A new experimental study published in the scientific journal Cell metabolism It is suggested that Intermittent fasting may have positive effects on brain health in the short term.especially in memory Executive function in the elderly insulin resistance. Research conducted by scientists from National Institute on Aging (NIA) And Johns Hopkins UniversityIn the United States, 40 participants, aged 55 to 70, all of whom were overweight and in good cognitive health, participated.
For eight weeks, the volunteers were divided into two groups: one followed an intermittent fasting plan 5:2where they only consumed 480 calories 2 days a week And a Follow a balanced diet for the other five days.The other group followed a “healthy living” diet, based on portion control and reduced calories, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) guidelines.
Benefits for memory
The results showed that both groups presented Improvements in executive function and memoryBut the group that practiced intermittent fasting had better scores on some cognitive tests. In particular, there was a significant increase in Learning ability and memorymainly in testing. Long term recovery.
“The benefits observed in the study reflect the immediate effect of intermittent fasting, which Reduces the availability of glucose in the body “It forces the body to use ketone bodies, which are produced from fat when glucose is scarce, as an energy source,” explains Antonio Lancha Jr., P.Professor of Nutrition at the University of São Paulo (USP).
It is worth noting that most of the central nervous system does not depend on insulin for glucose uptake. However, there are a specific area of the brainNear the insulin-dependent memory area. Therefore, in the short term, patients who practice intermittent fasting can get positive results in this regard.
“When glucose availability and ketone body uptake are temporarily improved, a positive response in this area may be observed, which may explain the observed cognitive benefits,” the specialist adds.
No changes in biomarkers of Alzheimer’s disease
Thus, the study indicated that Intermittent fasting is possible Reduce brain agingThe BrainAGE measure, which assesses the rate of brain aging, showed a slowing of this process for both groups, especially the intermittent fasting group.
However, the research also revealed that despite the improvement in cognitive function, Biomarker levels related to Alzheimer’s diseaseSuch as beta amyloid and phosphorylated tau protein, It has not undergone major changes.These data suggest that the benefits of intermittent fasting for brain health may not be directly related to reducing these markers, at least in the short term.
Degradation of important proteins
When practicing intermittent fasting, the body goes through a period of energy deficiency, depending on how long the individual goes without eating. During this time, the body enters a catabolic state, where it begins to – Breaking down body proteins to compensate for the lack of carbohydrates.Which usually provides glucose (the main source of energy).
In other words, it starts using proteins, which are part of the structure of muscles and other tissues, to generate the necessary energy. This means that during fasting, the body not only uses fat, but also breaks down structural proteins to maintain proper function.
This process can have a negative impact, especially on big Or in people who suffer from certain diseases, such as: cancerIn older adults, for example, intermittent fasting can be particularly effective. Muscle atrophyand it is Loss of muscle mass associated with agingAlready in. Cancer patientsFasting can get intense. Denfwhich is the state in which there is Rapid loss of lean mass“Lancha Junior warns,” he says.
Study limitations and diet
Although the results obtained in the research are positive, the researchers highlight that The study was short and involved a limited number of participants.Therefore, more comprehensive, long-term research is needed to confirm these findings and assess whether the benefits of intermittent fasting are sustainable in the long term. However, for the University of the South Pacific nutrition professor, this is where the problem begins:
Intermittent fasting is characterized by: UnsustainabilityThe scientific literature is very consistent in demonstrating that people are usually unable to maintain this practice for a long period of time.
Conclusion and recommendations
“Scientifically, there is still a lack of strong justification for intermittent fasting compared to calorie restriction without fasting. Both approaches lead to reduced calorie intake, but fasting can lead to loss of lean massWhile calorie restriction without fasting tends to avoid this damage, it may have chronic effect “Very important for health,” highlights Lancha Junior.
Therefore, the specialist advises that patients focus on the energy deficiency and not on the fasting itself. Therefore, the good results shown by the study can be achieved with Small changes in routine Such as walking or other simple physical activities.
