Fasting: A Potential Ally in Combating Infections and Enhancing Recovery
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Chapter 1: The Role of Fasting in Immune Health
In previous discussions, I have delved into the myriad benefits of fasting, particularly how ketosis positively influences various health dimensions. One question I posed to my audience was: Could fasting serve as a therapeutic intervention? The feedback I received from those who experimented with fasting was overwhelmingly positive, with many reporting a variety of benefits.
During fasting, the body experiences significant biochemical changes, such as reduced insulin levels, increased production of growth hormones, optimized neurotransmitter function, initiation of autophagy, mobilization of stem cells, enhancement of the immune system, and improvement of gut microbiome health. In this article, I aim to substantiate these theories with noteworthy studies and share my personal experience with COVID-19, illustrating how fasting can bolster immune function, fight infections, and expedite recovery. Fasting may serve as a protective mechanism against pathogens and their harmful effects.
The primary advantage of fasting lies in its ability to reduce inflammation through the process of ketosis. Research published in "Cell Metabolism" in 2014 thoroughly documented the molecular mechanisms and clinical applications of fasting, specifically noting the decrease in bodily inflammation during fasting periods. The study stated that "the adaptive cellular responses from fasting can diminish oxidative damage and inflammation, optimize energy metabolism, and strengthen cellular protection."
Moreover, prolonged fasting has been shown to extend the lifespan in simpler organisms by modifying metabolic and stress response pathways. In rodent studies, intermittent fasting has been shown to protect against diseases such as diabetes, cancer, heart disease, and neurological disorders. For humans, it may also aid in reducing obesity, hypertension, asthma, and rheumatoid arthritis.
Researchers concluded that "fasting has the potential to slow aging and prevent and treat diseases while minimizing the adverse effects associated with chronic dietary changes."
Fasting can dramatically lower glucose and protein levels in the bloodstream, generating an anti-inflammatory effect on cells. The COVID-19 virus is known to trigger severe inflammation, disrupting homeostasis. For instance, a 2019 study published in "Cell" stated, "Caloric restriction is known to improve inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. However, the mechanisms by which reduced caloric intake modulates inflammation are poorly understood."
The authors indicated that "short-term fasting reduced the metabolic and inflammatory activity of monocytes and significantly lowered the number of circulating monocytes. The regulation of peripheral monocyte counts was linked to dietary glucose and protein levels."
When fasting, the body transitions from utilizing glucose to ketones for energy. Ketone bodies, such as β-Hydroxybutyrate (BHB), exert an anti-inflammatory impact on cells. I previously documented my findings in an article titled "Ketosis Can Lower Chronic Inflammation and Improve Metabolic and Mental Health in 6 Ways."
Nearly thirty years ago, researchers established that "fasting has been reported to quantitatively increase linoleic and arachidonic acids in liver triacylglycerols." These fatty acids belong to a group of compounds recognized for their extensive antiviral properties. However, their specific effects on human coronavirus replication remain largely unexamined in current literature.
For example, a recent 2022 study published in "Nature" explored these fatty acids, titled "Linoleic Acid Binds to SARS-CoV-2 RdRp and represses replication of seasonal human coronavirus OC43." From the findings, researchers deduced that the study offers new insights into how fatty acids exhibit antiviral properties against human coronaviruses, including SARS-CoV-2. They emphasized linoleic acid's ability to inhibit RdRp and suggested it as a candidate for further research. This study indicates that linoleic acid may impede the virus, blocking its entry into cells and tissues.
Until 2020, there was no review proposing intermittent fasting as a beneficial strategy in preventing COVID-19. Consequently, a group of scientists conducted a comprehensive review emphasizing the positive role of fasting in immunity and autophagy, which may serve as a defense against COVID-19 infection. This paper was published in "Immunology Letters" in 2020.
The researchers outlined the pathogenesis of COVID-19 and its effect on the host immune response, aiming to revisit the immunomodulatory potential of intermittent fasting as a promising preventive method against COVID-19. The review highlighted that intermittent fasting could prime the host immune system and activate autophagy, enhancing immunity. Thus, intermittent fasting may represent a viable preventive strategy against COVID-19.
The reviewers also noted that alongside intermittent fasting, other health-promoting practices such as exercise and meditation that boost immunity are highly advisable.
As I have already explored the benefits of autophagy and mitophagy in relation to fasting for pathogens, I won't reiterate those points. Interested readers can refer to my linked articles for more information.
