Fasting and Immunity

In this holy month of Ramadan, the Muslims fast to help purify their bodies and souls. For me, it does make sense.

Fasting boosts our immune system, which is considered to be the defense center of our body. According to Gaia.com, study shows that

Fasting for three (3) days can reboot the immune system.

For 'golden' people, it really matters to boost the immune system. That study says, "This can be beneficial for the elderly and those with autoimmune disorders who are more susceptible to diseases and illnesses. Another finding from the study showed that fasting lowers levels of growth hormone known as IGF-1, which is linked to cancer, aging and tumor growth."

I do fasting for some hours, too. I do not want to suffer from neurodegenerative diseases. It is interesting to note that the same study shows that depriving oneself of regular foods for some hours or days can help the growth of new brain cells. Even two-day fasting a week can help reduce the risks of Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases.

For some Silicon Valley executives, fasting is a way of biohacking. Fasting for up to four (4) days helps keep them more focused and in a better mood than before. Those biohackers avoid foods and resort only to water, tea or coffee.

When we are sick, our bodies can self-heal, actually. In the old days, ill people would starve themselves and fasting was their 'medicine'. Eating unhealthy foods is one of the most common causes of diseases.

According to Valter Longo, a professor of gerontology and biological science at USC and Director of the USC Longevity Institute, "Cycles of fasting and refeeding would prompt stem cells in compromised immune systems to pump out new white blood cells and recycle damaged, old and inefficient cells."

When we do fasting, our body cells are on survival mode. Without fuel from regular foods, they "end up killing off old, damaged white blood cells to conserve energy,"  Beth Janes said.

Matt Van Sol wrote, "The body uses stored glucose, fats and produce ketone bodies that are especially good for your brains, to keep you going, and you flush out anything that your body doesn't need, like damaged cells and toxins". 

He noted that "fasting cycles can generate, literally, a new immune system".

It is not too late to passionately modify our eating habits. do fasting and minimize eating foods with labels (processed ones).

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Photo credits:  Pixabay