From Religion to Secularism: the Benefits of Fasting

Venegas-Borsellino, Carla; Sonikpreet,; Martindale, Robert G.

doi:10.1007/s13668-018-0233-2

Cited by 38 publications

(26 citation statements)

References 38 publications

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“…Furthermore, combining a high-caloric breakfast with a low-caloric supper suppresses glycemia in type-2 diabetes and results in better management of metabolic syndrome in overweight women. Altogether, these studies suggest potential health benefits in the practice of RCF, which allows only early and late caloric consumption [9]. Nevertheless, a main concern with prolonged fasting protocols, is non-compliance or heterogeneity in eating behaviour which affects our ability to interpret the potential health benefits of fasting [10].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Recurrent circadian fasting (RCF) improves blood pressure, biomarkers of cardiometabolic risk and regulates inflammation in men

et al. 2019

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Background The effects of fasting on health in non-human models have been widely publicised for a long time and emerging evidence support the idea that these effects can be applicable to human practice. Methods In an open label longitudinal follow-up, a cohort of 78 adult men (aged 20 to 85 years) who fasted for 29 consecutive days from sunrise to sunset (16 h fasting—referred to as recurrent circadian fasting) in Pakistan, were studied. The primary outcomes of the fasting study was weight loss/recovery and the associated changes in blood pressure and circulating levels of surrogate markers linked to organ and system functions—including cardiovascular, metabolic and inflammation. Post-fasting outcomes include the regulation of physiological biomarkers. Results Recurrent circadian fasting with weight loss reduced blood pressure (140.6 vs. 124.2 mmHg) and markers of cardiovascular risk (~ 4-fold for resistin; triglycerides: p < 0.0001). Reduced glycemia (p < 0.0001) and the associated changes in the regulation of ketosis (β-hydroxybutyrate) were accompanied by a metabolic shift (PPARβ, osteoprotegerin), suggesting the involvement of the different physiological systems tested. Elevated orexin-A levels (p = 0.0183) in participants indicate sleep disturbance and circadian adaptation. All participants had CRP level < 2 mg/l during the fasting period and a similar trend was observed for TNFα. While most SASP molecules were decreased after the fasting period, heightened levels of IL-8 and IL-6 suggest that some inflammatory markers may be elevated by recurrent circadian fasting. Importantly, older adults reveal similar or more substantial benefits from fasting. Conclusions Recurrent circadian fasting is beneficial at the cardiometabolic and inflammatory levels, especially for at-risk individuals—this is contingent on compliance towards the recommended dietary behaviour, which controls carbohydrate and caloric intake. These benefits from fasting may be particularly beneficial to older adults as they often exhibit abnormal cardiovascular, metabolic and inflammatory signatures. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12967-019-2007-z) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Recurrent circadian fasting (RCF) improves blood pressure, biomarkers of cardiometabolic risk and regulates inflammation in men

et al. 2019

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“…The two most common religions in Ethiopia are the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church (EOTC) and Islam with 43.5% and 33.9% adherents respectively in the population [12]. Both of these religions include fasting at prescribed times during the yearly calendar of religious events and holidays, and restrictions on food, as well as taboos related to consumption of animal source foods [13, 14]. However, the fasting traditions of these two religious groups are markedly different.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Detailed material available through S1 File provides additional information on specific fasting doctrines. Personal level of religiosity and individual adherence to doctrine is an important factor which can influence actual practice of fasting [13].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

How do pregnant and lactating women, and young children, experience religious food restriction at the community level? A qualitative study of fasting traditions and feeding behaviors in four regions of Ethiopia

2018

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Maternal and child feeding behaviors are often rooted in family and sociocultural context, making these an important point of inquiry for improving nutrition and health over the life course. The present study explored the practice of fasting during religious periods in relation to eating patterns of pregnant and lactating women and young children in four regions of Ethiopia, a nation which has experienced rapid economic growth and marked improvement in health and nutrition outcomes over the last two decades. Qualitative data collection and analysis at community level illustrated conflicting areas of understanding and practice related to diets of children and pregnant and lactating women during fasting times, potentially leading to gaps in nutrition. Community participants described different understandings of fasting requirements for these vulnerable populations and associated social norms and doxa, not always in accordance with religious texts or published guidance. Useful behavior change strategies may be developed through these results to address the potential barriers to appropriate feeding patterns for pregnant and lactating women and young children in Ethiopia. This will include continuing to work with communities and religious leaders to clarify that religious doctrine promotes improved nutrition outcomes.

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“…Fasting happens on a daily basis, usually during night hours, but also during short or longer periods of time, e.g. in humans without access to technologies of food conservation (1) or for religious reasons (2) . Humans also voluntarily fast because it has been documented to safely enhance well-being and to have therapeutic benefits (3,4) .…”

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confidence: 99%

Changes in human gut microbiota composition are linked to the energy metabolic switch during 10 d of Buchinger fasting

Mesnage

Grundler

Schwiertz³

et al. 2019

J Nutr Sci

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Fasting is increasingly popular to manage metabolic and inflammatory diseases. Despite the role that the human gut microbiota plays in health and diseases, little is known about its composition and functional capacity during prolonged fasting when the external nutrient supply is reduced or suppressed. We analysed the effects of a 10-d periodic fasting on the faecal microbiota of fifteen healthy men. Participants fasted according to the peer-reviewed Buchinger fasting guidelines, which involve a daily energy intake of about 1046 kJ (250 kcal) and an enema every 2 d. Serum biochemistry confirmed the metabolic switch from carbohydrates to fatty acids and ketones. Emotional and physical well-being were enhanced. Faecal 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing showed that fasting caused a decrease in the abundance of bacteria known to degrade dietary polysaccharides such as Lachnospiraceae and Ruminococcaceae. There was a concomitant increase in Bacteroidetes and Proteobacteria (Escherichia coli and Bilophila wadsworthia), known to use host-derived energy substrates. Changes in taxa abundance were associated with serum glucose and faecal branched-chain amino acids (BCAA), suggesting that fasting-induced changes in the gut microbiota are associated with host energy metabolism. These effects were reversed after 3 months. SCFA levels were unchanged at the end of the fasting. We also monitored intestinal permeability and inflammatory status. IL-6, IL-10, interferon γ and TNFα levels increased when food was reintroduced, suggesting a reactivation of the postprandial immune response. We suggest that changes in the gut microbiota are part of the physiological adaptations to a 10-d periodic fasting, potentially influencing its beneficial health effects.

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From Religion to Secularism: the Benefits of Fasting

Cited by 38 publications

References 38 publications

Recurrent circadian fasting (RCF) improves blood pressure, biomarkers of cardiometabolic risk and regulates inflammation in men

Recurrent circadian fasting (RCF) improves blood pressure, biomarkers of cardiometabolic risk and regulates inflammation in men

How do pregnant and lactating women, and young children, experience religious food restriction at the community level? A qualitative study of fasting traditions and feeding behaviors in four regions of Ethiopia

Changes in human gut microbiota composition are linked to the energy metabolic switch during 10 d of Buchinger fasting

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