New Study Says Fasting May Reduce Risk of Cancer, Obesity and Diabetes

What a surprise: don't eat and you won't be obese; don't eat and you won't be diabetic.

Our bodies are made to take long breaks from eating. If you stuff your mouth from sun up to sun down every single day, you’re going to pay a heavy price (pun intended).

OPWhen are you collecting your Nobel?

R2 what about the whole eats many small healthy meals thing? I never did that (I almost always save my main meal for dinner and eat very little before then) but nutritionists always pushed that — no more?

Thought they're allowed to eat after dark, no? So not really fasting, but eating less during those 30 days.

This is the only thing I miss about going into the office. I had a great results with fasting until 1-2pm. Its much easier for me to fast during the day at work when I'm busy. Since I've been at home I eat more of course.

For years, I've been fasting for at least 20 consecutive hours, so it's encouraging to see yet another study showing favorable results.

If they elimated sugar as much as possible, they will lose weight without fasting or being hungry and reverse prediabetes. Eliminate/reduce white carbs, the weight comes off even faster. They just don't want to give up the cakes, pies, cookies, double serving of spaghetti...etc.

[QUOTE] what about the whole eats many small healthy meals thing? I never did that (I almost always save my main meal for dinner and eat very little before then) but nutritionists always pushed that — no more?

That was always bullshit, R4. The only people who need to eat like that are bodybuilders trying their hardest to gain weight. What’s that tell you?

Intermittent fasting has made me feel so much better energy wise and even helps me feel more positive

There are proteins that we already know of that protect against cancer? Why aren't we all aware of this and why aren't they available as some kind of preventative medicine?

This is another cost of capitalism. Companies have succeeded at getting people hooked on shit.

Of course, we can't act because "muh soda!", "my sweets!", etc.

I don't see how we escape this cycle.

[QUOTE] I don't see how we escape this cycle.

We escape it by enlightening people about alternative paths.

[QUOTE] Scientists at the Salk Institute found that mice lacking the biological clocks thought to be necessary for a healthy metabolism could still be protected against obesity and metabolic diseases by having their daily access to food restricted to a 10-hour window.

[QUOTE]The work, which appeared in the journal Cell Metabolism, suggests that the health problems associated with disruptions to animals’ 24-hour rhythms of activity and rest—which in humans is linked to eating for most of the day or doing shift work—can be corrected by eating all calories within a 10-hour window.

[QUOTE]“For many of us, the day begins with a cup of coffee first thing in the morning and ends with a bedtime snack 14 or 15 hours later,” says Satchidananda Panda, a professor in Salk’s Regulatory Biology Laboratory and the senior author of the new paper. “But restricting food intake to 10 hours a day, and fasting the rest, can lead to better health, regardless of our biological clock.”

My obese aunt lived to age 88 on RC Cola, pork rinds and Vienna Sausages. Sorry, it's just genes.

Are you saying eating caused my obesity?? You're fat shaming! You should fuck me BECAUSE I'm fat!

I've been intermittent fasting for about 4 years now and I feel so much less shitty in the mornings. I think breakfast generally always made me feel groggy. I eat two medium-sized meals a a day and two snacks. Thats enough for me. Breakfast is just extra calories.

The Ramadan period diet restricts liquids during daylight, too. How are we going to go without a sippy cup for 12 hours?

I know Muslims who would workout during the day during Ramadan while fasting. That's nuts. I always need to have water and a protein shake afterwards.

This is just an ad for conversion to Islam.

"Intermittent fasting" has been a thing for a while. Thought I never really thought of not eating for 10-12 hours as "fasting."

I've done it consistently for periods and your body can adjust, but some of days early on can be tough. And it's tough when your daily exercise is more than normal.

Intermittent fasting has been a thing for most of mankind’s existence. We just got away from it thanks to supermarkets and preservatives and plastic-wrapped garbage, etc.

I'm sure the breakfast cereal industry and the egg lobby loved pushing that "breakfast is the most important meal of the day" bullshit. Before that, I was sick at the thought of eating before noon. Since learning about intermittent fasting, I went back to my natural inclination and I feel much better not trying to gag down food in the morning.

