While fasting is often associated with weight loss, new research suggests it may also have powerful benefits for boosting your immune system and fighting diseases. A recent study revealed that fasting for just 72 hours can trigger the regeneration of the entire immune system, potentially helping you better combat infections.
Researchers from the University of Southern California conducted a six-month study examining the effects of fasting on both humans and mice. The findings, particularly promising for older adults and individuals with weakened immune systems, such as cancer patients, showed that fasting for 2-4 days resulted in a significant reduction in white blood cells. This reduction seems to activate a “regenerative switch” in the body, leading to the creation of new white blood cells from stem cells and effectively revitalizing the body’s defense mechanisms.
Valter Longo, a professor of Gerontology and Biological Sciences at USC, explained:
“When you fast, the body essentially instructs the stem cells to begin producing new immune cells. One of the benefits is that the body eliminates old or damaged parts of the immune system, making way for fresh, more efficient cells.”
Additionally, Longo emphasized that for people undergoing treatments that severely damage the immune system, like chemotherapy, fasting cycles could essentially help rebuild the immune system from scratch.
Further findings indicate that fasting can reduce levels of the enzyme PKA, which plays a role in extending lifespan in simpler organisms, as well as lowering the hormone IGF-1, which has been linked to aging, cancer risk, and tumor growth.
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In a small clinical trial, fasting for 72 hours before chemotherapy appeared to shield patients from the treatment’s toxic effects. According to Tanya Dorff, an assistant professor of clinical medicine at USC, “Chemotherapy, while life-saving, can also severely harm the immune system. The study results suggest that fasting might help reduce some of that damage. However, more clinical research is needed, and any fasting regimen should be done under medical supervision.”
Fasting has also been linked to naturally increasing human growth hormone (HGH) levels, which can aid in growth, metabolism, weight loss, and muscle strength. According to HealthLine, one study found that fasting for just 24 hours boosted HGH levels in healthy adults, while another study reported a fivefold increase in HGH after two days of fasting. Moreover, fasting may help regulate blood sugar and insulin levels, which could further enhance HGH production.
The practice of fasting is linked to numerous health benefits. If you’re considering incorporating fasting into your routine, pair it with a healthy lifestyle and a balanced diet to maximize its positive effects.
