Can Fasting Boost Your Immune System?

Fasting as a practice is as old as humanity. In recent years, fasting has gained attention as a useful strategy to improve body composition. In truth, fasting delivers multiple health benefits and has been shown to have profound effects on the immune system. A recent study from Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, published in the journal Immunity, highlights how fasting can enhance the body’s natural defenses, particularly in the context of cancer.

Researchers found that fasting reprograms the metabolism of natural killer (NK) cells, crucial components of the immune system known for their ability to destroy cancer cells and infected cells. During fasting, NK cells adapt to using fatty acids as an energy source instead of glucose, which is typically scarce in the tumor environment. This metabolic shift enhances their survival and effectiveness in fighting cancer.

Additionally, fasting promotes the redistribution of NK cells within the body, increasing their presence in the bone marrow and spleen. This process is associated with heightened production of key cytokines like Interferon-gamma, which boosts the anti-tumor response. The study’s findings suggest that fasting could potentially improve the outcomes of cancer treatments by making NK cells more resilient and functional in hostile environments.

Beyond cancer, fasting also supports overall immune function. Regular fasting can reduce chronic inflammation, a common factor in many diseases, and improve metabolic health, which in turn supports a robust immune response. For the broader population, fasting can help manage conditions like obesity and type 2 diabetes, both of which are linked to impaired immune function.

Whether in the context of cancer therapy or general health, integrating fasting into your lifestyle can bolster your body’s natural defenses, contributing to improved well-being and longevity.