Food is the basic and most important need of the body for survival and many of us can’t even think of skipping a single meal. But, purposeful denial of this basic need in a controlled environment, which is known as fasting, has been used as a therapeutic modality by Naturopaths for ages. This came as a surprise for many in the scientific community, who until then considered it pseudoscience. But now, many research-based findings from highly reputable universities and institutes reveal the science behind this ancient wisdom of healing. Recently a review article published in the ‘New England Journal of Medicine’ revealed the physiological impact and benefits of fasting on health, ageing, and disease.
As per the new findings, by Fasting (the temporary and voluntary abstinence from food), we are challenging the body to activate its survival instincts which are evolutionarily conserved. Researchers have proved that these adaptive cellular responses elicit highly orchestrated systemic and cellular responses which impact both physical and mental health, as well as disease resistance and healing.
The immediate benefits of therapeutic fasting are elicited by the formation and higher levels of healthy ketone bodies, from the stored triglycerides in our adipose tissues, which happens within about 12 hours after the onset of fasting. This metabolic shift from glucose to ketones results in many beneficial changes in the body which include reduced production of carbon dioxide (due to more efficient usage of oxygen), positive regulation of expression, and action of many proteins and molecules which influence health and disease, stimulation of more production of brain-derived neurotrophic factors, etc.
Fasting also inhibits the protein-synthesis pathway (known as mTOR) and stimulates autophagy (self-eating) which enables the cells to remove damaged proteins and mitochondria from cells and the recycling of molecular constituents. Periodic fasting enables our body to overcome cell-damaging factors and restore homeostasis. It leads to increased expression of antioxidant defences, DNA repair, improved protein quantity, formation of new mitochondria, activation of autophagy, and reduction in inflammatory factors.
The post-fasting phase is also important and very beneficial. When supported with nutritive food and adequate sleep, it results in cell growth and plasticity, which leads to structural and functional remodelling of the tissue. The long-term adaptations to fasting-induced changes result in increased insulin sensitivity, improved lipid metabolism, healthy gut microbiota, and reduction in abdominal fat, inflammation, and blood pressure.
These physiological benefits of therapeutic fasting are clinically used in Naturopathy Hospitals, and when administered along with other natural therapeutic modalities, under the guidance of a qualified Naturopath, results in the prevention and management of many chronic diseases ranging from diabetes, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, multiple sclerosis, cardiovascular conditions and even in early stages of certain cancers.
Disclaimer
The sole purpose of this article is to provide information about naturopathy. This information is not intended for use in the diagnosis, treatment, cure or prevention of any disease. If you have an acute or chronic health concern, please consult a naturopathy doctor who can fully assess your needs and address them effectively.
