Across the world, fasting is a practice steeped in both tradition and wellness trends, with roots in everything from religious observances to modern health regimens like intermittent fasting. But what happens when the fasting period stretches to days?
A new study from Queen Mary University of London and the Norwegian School of Sports Sciences offers new insights into the molecular and health effects of prolonged fasting, offering health benefits that go beyond the scale.
The Science Behind Prolonged Fasting
The study, published in Nature Metabolism, monitored 12 healthy volunteers who undertook a seven-day water-only fast. Researchers analysed changes in approximately 3,000 proteins in their blood, and uncovered shifts that impacted every major organ in the body.
By identifying the proteins involved in the body’s response, researchers can then predict possible health outcomes of prolonged fasting by extrapolating the available data.
By the third day, the body made a dramatic energy switch – ditching glucose in favour of burning fat stores. Participants lost an average of 5.7 kilograms. While lean mass recovered after refeeding, fat loss remained stable.
Researchers also observed changes beyond weight loss, such as improvements in protein structures that support brain health. This suggests fasting may boost longevity and neurological function.
Fasting in Asian Cultures
Across Asia, fasting is as much about wellness as it is about tradition. Beyond Ramadan, many Buddhist practices include fasting as a means to achieve mental clarity and spiritual growth. In Japan, fasting retreats are becoming popular as a way to reset the body and mind.
In Singapore and Malaysia, fasting is also gaining traction as part of modern health regimens, from intermittent fasting apps to juice cleanses. However, experts caution that while the benefits of fasting are real, they depend on both duration and individual health conditions.
Take Ramadan, for example. Although its fasting periods are shorter, some studies suggest it improves metabolic health, reduces fat percentage, and enhances lipid profiles. This aligns with the findings of prolonged fasting, though the benefits of prolonged fasting are more pronounced.
Dr Maik Pietzner, Health Data Chair of PHURI and co-lead of the Computational Medicine Group at Berlin Institute of Health at Charité, said: “While fasting may be beneficial for treating some conditions, often times, fasting won’t be an option to patients suffering from ill health.”
Prolonged fasting can trigger profound molecular benefits, though it should always be approached safely. After all, people with chronic illnesses are among those the Quran exempts from the Ramadan fast.
What This Means for You
If you have ever dabbled in fasting, you might wonder: is it really doing anything for your health? According to this research, the magic of fasting doesn’t truly kick in until after three full days. That is when your body shifts into high gear, casacading changes that could benefit your organs, metabolism, and even your brain.
“Our results provide evidence for the health benefits of fasting beyond weight loss, but these were only visible after three days of total caloric restriction – later than we previously thought.” Claudia Langenberg, Director of Queen Mary’s Precision Health University Research Institute (PHURI) commented.
Dr Pietzner is encouraged by the results.
“We hope that these findings can provide information about why fasting is beneficial in certain cases, which can then be used to develop treatments that patients are able to do.” he said.
For those unable to fast due to health conditions, this research could pave the way for therapies offering similar benefits.
Imagine treatments that mimic the benefits of fasting without the need to go without food. That’s the horizon researchers are working toward, and it could change how we manage a variety of health conditions.
Note: Any fasting regimen should be tailored to individual needs, with medical supervision for those managing chronic conditions. If you are exploring fasting as part of your health journey, consult a healthcare professional to ensure it is safe for you.
