Intermittent fasting is a popular diet in the United States that involves eating at certain periods of time and then abstaining from food for an extended duration, known as fasting. Studies have shown that intermittent fasting may offer other health benefits beyond weight loss, such as protection against type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and cancer. A new study presented at the American Physiology Summit found that intermittent fasting may also help protect the small intestine as it ages. The study used a mouse model that was genetically modified to accelerate aging, with one group of mice having food available at all times and the other group having access to food during alternating 24-hour cycles. After 8 months, scientists found that the fasting mice gained less weight and had structural changes in their small intestines associated with better glucose control and decreased inflammation.
The researchers focused on a specific part of the small intestine called the jejunum, responsible for continuing food digestion and absorbing nutrients and water from food. They found that intermittent fasting may help prevent age-related changes to the small intestine by returning it to a more youthful state. The study also found that improvements in the health and appearance of the small intestine were more pronounced in female mice than in male mice, with female mice showing greater refinement in how sugars were transported. However, the impact of intermittent fasting on blood sugar levels was stronger in male mice than in female mice. The researchers plan to further investigate these gender-specific differences in future studies.
There are several methods of intermittent fasting, with time-restrictive eating and the 5:2 method being among the most popular. Around 12% of American adults currently follow intermittent fasting. While intermittent fasting may offer benefits such as protection against type 2 diabetes and inflammatory bowel disease, some experts caution that longer periods of fasting may be harmful to the body and that it is important to still consume an adequate amount of calories. Various health benefits can be achieved through intermittent fasting, but it is essential for individuals to find the method that works best for their body and lifestyle. Starting with easier methods, such as fasting overnight, and gradually increasing the fasting periods can help individuals ease into intermittent fasting and determine what works best for them.
In conclusion, intermittent fasting has gained popularity in the United States as a dietary pattern that involves eating at certain times and abstaining from food for extended periods. Recent studies have shown that intermittent fasting may have health benefits beyond weight loss, such as protection against chronic diseases like type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. A new study presented at the American Physiology Summit found that intermittent fasting may also help protect the small intestine as it ages, with changes in structure associated with improved glucose control and reduced inflammation. While intermittent fasting may offer various health benefits, it is important for individuals to find the fasting method that works best for their body and lifestyle. Further research is needed to understand the gender-specific differences in the effects of intermittent fasting on health.