Hey, I’d do it if I weren’t hypoglycemic. Going more than 6 hours without a meal is like a death sentence.

R23, or that you should be drinking cow milk everyday.

Cow’s milk, R25?

I’ve been doing Jenny Craig & hit a wall after losing 8 lbs. I had to cut out dinner to start losing again.

The Internet is a font of misinformation that’s cut, pasted & repeated. “You need to have 6 small meals a day!”

No. You dont. 6 small meals = you’re training yourself to eat every 2 hours. That’s ridiculous. Do you think our ancestors ate every 2 hours?

“You can’t skip a meal! It’s unhealthy! You must eat 3 meals a day, especially breakfast!” No you don’t have to eat 3 meals a day if you don’t want to. You can skip breakfast every day. You’ll be fine.

I eat a small protein bar instead of dinner. I should really try to fast. I’ll bet our ancestors only ate twice a day. But is still think people should drink water at least once after the dawn meal. Going all day without water while working is a bit much, especially for doctors & nurses. I remember the first time I came across a Muslim doctor. He was an anesthesiologist who was fasting for Ramadan and I was like, “Sorry. I do not want a doctor putting me under who hasn’t had anything to drink all day long.”

[quote] But is still think people should drink water at least once after the dawn meal.

I mis-edited. I meant Muslim people during Ramadan

I don’t know how Muslims do it without water. Everything I’ve read about intermittent fasting recommends that you drink plenty of water.

[quote] I know Muslims who would workout during the day during Ramadan while fasting. That's nuts. I always need to have water and a protein shake afterwards.

R19 is sucking the Muslims off for his protein shake afterwards.

R4 I've been eating that way for over 10 years and successfully keeping weight off.

Breakfast is the main meal. Lunch a bit. Dinner like a pauper then to bed.

R31 types fat from her mother's basement.

I lived in a Muslim area of the world and during Ramadan life would really slow done. Work was very much slowed down. I think this is how. they can get through long hot days without water/food.

This is a lie! Eating McDonald's all day keeps you slim! That's why I weigh 160 pounds.

R23, I'm not part of the "egg lobby" but I don't know how anyone goes without breakfast. When I wake up I'm starving.

Monks will do the 12 hour fast thing, which is easy to do. Have you last meal at 6pm, then when you wake up, have your breakfast at 6am or later.

A 12 hour fast isn’t long enough, imo. It takes food hours to digest completely, so how long as you really fasting for?

It's long enough for the fatties in America. Baby steps, r38.

I'm not fat but I don't know how people can go 10+ hours without eating. I eat small meals throughout the day and that works for me.

Fasting or "concentrated eating" certainly can work. But, there's always been plenty of non-overweight people who never consciously fasted. Fasting, Atkins, paleo, low fat, low carb - it's all a work around because Americans can't limit themselves and eat moderately and sensibly.

R9, bodybuilders are not eating small meals throughout the day. They're eating several meals but it's a total of 8000 calories or more.

These threads are full of terrible advice. "Our ancestors didn't eat every 2 hours so if you eat every 2 hours you're doing it wrong!" is ridiculous. It's just some metaphor that isn't based on any actual research.

Anyone who is seriously looking for advice should consult professionals and check legitimate websites like Mayo Clinic, WebMD, Cleveland Clinic, UCLA Health, Harvard, etc. And they all say that we're still learning and results are mixed. Intermittent fasting is the newest thing that has shown results, but in a couple years it may very well be at the same state as small meals throughout the day is now: initial promising studies, then later studies that called its benefits into question.

R42 = Nabisco PR shill

Fasting sounds ok but self flagellation is a blast.

Longtime IFer with an appointment in 2 weeks with an oral surgeon for a biopsy on a palatal lesion, so, even though my only risk factor for oral cancer is being over the age of 40, the practice can only do so much.

The study didn’t conclude that it would make you impervious to cancer.

And good luck on your biopsy, R45.

There's no more reliable medical school than the Baylor College of Medicine!