This study published in "BMJ's Nutrition, Prevention, and Health Journal" assessed the relationship between periodic fasting and COVID-19 severity, as well as initial infection rates of SARS-CoV-2. The researchers proposed that "Intermittent fasting enhances certain host defense mechanisms while modulating the inflammatory response. Lower-frequency fasting is associated with improved survival and reduced risks from COVID-19-related comorbidities."
The research was conducted at a single-center secondary care facility in Salt Lake City, Utah, USA, with follow-ups across a 24-hospital integrated healthcare system. They surveyed approximately 1500 patients regarding their history of routine periodic fasting throughout their lives. The results indicated that 11% of periodic fasters and 28.8% of non-fasters tested positive for COVID.
The researchers discovered that regular periodic fasting correlated with a lower risk of hospitalization or mortality among COVID-19 patients. They concluded that "fasting may serve as a complementary therapy to vaccination, offering immune support and controlling hyperinflammation during and beyond the pandemic."
While these findings are compelling, additional studies on the health benefits of fasting and personal accounts further strengthen the argument. Now, I wish to share my recent experience to support the study's conclusions.
My Fasting Journey During COVID Infection
In 2022, despite my precautions, I was exposed to COVID-19 through my family. I contracted it from them before they received their diagnoses. While I exhibited all symptoms, the impact on me was significantly milder compared to other family members, even though they were younger.
Fortunately, we had all been fully vaccinated at the time. However, in 2021, when my wife contracted the virus after her first vaccination, her symptoms were quite severe, necessitating hospitalization. The second time, she recovered more quickly due to receiving additional vaccines.
Thanks to the benefits of fasting, I managed to recover within six days. I documented my experience in an article titled "Here's How I Recovered from the COVID Virus Quickly with Five Lifestyle Steps." I also believe that intense meditation and mindful stress reduction played a role in expediting my recovery.
For years, I have practiced intermittent fasting, adhering to a one-meal-a-day routine. This approach has provided me with numerous health benefits, particularly in enhancing my immune system and overall well-being.
Intermittent fasting has significantly improved my body's defense mechanisms and triggered self-healing processes such as autophagy and mitophagy, reducing the presence of pathogens within my system.
During my illness, I extended my fasting period from 22 to 46 hours, resulting in a remarkable difference. Interestingly, a family member, inspired by my approach, also fasted during their severe symptoms and experienced a quicker recovery compared to others who did not fast.
Conclusions and Key Takeaways
Fasting has long been employed as a therapeutic strategy across various cultures, including those rooted in Christianity, Judaism, Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and Taoism, each with their unique protocols.
Given its notable benefits, scientists have become increasingly interested in understanding the mechanisms underlying fasting. Research has revealed a cascade of significant biochemical changes that occur during fasting, including reductions in oxidative stress and inflammation, initiation of autophagy for cellular renewal, enhancement of the body's defense system, mobilization of stem cells, hormonal and neurotransmitter balance, particularly increased growth hormone levels, lowered glucose and protein levels, decreased insulin secretion, and improved gut health.
By leveraging these diverse benefits, fasting can emerge as a powerful therapeutic tool against infectious diseases. Its cost-effectiveness and minimal side effects compared to pharmaceuticals further highlight its potential in addressing health issues.
In addition to the viral conditions discussed in this article, fasting may also improve health conditions such as metabolic syndrome, type II diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, certain cancers, and neurodegenerative disorders, which I summarized in a previous article.
Fasting can be effortless for some yet challenging for others. After decades of practice, it has become second nature to me, involving a gradual adaptation to utilize stored fat for energy.
Long-term fasting can present challenges until one achieves metabolic flexibility, transitioning from glucose metabolism to fat-burning. Once individuals become fat-adapted, fasting can be enjoyable and beneficial, serving as a valuable therapeutic tool.
However, fasting may not be appropriate for everyone, potentially placing stress on the body and interfering with medications. Individuals with underlying health conditions who are on medication should seek guidance from qualified healthcare professionals before embarking on a fasting regimen.
Fasting can also reduce glycotoxins and enhance health and longevity, as I elaborated in the linked story.
Thank you for taking the time to read my insights. I wish you a healthy and fulfilling life.
For my new readers, I have penned numerous articles that may enlighten and inspire you. My topics encompass brain and cognitive function, significant health conditions, longevity, nutrition, essential nutrients, ketogenic lifestyles, self-healing, weight management, writing, reading, and humor.
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The first video titled "Always Fast During an Infection" discusses the benefits of fasting during illness and how it may support the immune system.
The second video, "How Fasting Can HEAL You — And Mistakes to Avoid | Eat to Live Podcast," explores the healing potential of fasting and common pitfalls to avoid.