Fasting for three days can trigger a regeneration of the entire immune system, according to scientists. This breakthrough could prove particularly beneficial for people with compromised immune systems, such as the elderly, cancer patients, and those suffering from autoimmune disorders. The researchers discovered that fasting for 72 hours not only protects against damage from chemotherapy but also induces stem cells to produce new white blood cells, essentially renewing the immune system.
In the study, participants were asked to regularly fast for periods of two to four days over a six-month period. The results showed that prolonged fasting not only forces the body to use stores of glucose and fat but also breaks down a significant portion of white blood cells. The drop in white blood cell count triggers stem cell-based regeneration of new immune system cells.
The findings could have major implications for healthier ageing, as the immune system declines over time, making older people more susceptible to disease. This process could be slowed or even reversed by cycles of prolonged fasting. Furthermore, chemotherapy patients could benefit from fasting cycles by reducing the harm caused by the treatment to their immune system.
The study is the first to suggest that the body can regenerate an entire system through fasting, and further research is needed to explore this potential.
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