INTERMITTENT FASTING

Intermittent Fasting

Intermittent Fasting

Introduction

Different researches have proved that Dietary Restriction (DR) extends the lifespan and health span to a remarkable extent. Different experiments have been conducted on a range of species, from mammals to yeast. However, the way DR extends the span is still a question. A research conducted by the department of genetics, studied whether the life span is extended by dietary restrictions through distinct, universal or overlapping pathways. In this regard, the researchers examined the genetic pathways that intervene the extension of lifespan by DR in Caenorhabditis elegans (a type of roundworm). The study was previously linked with the findings of a previous study which stated that low energy sensing, complex protein kinase and forkhead factor of transcription plays a significant role in prolonged existence stimulated by DR treatment, which was developed by the researchers.

It was found that complex protein kinase and forkhead factor were the primary constituents of a longer life span induced by some other DR treatment; however, these are not necessary for two other DR methods used for inducing extended lifespan. The interesting fact here is that complex protein kinase is also necessary for extension of lifespan bring forth by resrevatol (a type of naturally occurring polyphenol which imitates some factors of DR. In contrast to this finding, the researchers tested that whether the gene which previously intervened the extension of lifespan by different DR methods, also intervened in the DR treatment designed by researchers. It was found that except that five genes are essential for the process of life extension induced by the DR treatment developed by the researchers. In addition to this, it was also found that different DR treatments are imperative for making the most of the benefits which DR provides in extending lifespan and health span (Geer and Brunet, 2009).

Discussion

Keeping in view the research that has been mentioned above, it can be said that IF have a great impact on the internal body systems of organisms. In the forthcoming section of this paper, we would be reviewing different papers which identify the positive impact of IF on the internal body systems of rodents and mammals.

Impact of Intermittent Fasting on Cardioprotection in Rats

Intermittent Fasting (IF) is a method of dietary restriction in which food is provided skipping one day. This helps in increasing the life span and decreases the risks of diseases emerging with the advancements in age. This study was conducted on rodents, keeping in view the neuroprotective effects which IF provides against ischemic brain injury, it focuses on examining the effects of IF on ischemic injury of heart in rats. The researchers started IF in rats from the age of two months, and then coronary artery litigation was introduced which resulted in myocardial infarction (MI). After 24 hours, the size of MI reduced in the group of those rats which were on IF; not only this, the number of myocytes at risk of ischemic injury were also reduced along with reduced inflammatory ...