/Video/Why does fasting strengthen the brain?

Why does fasting strengthen the brain?

Fasting challenges the brain. When faced with an energy deficit, the brain activates adaptive mechanisms that help combat stress and protect against disease. Evolutionarily, this makes sense. When hungry, the brain needs to function more effectively to search for food rather than lose its efficiency.

Mark Mattson, the Director of the Neuroscience Laboratory at the National Institute on Aging (USA), is also a professor of Neuroscience at Johns Hopkins University. Mattson is one of the leading researchers in the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s disease, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.

In his TED Talk video, which has attracted nearly 6 million views and almost 3,000 comments, Mattson discusses the topic “Why Fasting Strengthens the Brain.”

Here is a summary of the content from this video:

As many of you know, human lifespan is increasing. This is partly due to advancements in cancer and cardiovascular disease research. However, this also means more people are living past their 50s and 60s, an age when neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s become more common. 

It is estimated that by 2050, the number of people with Alzheimer’s will triple in the United States, rising from 5 million to 15 million. In my laboratory, we use animal models to study age-related neurological disorders. We have mice that accumulate amyloid in their brains as they age, leading to memory and learning problems. Additionally, we study models of mice with damage to dopamine-producing neurons, which is the main cause of Parkinson’s disease, and stroke models, which are among the leading causes of death.

Fasting helps slow down neurodegeneration

For a long time, science has known that energy restriction can increase lifespan in animals. For example, laboratory mice can live 30-40% longer with reduced calorie intake. We began researching the effects of energy restriction on the brain in the context of age-related neurodegenerative diseases. The results show that reducing energy intake can slow the abnormal accumulation of amyloid and the degeneration of neurons in Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases.

There are various ways to reduce energy intake, including eating less at each meal or adopting intermittent fasting methods. For instance, intermittent fasting can involve reducing meal frequency or eating only within specific time frames. Our research shows that fasting is not only beneficial for the body but is also particularly good for the brain.

Fasting and the Brain’s Adaptability

Fasting challenges the brain. When faced with an energy deficit, the brain activates adaptive mechanisms that help combat stress and protect against disease. Evolutionarily, this makes sense. When hungry, the brain needs to work more efficiently to search for food, rather than experience functional decline.

We found that fasting stimulates the increase of neurotrophic proteins, such as BDNF (brain-derived neurotrophic factor), which helps promote the growth and connection of neurons. Fasting also stimulates the production of new neurons in the hippocampus—the center for memory and learning. Additionally, the fat-burning process during fasting generates ketones, an excellent alternative energy source for the brain.

The comprehensive benefits of fasting

In addition to its positive effects on the brain, fasting reduces inflammation, decreases oxidative stress, and improves DNA repair in the body. Specifically, when fasting, the body shifts to a state of burning fat and producing ketones, instead of relying on glycogen from the liver. This does not happen if you eat three meals a day without fasting periods.

Intermittent fasting is not just a short-term trend. More and more research and literature are proving the benefits of this method, such as the 5:2 diet (eating less on two days of the week) or the 8-hour eating window per day.

Fasting: A positive challenge

Like exercise, fasting is a positive challenge for both the body and the brain. Both activities stimulate the growth of mitochondria in nerve cells, which helps improve brain function. They also enhance learning ability, memory, and resistance to oxidative damage.

However, it is important to note that a three-meal-a-day and snack-based diet is not the only option for maintaining health. In fact, this is largely influenced by the food and pharmaceutical industries, which do not benefit from people being healthy through fasting and exercise.

Fasting is a natural and effective way to improve brain and body health. I encourage everyone to try intermittent fasting methods to explore the benefits of this approach. By sharing and practicing this knowledge, we can improve overall health and prevent many dangerous diseases.

Watch the full video here.

Read more:

Received monthly

We will send you the latest information to help you proactively care for and manage your health.

Thank you for subscribing to the newsletter.

Oops. Something went wrong. Please try again later.

Biên Tập Viên

Biên Tập Viên

Comment

Hãy cho chúng tôi biết ý kiến của bạn

You May Be Interested