A new study has found that intermittent fasting may protect against liver inflammation and even liver cancer.
The study, conducted at the German Cancer Research Centre and the University of Tübingen and published in the journal Cell Metabolism, aimed to understand more about how intermittent fasting can affect the liver. The researchers found that intermittent fasting can halt the progression of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), a precursor to chronic liver inflammation and liver cancer.
Study Findings Explained
The researchers conducted their experiment by implementing a fasting regimen on mice with pre-existing liver inflammation. It was found that, after four months of intermittent fasting, the mice had improved liver function tests, less fat in their livers, decreased fibrosis, and were less likely to develop liver cancer in the future.
The mice followed a 5:2 fasting diet, meaning they fasted for two days, then were allowed to consume an unlimited number of calories for five days. The cycle was then repeated for four months until the study was concluded.
The researchers also discovered two proteins (known as PPAR-alpha and PCK1) within liver cells that seem to have contributed to the protective effects of intermittent fasting. The study supports March’s research that suggests fasting can have a powerful impact on one’s overall health.
“In recent years, caloric restriction and fasting studies have stumbled upon many positive health benefits. Some of the benefits include cancer prevention. It is well established that metabolic factors such as high levels of insulin and blood sugar, increase the risk of breast cancer.” Dr. Francisco Contreras told The Epoch Times in an email. Dr. Contreras is a board-certified oncologist who treats patients in California and Mexico.
“Intermittent fasting has proven to reduce the incidence of this malignancy and also to reduce the risk of recurrence after treatment. Patients that could do intermittent fasting during treatment experienced relief of chemotherapy-induced adverse effects and cytotoxicity, with significant improvement of their quality of life.”
What Is Intermittent Fasting?
Intermittent fasting is a type of eating pattern that involves alternating periods of eating and abstaining from food. Most people participate in intermittent fasting for health reasons and research supports intermittent fasting as a way to manage weight and some forms of disease, at least in the short-term.
“During fasting days, your body runs off ketones derived from stored fats (triglycerides) in your body. But these ketones work as more than just fuel. They regulate the expression of many proteins and signalling molecules.” Dr. Caroline Walker told The Epoch Times in an email. Dr. Walker is a board-certified gastroenterologist based in Denton, Texas. “It is through these molecules that it is thought that intermittent fasting may have effects on cell growth and plasticity, tissue remodelling, decreased insulin exposure and decreased insulin resistance, improved lipid profile, improved blood pressure, and even improved asthma symptoms.”
According to Dr. Contreras, some of the other benefits of eating less, either by amount or by fasting, include:
- Weight loss
- Increased insulin sensitivity
- Improved immunity
- Body detoxification
- Lower cholesterol
- Improved heart health
All of these benefits have the potential to prevent chronic disease, including Type 2 diabetes, heart disease, neurodegenerative disorders, inflammatory bowel disease, and cancer.
Although there are many different intermittent fasting schedules to choose from, it is generally recommended not to fast for longer than 24 hours, as doing so often does more harm than good. Research regarding the long-term efficacy of intermittent fasting has also garnered mixed results, with a January 2023 study finding no evidence that intermittent fasting affects long-term weight loss results.
Furthermore, it is important to remember that intermittent fasting is not the best dietary choice for everyone and can even have dangerous consequences for people with certain health conditions.
“Patients should always speak with their primary care doctor prior to beginning intermittent fasting. It may not be right for those with type I diabetes, history of an eating disorder, who are pregnant or breastfeeding (or trying to get pregnant), or are taking warfarin,” advised Dr. Walker.
