The following report is from Study Finds:
Intermittent fasting, characterized by cyclic periods of fasting and eating, has emerged as a popular weight loss approach in recent years. Interestingly, however, a new study reports intermittent fasting can benefit the body in yet another way: reducing inflammation.
Scientists from the Intermountain Healthcare Heart Institute conclude intermittent fasting can increase levels of galectin-3, a protein linked to bodily inflammatory responses.
Inflammation is associated with higher risk of developing multiple chronic diseases, including diabetes and heart disease. We’re encouraged to see evidence that intermittent fasting is prompting the body to fight inflammation and lowering those risks.
Benjamin Horne, PhD, principal investigator of the study and director of cardiovascular and genetic epidemiology at the Intermountain Healthcare Heart Institute, in a media release.
These findings are actually only a portion of Intermountain’s WONDERFUL Trial, which found that intermittent fasting can also help reduce both metabolic syndrome score (MSS) and insulin resistance. This inflammation-specific portion of the trial included 67 patients (ages 21-70) dealing with at least one metabolic syndrome feature or type 2 diabetes. All participants had elevated LDL cholesterol levels and weren’t taking any anti-diabetic or statin medications.
Intermittent Fasting Acts Like A Diabetes Drug?
A total of 36 of those patients started an intermittent fasting schedule, consisting of only drinking water for a full 24 hours twice per week for a total of four weeks. Then, the routine changed to fasting and drinking only water just one day per week for the following 22 weeks. The participants never fasted on consecutive days. Meanwhile, the other 31 study participants did not make any dietary or lifestyle changes.
After 26 weeks, study authors measured everyone’s galectin-3 levels, finding much higher amounts among the fasting group. The team also noted lower rates of both HOMA-IR (insulin resistance) and MSS (metabolic syndrome) among the fasting group. Study authors theorize these effects could be similar to SGLT-2 inhibitors, a type of drug used to lower high glucose levels primarily among type 2 diabetes patients.
In finding higher levels of galectin-3 in patients who fasted, these results provide an interesting mechanism potentially involved in helping reduce the risk of heart failure and diabetes.
Unlike some IF diet plans that are incredibly restrictive and promise magic weight loss, this isn’t a drastic form of fasting. The best routine is one that patients can stick to over the long term, and this study shows that even occasional fasting can have positive health effects.
Researchers presented their findings at the American Heart Association’s Scientific Sessions 2021.
AUTHOR COMMENTARY
In weariness and painfulness, in watchings often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness.
2 Corinthians 11:27
Beyond the spiritual benefits and necessities, fasting is tremendous for your health. I have done four other reports on this showing just how amazing it is. I have done it my life some time now, I can conclusively state that it works, as it has helped me to lose a ton of weight, reverse my insulin resistance, more energy, better digestion, and so on.
However, this study would make it seem like longterm fasting is bad. The science and I disagree. Longterm fasting is AMAZING for your health. You must remember, there is no money in saying ‘Don’t eat.’
With all that is coming down the pike in the world, you’d be wise to incorporate more of these practices into your life.
The Amazing Benefits Of Intermittent Fasting
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New Study Reveals Intermittent Fasting May Help Protect Older Adults From Injury And Hospitalization
[7] Who goeth a warfare any time at his own charges? who planteth a vineyard, and eateth not of the fruit thereof? or who feedeth a flock, and eateth not of the milk of the flock? [8] Say I these things as a man? or saith not the law the same also? [9] For it is written in the law of Moses, Thou shalt not muzzle the mouth of the ox that treadeth out the corn. Doth God take care for oxen? [10] Or saith he it altogether for our sakes? For our sakes, no doubt, this is written: that he that ploweth should plow in hope; and that he that thresheth in hope should be partaker of his hope. (1 Corinthians 9:7-10).
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