IF and Covid 19
intermittent fasting and immunization
Essentially, fasting interferes with the body's immunity through a mechanism called autophagy. The number one benefit of IF is autophagy, which involves recycling old, damaged, and excess cells to produce fresh, new cells that are superior in function and health. During this process, defective immune cells or their parts are replaced and toxins and pathogens are released from the cells. Fasting helps your body focus on this cleansing process and not have to deal with removing new toxins and extra calories from the food you eat.
The benefits of IF for the immune system include:
Decreased immunity, which is the aging of the immune system
A decrease in the number of white blood cells, including lymphocytes, natural killer cells, and neutrophils
Reducing inflammation and reducing pro-inflammatory markers
Protection against conditions associated with inflammation
The corona virus (COVID-19) has emerged as a serious threat to the health and economic well-being of the general public. As the pandemic progresses, people have adopted various strategies to avoid contracting Covid-19 due to fear of infection. Reports indicate the usefulness of various strategies such as phytonutrients and nutritional interventions to improve immunity and help mitigate COVID-19. Intermittent fasting (IF) has been reported to be very beneficial in humans due to its immunomodulatory potential.[۱]
Professor Jason Fang explains intermittent fasting and its impact on immunity and COVID-19 in the video below.
Ketonia dietitian expert
Among many elements affecting the immune system, a significant one is the food humans eat. Eating patterns can influence in boosting of the immune system. Caloric restriction and fasting improve the health of overweight people and enhance their immune function.[۲]
In addition, intermittent fasting and time-restricted eating were proposed as potential lifestyle modifications to strengthen the immune system during the COVID-19 pandemic[۳]
Conclusion
Overall, fasting could turn in favor of the immune system if practiced in healthy regiments and maintenance of balanced nutritional diets. Thus the best approach is to talk to a dietitian first to establish a healthy calorie & regimen for your health.
- ↑ [https:/ /www.liebertpub.com/doi/10.1089/imr.2021.0027 Prolonged Intermittent Fasting As a Preventive Strategy Against COVID-19: A Case Report]
- ↑ Beneficial effects of intermittent fasting and caloric restriction on the cardiovascular and cerebrovascular systems
- ↑ Ramadan intermittent fasting and immunity: An important topic in the era of COVID-19
- ↑ Intermittent fasting, a possible priming tool for host defense against SARS-CoV-2 infection: Crosstalk among calorie restriction, autophagy and immune response
- ↑ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34275726