[1 Medicine Network Health Column].
In a modern society where food is abundant, we are accustomed to a lifestyle of regular meals and constant snacking. However, in recent years, the concept of healthy wellness that is better for health has gradually emerged.
Some studies believe that proper starvation can rebuild the immune system? Are these studies reliable? Is starvation in moderation good for the body? 1. The drug network will take you to understand the truth.
A study from the United States published in Cell Stem Cell found that after fasting for 24-72 hours in mice, certain estrogen in the body will be adjusted, and hematopoietic function can be rebuilt. The investigators believe that prolonged fasting in cancer-stricken mice can improve or reverse immunosuppression due to chemotherapy as well as immune aging due to senescence.
After the study was reported, there was a claim that fasting for two days can rebuild the immune system. In fact, this study only stays at animal experiments, and for ordinary people, complete fasting can easily lead to insufficient energy intake in the body, causing adverse reactions such as decreased sleep quality and emotional anxiety, which is not a good strategy.
1 Yao.com found that although the method of complete fasting is not advocated, many Chinese and foreign studies believe that moderate starvation is more conducive to physical health.
In the law of human survival, hunger can mobilize the body's adaptive mechanisms, adjust gene expression, improve survivability, and delay aging. From the records of ancient medicine, it can be found that proper starvation is more conducive to good health.
There is a saying in the Ming Dynasty medical book "Wan Mi Zhai": "If you want to be safe for children, you must divide hunger and cold." This means that if you want your child to be healthier and less sick, you need to eat less food and wear less clothes.
The Yellow Emperor's Neijing also clearly tells future generations that if you want to live a long life, you need to eat modestly. Some ancient medical books refer to big fish and meat as "the food of rotten intestines", and regular excessive consumption of these foods will damage the stomach and intestines, which is not conducive to physical health.
Many times, we are prone to colds once we get cold in the state of overeating, and doctors will also recommend that we should eat lightly during the cold, eat less greasy, and starve properly, so that the cold will get better faster.
If you are in a state of excessive diet for a long time, you are prone to the problem of spleen and stomach deficiency and cold, because the spleen and stomach are in a state of fatigue for a long time, and if you don't get rest, your body is prone to problems.
A study published in the top journal Science also found that occasionally "starving" can help increase longevity. According to the researchers, this may have something to do with the adaptive response in the evolutionary process, in which the functioning of various organisms increases when people are starved.
3. What are the benefits of proper starvation
Promotes autophagy: In a starvation state, cells initiate the autophagy process, removing damaged or aging organelles, helping to keep cells in a youthful state.
Improves insulin sensitivity: Intermittent fasting can reduce insulin levels, improve the body's sensitivity to insulin, and help prevent metabolic diseases such as diabetes.
Reduces inflammation: Proper hunger can reduce inflammatory markers in the body, which has a positive effect on the prevention and ** of chronic inflammatory diseases.
Promotes brain health: Studies have found that intermittent fasting stimulates the production of brain-derived neurotrophic factors, which can help improve memory and learning.
Prevention of obesity: Eating too much for a long time can easily lead to obesity and bring a burden to the body, and appropriately reducing the amount of food eaten can effectively control weight and prevent the occurrence of obesity.
Reduce the risk of stroke: Studies have found that moderate starvation, reducing excessive calorie intake, and preventing hyperlipidemia can reduce the risk of stroke.
Long lifespan: In animal experiments, calorie restriction has been shown to increase longevity and reduce aging-related diseases.
Although moderate starvation has certain benefits for the body, 1 drug network recommends that the following people do not try.
Pregnant and lactating women: Pregnant and lactating women need additional nutrients to support the growth and development of the fetus, as well as to produce milk. Fasting may limit their access to adequate nutrients, negatively affecting the health of the fetus and infant.
Children and adolescents: Children and adolescents are in the stages of growth and development and need adequate nutrition to support the development of the body and brain. Fasting may interfere with their growth and development, leading to malnutrition and health problems.
Older adults: Older people are experiencing a gradual decline in physical function, and they may have a variety of chronic diseases and are at higher risk of cardiovascular disease. Fasting can increase the burden on the body, leading to malnutrition and health problems.
People with chronic medical conditions: People with chronic diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, kidney disease, etc., need a steady intake of nutrients to maintain good health. Intermittent fasting may interfere with their disease management, leading to problems such as blood sugar fluctuations, electrolyte imbalances, and more.
Malnourished or underweight people: Malnourished or underweight people need to increase their nutrient intake to improve their physical condition. Fasting may further exacerbate malnutrition and weight loss, negatively impacting physical health.
People with eating disorders or psychological problems: People with eating disorders (e.g., anorexia, bulimia) or psychological problems (e.g., depression, anxiety) need a stable diet and psychological support to improve symptoms. Fasting may worsen eating disorders and psychological problems, negatively impacting physical and mental health.
Proper starvation does not mean that we should return to the era of food scarcity, but that we should learn to give our bodies a "vacation" in today's abundant food, so that it has a chance to repair and restart itself. By planning our diet scientifically, we may be able to find a healthier and more balanced lifestyle.