Regular fasting activates autophagy, reduces oxidative stress and inflammation, delays ageing-related diseases, enhances cellular repair, and promotes longevity by improving metabolic health, making it a promising strategy for healthy ageing and increased healthspan.
August 2020 – National Library of Medicine
Key Takeaways
- Fasting promotes autophagy and cellular repair: Autophagy is a vital process where cells break down and recycle damaged components, promoting overall cellular health. Fasting triggers autophagy, allowing the body to clear out dysfunctional cells, repair damaged tissues, and maintain cellular function, which is critical for slowing down ageing processes and promoting longevity
- It reduces oxidative stress and inflammation: Oxidative stress occurs when there’s an imbalance between free radicals and antioxidants, leading to cellular damage. Fasting reduces free radical production, minimising oxidative stress. It also lowers inflammation, a key driver of ageing-related diseases, including heart disease, cancer, and neurodegeneration, contributing to healthier ageing
- Fasting improves metabolic health and insulin sensitivity: By improving insulin sensitivity, fasting helps regulate blood sugar levels, reducing the risk of metabolic disorders such as diabetes and obesity. This enhanced metabolic health is crucial for preventing conditions that contribute to premature ageing, ensuring the body functions optimally as it ages
Fasting’s ability to reduce oxidative stress, inflammation, and improve metabolic health helps delay the onset of diseases commonly associated with ageing, such as cardiovascular disease, Alzheimer’s, and metabolic syndromes. By mitigating these risks, fasting supports both a longer lifespan and a healthier, more functional ageing process.
Read article at: De Cabo, Rafael, and Mark P. Mattson. “Effects of Intermittent Fasting on Health, Aging, and Disease.” New England Journal of Medicine, vol. 381, no. 26, 2019, pp. 2541-2551. PubMed Central, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7426493/. DOI: 10.1056/NEJMra1905136.