Study Finds That Fasting For 72 Hours Could Actually Reboot Your Whole Immune System

Jul 17, 2018

Fasting has long been controversial and the possible benefits or health detriments have been endlessly debated upon. People who believe in the benefits of fasting have backed their claims with the positives that come from the practice. They claim that fasting helps aid weight loss, stabilizes insulin sensitivity, lessens the impacts of aging, and reduces levels of triglyceride. Many fasting methods have been created throughout the years, from intermittent fasting which lasts around 14 to 18 hours, and even plans that include avoiding solid food for 2 to 3 days at a time. Each unique plan offers a different level of difficulty and additional benefits, providing a plan that can work for each individual.

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Many nutritionists and medical health professionals debate that fasting is a type of “fad diet” with no known benefits and can actually cause health hazards. They believe that the reduction of nutrients going into the body during fasting is detrimental, noting that it is vital for our bodies to receive fruits, vegetables, healthy fats and other types of nutrients.

They also point to the fact that the practice of fasting can cause someone to rebound eat, or binge, once the fasting is complete, which can inevitably cause weight gain instead of the desired weight loss.

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The University of Southern California has conducted new research that concluded in an interesting result, leaving fasting up for debate once again. The research group observed a group of individuals and allowed them to fast for 2-4 days regularly over a span of 6 months. During the study, important results were noted. Most significantly, the participants seemed to regenerate their immune systems over the course of the study.

A researcher from the study, Professor Valter Longo, Ph.D., concluded his shock at the results of the study by saying:

These new conclusions may give hope to those who are prone to diseases, in the middle of chemotherapy, or even those who are simply going through the process of aging. The findings proved that this method of fasting signaled a change in our body, triggering it to begin “stem-cell based regeneration of the hematopoietic system.”

Fasting caused the body to use up its excess glucose, fat, and ketones, resulting in a breakdown of a significant amount of white blood cells. The reduction in red blood cells caused the body to create brand new cells to aid the immune system.

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Longo explains this phenomenon, stating that, “When you starve, the system tries to save energy, and one of the things it can do to save energy is to recycle a lot of the immune cells that are not needed, especially those that may be damaged.”

Based on the research, this means that going through a period of fasting and following the process by refueling your body with a balanced diet can allow someone struggling with their health to rebuild their immune system entirely.

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While the potential advantages of fasting should receive more research, health professionals note that until further research is done, fasting will not be seen as a potential medical treatment.

Have you ever tried intermittent fasting? Did you notice any of the benefits that the study found? If you haven’t tried fasting as an alternative to boosting your immune system, new research might suggest that you give it a try.

Our content is created to the best of our knowledge, yet it is of general nature and cannot in any way substitute an individual consultation with your doctor. Your health is important to us!