2. Enhances health through fighting inflammation.
While short-term inflammation is a normal immune response, chronic inflammation can negatively impact health and is linked to chronic diseases like heart disease, cancer, and arthritis.
Emerging research indicates fasting may help reduce harmful inflammation. Studies in 2022 reviewed evidence showing intermittent fasting can significantly decrease C-reactive protein, a key marker of inflammation.
Another small study found intermittent fasting for one year was more effective than a control diet at lowering inflammation and risk factors for heart disease.
The suspected mechanisms relate to fasting’s impact on immune cell functions and gene expression. Fasting may help switch off genes promoting inflammation.
Some research also suggests combining fasting with resistance exercise can reduce multiple inflammatory markers and may aid the treatment of inflammatory conditions.
