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Does Intermittent Fasting 2-3 Days A Week Drop Markers Of Heart Disease?

Article courtesy of Dr. Joel Kahn, MD, who is a Clinical Professor of Medicine at Wayne State University School of Medicine, one of the world's top cardiologists, a best-selling author, lecturer, and a leading expert in plant-based nutrition and holistic care.

One of the hottest trends in health promotion and the media is intermittent fasting (IF), properly defined as not eating or eating very little (fasting-mimicking diet FMD) for 24 hours or more. IF extends healthspan and lifespan in rodents, and has been associated with metabolic benefits in humans, yet results so far have been inconsistent. More data is needed as several randomized studies have failed to confirm a major health benefit to IF despite its popularity. 

STUDY DESIGN

In the new study, the effects of IF-induced weight loss on metabolic and molecular determinants of healthy aging were tested.

A randomized clinical trial was performed in overweight men and women (30 to 65 yo, average 49 y), to test the effects of 6-mo IF. Fifty participants were randomized to IF (n = 28) or usual diet (n = 22) group. The primary outcome was the assessment of change in serum C-reactive protein (CRP) levels (inflammation marker) from baseline to 6 months; secondary outcomes were changes in insulin sensitivity using oral glucose tolerance (OGTT)-based indexes, and plasma metabolomics and gene expression changes of the colon mucosa.

IF PROGRAM

Participants in the IF group were prescribed by the study dietitians a fasting regimen, that consisted of 3 non-consecutive days per week, if their BMI was higher than 28 kg/m2, whereas participants with BMI between 24 and 27.9 kg/m2 were asked to fast for 2 non-consecutive days per week, for the entire duration of the study.

All IF participants were asked to skip breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks, and calorie-containing beverages on the fast days, but they were allowed to consume at lunch and dinner non-starchy raw and/or cooked vegetables ‘ad libitum’, dressed with a 19 maximum of two tablespoons of olive oil (~240 kcal) plus vinegar or lemon juice.

Noncaloric drinks, such as black coffee, unsweetened tea, or zero-calorie soda, were allowed. Because non-starchy vegetables contain very small quantities of bioavailable calories, proteins, fats, and carbohydrates, this ‘vegetable fasting-mimicking’ protocol (that does not require counting calories) was selected to mimic water-only fasting while minimizing participants’ social life disruption.

During the ‘feast’ days, research volunteers were asked to consume their habitual diet without overcompensation of calories. Strategies to implement fast day planning, recipes for salads and cooked vegetables were covered at the weekly meetings with the dietitians.

RESULTS

No difference in serum levels of CRP or multiple other inflammatory markers was observed over this period despite a significant IF-induced 8% weight loss.

IF caused a statistically significant but clinically irrelevant small improvement in OGTT-derived insulin sensitivity indexes.

Preliminary multi-omic data analysis suggests that a non-linear relationship exists between IFi induced weight loss and inhibition of multiple key nutrient-sensing aging pathways.

CONCLUSIONS

More trials are needed to understand the impact of different degrees of energy restriction on metabolic and molecular health in humans, and how fasting should be complemented with diet quality changes during the feast days to maximize clinical and longevity outcomes.

Previously, studies on intermittent fasting in animal models found a lowered risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, inflammation, and other illnesses.

The lead researcher commented: “Our research shows this isn’t the same in humans, who do not have the same response to limiting calories on alternate days when associated with usual diets.”

About the author: At his core, Dr. Joel Kahn believes that plant-based nutrition is the most powerful source of preventative medicine on the planet. Having practiced traditional cardiology since 1983, it was only after his own commitment to a plant-based vegan diet that he truly began to delve into the realm of non-traditional diagnostic tools, prevention tactics, and nutrition-based recovery protocols. 

As with anything you read on the internet, this article should not be construed as medical advice; please talk to your doctor or primary care provider before changing your wellness routine. This article is not intended to provide a medical diagnosis, recommendation, treatment, or endorsement.

Opinion Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy of WHN/A4M. Any content provided by guest authors is of their own opinion and is not intended to malign any religion, ethic group, club, organization, company, individual, or anyone or anything.

Content may be edited for style and length.

References/Sources/Materials provided by:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/joel-kahn-md-757a59225/

https://www.drjoelkahn.com/

https://www.kahnlongevitycenter.com/

https://www.kahnlongevitycenter.com/blog/does-intermittent-fasting-2-3-days-a-week-drop-markers-of-heart-disease

https://agingcelljournal.org/Current_Volume/article1/Intermittent_Fasting_Manuscript_Nov_28_2022.html

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