Fasting Is Proven To Make You Long, This Is The Explanation

JAKARTA - Fasting has many benefits for physical and mental health. Apart from being part of religious traditions, research shows that fasting also has a big impact on longevity.

According to Yoshinori Ohsumi, 2016 Nobel Medical winner said mechanisms such as autofagi, cell repair, and oxidative stress reduction, fasting proved to slow down the aging process and prevent various chronic diseases.

Fasting triggers a series of biological changes that support cell health and prolong life. Here are the 6 main benefits of fasting which make you live a long life, as reported by the Harrison Health Care page.

1. Enable the process of cell regeneration

Autofagi is a natural process in which cells clean themselves from damaged or malfunctioning components. This process can remove toxins and residual substances in the body, prevent the accumulation of proteins that can cause disease such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's, improve DNA and keep the body's cells healthy. Fasting is one of the most effective ways to activate autophage, so that the body is more efficient in repairing and regenerating cells.

2. Reduce oxidative stress and inflammation

Oxidative stress occurs when the number of free radicals in the body is too high, which can damage cells and accelerate aging. Fasting helps reduce free radicals by increasing the body's natural production of antioxidants, as well as reducing chronic inflammation associated with heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. By reducing oxidative stress, fasting plays a role in prolonging life and keeping the body in shape.

3. Improve mitochondrial and cell energy functions

Mitochondria is a cell energy plant. As we get older, the mitochondrial function tends to decrease, which causes fatigue and decrease in metabolism. Fasting helps by increasing mitochondrial efficiency in producing energy, and stimulating new mitochondrial production. Better metabolism makes the body strong and resistant to degenerate diseases.

4. Reduce the risk of chronic diseases

Fasting is associated with reducing the risk of various diseases, namely heart, type 2 diabetes, and cancer. By reducing the risk of this disease, fasting helps increase overall life expectancy.

5. Trigger long-lived hormone production

Fasting can increase growth hormone levels (HGH), which play an important role in accelerating network repair and cell regeneration, increasing muscle mass and bone density, and optimizing fat metabolism for energy.

These hormones are known as "anti-aging hormones" because they contribute to healthy bodies and live longer.

6. Improve brain health and prevent dementia

In addition to protecting the body, fasting also provides tremendous benefits for the brain by increasing BDNF (Brain-Derived Neurotropic Factor) production, proteins that help brain cell growth and resilience, protect against neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's, as well as increasing focus, memory, and clarity in thinking. People who regularly fast often experience improved mental energy and a better mood.

There are various types of fasting that can be applied to get the benefits of longevity, including:

1. Intermittent Fasting

The most popular fasting method, with a time pattern of 16:8 (16 hours of fasting, eating in the dining window 8 hours).

2. Periodic Fasting

Involving fasting longer, such as 24 hours one time a week or fasting 3-5 days for a total detox.

3. Diet Imitating Fasting

Consumption of low-calorie foods for several days to get the benefits of fasting, without having to completely stop eating.