Study Shows Benefits of Seven Days of Complete Fasting
A recent study published in the journal Nature Metabolism has revealed that undergoing a week of complete fasting can have significant health benefits beyond just weight loss. The study, coordinated by the Charité University Hospital in Berlin and Queen Mary University of London, focused on real fasting, as opposed to the popular “intermittent fasting” diets.
Researchers led by Maik Pietzner and Claudia Langenberg followed 12 healthy volunteers who consumed only water for seven days. The participants were closely monitored to track changes in the levels of around 3,000 proteins in their blood before, during, and after the fast. The study uncovered widespread changes in the body, with a third of the proteins showing noticeable differences in all major organs.
Langenberg, one of the study authors, stated, “For the first time, we are able to see what happens at a molecular level throughout the body when we fast.” The research could potentially lead to new therapies that mimic the positive effects of fasting for individuals who are unable to undergo extended fasting periods.
During the first few days of fasting, the body shifted its energy source to stored fat, resulting in an average weight loss of 5.7 kilograms for the volunteers, including both lean mass and fat mass. After the fast, participants regained lean mass but not fat mass. The researchers concluded that fasting, when done safely, can be an effective method for weight loss.
This groundbreaking study highlights the potential benefits of complete fasting and paves the way for further research in this area. As more people seek ways to improve their health and well-being, the findings of this study could have a significant impact on future medical practices.
© ALL RIGHTS RESERVED