Fasting is a common thing Muslims do in Ramadan. Besides that, fasting is also often done for health reasons. Many studies confirm that fasting can be beneficial for health, including to help lose weight. Not only that, fasting can also help to fight cancer.
It was found in some studies, that fasting can fight cancer by reducing insulin resistance and the level of inflammation in the body. When fasting, less food will enter the body. This can increase insulin sensitivity, which can make it difficult for cancer cells to develop.
Fasting is also known to improve the quality of life for cancer patients who undergo chemotherapy. Some experts believe that fasting can help cell regeneration, protect blood from the harmful effects of chemotherapy and reduce the side effects of chemotherapy such as nausea, headaches or cramps. In a study conducted by German researchers, someone who underwent fasting 36 hours before the start of chemotherapy was known to have a higher tolerance and a lower risk of side effects of chemotherapy.
Fasting can also boost the body's immune system ability to fight cancer. In a study published in Cell Stem Cell, experts conducted a trial to observe the effect of fasting on mouse stem cells. Stem cells are considered important because of their regenerative abilities. The researchers found that 2-4 days of fasting can activate stem cells from the immune system to renew and repair themselves reduces.
Text by Anggie Triana
Stock photos from Image Google Search
Source(s):
- Bauersfeld, S.P. Kessler, C.S. Wischnewsky, M., et all (2018). The effects of short-term fasting on quality of life and tolerance to chemotherapy in patients with breast and ovarian cancer: a randomized cross-over pilot study. BioMed Central, DOI: 10.1186 / s12885-018-4353-2.
- Cheng, C.W., Adam, G.B., Perin, L., et all (2014). Prolonged Fasting reduces IGF-1 / PKA to promote hematopoietic stem cell-based regeneration and reverse immunosuppression. Cell Stem Cell, DOI: 10.1016 / j.stem.2014.04.014.
- Medical News Today - Can fasting help fight cancer? (2019). https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/324169.php, March 18, 2019.