Health Benefits from Fasting

Intermittent fasting continues to draw attention as an effective way to achieve weight loss and modulate insulin in those with type 2 diabetes. Now studies are revealing that other downstream benefits may include a reduction in obesity-related diseases such as breast and colorectal cancers as well as Alzheimer's disease and chronic conditions caused by inflammation. 

Jason Fung, MD, who has written several books about the challenges, benefits, and misconceptions involved in fasting, spoke at the Institute for Functional Medicine's 2020 Annual International Conference. He is a nephrologist and expert on the use of fasting as a clinical tool to promote patient health.

When a person fasts, insulin levels fall, which allows the body to access fat stores. At the same time, growth hormone goes up. “What we are describing is an entire rejuvenation process,” says Dr. Fung, who is the author of The Obesity Code, The Complete Guide to Fasting, and The Diabetes Code. Fasting is a potential trigger of autophagy—a cellular recycling system that occurs when cells clean out any unnecessary or damaged components.

“The oldest and sort of junkiest organelles get thrown into the furnace,” explains Dr. Fung. “They get burned for energy, and when you start to eat again, because growth hormone is high, what you do is that you use the amino acids to rebuild the protein where you need it.”

According to Dr. Fung, insulin response is higher when a meal is consumed in the evening, making a mid-afternoon meal optimal from a health standpoint.