New findings reveal that the body undergoes significant, systematic changes across multiple organs during prolonged periods of fasting. The results demonstrate evidence of health benefits beyond weight loss, but also show that any potentially health-altering changes appear to occur only after three days without food.
New findings reveal that the body undergoes significant, systematic changes across multiple organs during prolonged periods of fasting. The results demonstrate evidence of health benefits beyond weight loss, but also show that any potentially health-altering changes appear to occur only after three days without food. The study, published in Nature Metabolism, advances our understanding of what happens across the body after prolonged periods without food.
Key Points:
- Health Benefits Beyond Weight Loss: Fasting has been practiced by humans for millennia, and it is used worldwide for various medical and cultural reasons. Beyond weight loss, fasting has been historically employed to treat conditions like epilepsy and rheumatoid arthritis.
- Energy Source Switch: During fasting, the body shifts its energy source from consumed calories to using its own fat stores. However, beyond this change in fuel sources, little was known about the body’s response to prolonged fasting and its potential health impacts.
- Protein Adaptations: New techniques allow researchers to measure thousands of proteins circulating in our blood. In this study, 12 healthy volunteers underwent a seven-day water-only fast. Researchers closely monitored changes in protein levels before, during, and after the fast.
- Predicting Health Outcomes: By identifying the proteins involved in the body’s response, researchers could predict potential health outcomes of prolonged fasting. This integration of genetic information from large-scale studies provides valuable insights.
Remember, while fasting can have health benefits, it’s essential to consult with a healthcare professional before attempting any prolonged fasting regimen.🌟