Fasting is believed to have the potential to ward off Alzheimer’s, according to researchers from Cambridge University who presented their theory today. They recognize that it is still early to substantiate their claims, but they find it to be an intriguing concept. This idea is based on new evidence showing that fasting can decrease inflammation in the body. While inflammation is the body’s natural response to infection or injury, prolonged inflammation has been linked to diseases such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and type 2 diabetes. Rishi Sunak’s recent revelation that he fasts for 36 hours a week was mentioned in the context, as he sees fasting as a way to counteract his craving for sugary foods. Cambridge University researchers investigated approximately two dozen individuals who only drank water for 24 hours for a new study published in the journal Cell Reports. The volunteers consumed a 500 calorie breakfast before 8 am and then fasted for 24 hours, only consuming water before having another 500 calorie breakfast the following day. Blood samples were collected before the fast, at the end of the 24-hour period, and after breakfast the next day. The results showed that the one-day fast increased levels of a lipid called arachidonic acid, which stores energy and communicates information between cells. These levels dropped once a meal was consumed again. Laboratory tests revealed that elevated levels of arachidonic acid reduced the activity of NLRP3 inflammasome — an inflammatory cell heavily linked to Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. This indicated that fasting seemed to alleviate inflammation in the body. While it is yet to be determined whether fasting protects against diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s, the effects of arachidonic acid are only short-lived. However, the findings add to the scientific literature that indicates the health benefits of calorie restriction, and it suggests that regular fasting over an extended period could help reduce chronic inflammation associated with these conditions. The team also suggested that a high-calorie diet could elevate the risk of these diseases, as previous studies have shown that high-fat diets increase inflammasome activity. They speculated that arachidonic acid could be one way this occurs. Furthermore, the researchers suggested that they may have uncovered how aspirin works, as it stops arachidonic acid from being rapidly broken down by the body, which can lead to reduced inflammation. However, they emphasized that aspirin should not be taken to reduce the risk of long-term diseases without medical guidance, as it can have side effects such as stomach bleeds if taken over an extended period. There are various types of fasting, including intermittent fasting, which involves periods of not eating during parts of the day or week. It has been found to prompt the body to burn excess body fat, resulting in weight loss, and reduce the risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and high cholesterol. Fasting may lead to side effects such as headaches and high levels of hunger while fasting. PM Rishi Sunak unveiled his habit of fasting for 36 hours a week — from 5 pm on Sunday to 5 am on Tuesday — to maintain a “balanced lifestyle,” confessing to having a sweet tooth and enjoying sugary treats during the week.
