Fasting has been used for many years. It has been used religiously and spiritually. It has also been used for health reasons. The efficacy of fasting has always received mixed reviews. Proving the effectiveness of fasting was often relegated to the exhibited results. Naysayers often pointed out that fasting could possibly cause physiological challenges. Studies, however, have been undertaken and completed that demonstrate and quantify the positive health effects of ‘monitored’ fasting.
The Buschinger clinic in Germany has promoted fasting therapies for over 70 years. In a study conducted by Dr. Wilhelmi de Toledo and Prof. Michalsen, data from 1,422 subjects (41 % male, 59 % female), who completed the Buchinger Wilhelmi fasting program over a period of 5, 10, 15 or 20 days in 2016 was collected and studied. During the course of the study some of the diseases that were remedied included Rheumatic fever, Hypertension, Diabetes, and Obesity. This studied also established that fasting regulates production of Epinephrine, norepinephrine, dopamine, leptin and serotonin.
The supervised therapies include the use of a calorie containing water to mitigate the initial feelings of hunger and deprivation. The fasting therapy can include the use of medications when the client’s situation mandates them. The therapy ends with a controlled return to regular dieting. Lighter foods are what the client begins to consume. It is all carried out in a closely monitored environment.
There was another study that was conducted by Dr. Valter P. Longo (Gerontologist). His study investigated the effects of fasting on chemotherapy patients. He took rats that had cancer and injected them with 3 to 5 times the amount of chemotherapy drugs that a human would have received (adjusted for weight). The rats were separated into two groups. Group I was treated as recommended for chemo patients. Regular protocol mandates that patients eat as they normally would do. This is recommended to help the patient maintain their strength. Group II was put on a regimen of fasting. Results of the study revealed that the Group II rats survived the chemotherapy treatment at a significantly better rate than did the Group I rats.
“A study on the effects of chemotherapy on humans was performed. The study that a 60-hour fasting period, starting 36 hours before the start of chemotherapy treatment, correlated with the participants exhibiting higher tolerance to chemotherapy, fewer chemotherapy-related side effects, and higher energy levels when compared with those who did not fast.” The results of cancerous rat study showed identical results. Another set of experiments was conducted by Dr. Longo. He wanted to investigate the effect that fasting has on cells. In healthy cells, genes are expressed in a manner that allows for energy conservation. In cancerous cells genes are expressed in a manner that facilitates death of those (cancerous) cells. This could be a major part of the reason the chemotherapy patients a more asymptomatic with fasting.
Coinclusive?? Maybe, not so much. Convincing?? If you are open minded, it does reveal some possibilities. It is interesting that, in light of established studies, the current medical and pharmaceutical climate does not promote fasting therapies. Of course, we all know the reason behind overlooking the validity of fasting. Be vigilant about your health. Remind yourself that the body is intelligent. Be supportive of the intelligence.
Ab-Sutra Wellness and Fitness 