced autophagy (the process of recycling cellular debris), improved mitochondrial functioning, and enhanced anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant responses.
Effects of Intermittent Fasting on Metabolic Health
Human studies have also shown intermittent fasting improves markers of cardiovascular disease risk, including blood pressure, heart rate, lipid profiles, and blood glucose levels. Both overweight and obese individuals have an increased level of circulating monocytes; fasting for 19 hours can reduce the number of these inflammatory cells in blood plasma. In humans, intermittent-fasting interventions ameliorate obesity, insulin resistance, dyslipidemia, hypertension, and inflammation.
Effects of Intermittent Fasting on Cellular Health
Intermittent fasting can also have cellular benefits, including increased autophagy, improved mitochondrial functioning, and enhanced anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant responses. Autophagy is the process of recycling cellular debris and is known to be activated during periods of fasting. Intermittent fasting also increases the production of ketone bodies, a metabolic state known to increase stress resistance and improve mitochondrial functioning. This can also lead to improved inflammation and antioxidant responses.
Effects of Intermittent Fasting on Aging and Disease
Studies on animals have shown that intermittent fasting can extend lifespan and reduce the risk of age-related diseases, including cancer, Alzheimer’s disease, and Parkinson’s disease. In humans, the effects of intermittent fasting on aging and disease are still being studied, but there is some evidence that it can improve metabolic health and reduce inflammation. Animal studies also suggest that intermittent fasting can reduce cancer risk by reducing oxidative stress.
Conclusion
Intermittent fasting is a nutritional intervention that has been gaining popularity due to its potential health benefits. It has been shown to improve metabolic health and reduce inflammation, as well as to extend lifespan and reduce the risk of age-related diseases. While the effects of intermittent fasting on aging and disease are still being studied, the evidence suggests that it can have positive health benefits.
What are the impacts of intermittent fasting on the aging process?
Dietary restriction inhibits certain pathways, leading to increased mitochondrial respiration and activation of enzymes that stimulate the production of stress-sensitive transcription factors. These transcription factors then cause the cell to create more stress resilience systems, which can help delay the aging process.
Does intermittent fasting help slow the aging process?
Intermittent fasting, which involves alternating between periods of
eating and fasting, has also been linked to similar benefits.
Research has found that both calorie restriction and intermittent fasting can have anti-aging benefits. Evidence suggests that limiting calorie intake can increase energy production and reduce the chances of developing diseases like heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. Intermittent fasting, which involves alternating eating and fasting periods, has also been linked to similar benefits.
What are the lasting consequences of regularly engaging in intermittent fasting?
Intermittent fasting can be dangerous if it is done to an extreme. Dry fasting, which involves abstaining from both food and fluids, can lead to dehydration and other health risks. If done for a long period of time, it can also cause malnutrition if the amount of calories consumed is too low, such as fewer than 1,200 calories a day.
Can fasting reverse aging and prevent disease?
Fasting boosts metabolism, allowing the body to process and burn calories more effectively. Additionally, it decreases the rate of DNA deterioration associated with aging, while simultaneously stimulating the repair of existing DNA damage, resulting in anti-aging effects.
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