By Michael Franco – New Atlas –
A new study from MIT has revealed the exact mechanism by which fasting causes intestinal stem cells to regenerate, which is one of the practice’s benefits. However, the study also showed a downside that needs to be considered when breaking a fast.
Fasting, either for several days a week or several hours a day, is a popular approach used by thousands of people to help control their weight, rest their guts, and potentially deliver other health benefits. A study earlier this year, for example, showed that fasting for 24 hours twice a week boosted the cancer-fighting abilities of natural killer cells in the body. Another 2024 study showed that the same eating pattern also conferred protection against liver inflammation.