During my training, I did research with Mark Mattson on caloric restriction.

He practiced what he preached; as young MDs/PhDs we would quietly joke that he was anorexic.

The whole idea of caloric reduction/fasting might have beneficial results, stems from my time working with him.

This is why, on another thread I relayed my experience of a 25-day water fast.

Thanks, R47!

I'm gonna die. In the history of man, no one's cheated or beaten death. Of the billions of people who die, no one remembers the majority. I'm gonna eat.

It's reassuring to hear others are feeling gagged at the suggestion of breakfast. I need to experience a movement between each meal, or else I have no desire to add more food to my system. I have been consistent lunch between one and two, and dinner between eight and nine. Sometimes I skip lunch.

I haven't had regular snacks or tea since 1985. Sometimes I'll grab an apple, berries or trail mix with nuts and raisins if I've had an exceptional amount of physical exercise, or if I've skipped lunch. I find this urge becoming less frequent with age. I also find I require smaller portions at dinner. I still enjoy decadently rich dishes at dinner, but strive to keep carbs low.

R16 IS Roxane Gay!

I'm surprised eating food faster has so many benefits. I guess I'll give it a shot.

My best friend from high school is Muslim. He would gain weight over Ramadan because he would sit up all night snacking.

[QUOTE] In an eight-week trial, published in Cell Metabolism, scientists randomly assigned 58 obese men and women to three groups. The first ate whatever they wanted without counting calories, but only between 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. The second ate what they wanted between 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. The third, a control group, ate without restrictions.

[QUOTE]In both of the groups that practiced time-restricted fasting, participants consumed an average of 550 fewer calories a day and lost about 3 percent of their body weight. Compared with the controls, both groups had significantly reduced fat mass, reductions in oxidative stress, and reductions in both fasting insulin and insulin resistance, which suggest a reduced risk for diabetes. Blood pressure, heart rate, cholesterol and triglyceride levels were unaffected.

[QUOTE] “Our main finding here is that time-restricted fasting cuts out 550 calories a day, which is very hard to do in an ordinary calorie-restricted diet,” said the senior author, Krista A. Varady, a professor of nutrition at the University of Illinois, Chicago. “The coolest part is that it’s so simple. All you have to do is watch the clock.”

People really only need two meals per day: Brunch and Cocktail Hour

[Quote] New Study Says Fasting May Reduce Risk of Cancer, Obesity and Diabetes

It's true!

I never had cancer.

Could have been a little slimmer, though.

I agree, people eat too much, which is why so many Americans are obese. 2 meals a day works for me, have great energy and I feel better overall

Fuck that.

Ramadan isn't fasting, peope eat after sundown usually much more than they would during a normal day. Also not drinking any water during hot summer days is hardly good for your health.

Stupid religious rules! As always Islam takes them to the extremes.

Ramadan is indeed fasting, R61. If anything it’s fasting in its strictest form since it doesn’t involve drinking (which I think is unnecessary).

No food after 3 PM, until light breakfast the next morning at 8. No weight gain in 20 years.

Eating a whole day's worth of calories before going to bed is what makes people fat. The muslims have it ass backwards--fast in the dark, eat in the light.

I don’t think the time really matters, R63. It’s a personal preference. There are forms of fasting such as the Warrior Diet that involve fasting all day and eating one huge meal at night just like Ramadan. If you adhered to the same calories and ate before bed, you probably still wouldn’t gain any weight.

I think part of the benefit of not eating at night, however, is that many people are emotional night eaters who devour the worst kinds of food imaginable when the sun is down and their mind is racing with worrying thoughts. If that’s the case then saying “I won’t eat after 8” certainly helps. But if you’re on a paleo diet eating meat and veggies late at night after a workout, you should be fine.

Finally, some good news!

I eat my last meal of the day at 7pm and skip breakfast. So that’s an 18-hour interval without eating. When I do eat, I’m a little health conscious but not much. The other night I made fettuccine Alfredo but only ate a smaller portion and also had a big green salad.

I also workout 4-days a week. Anyway, my energy levels are through the roof. It’s a radical difference from when I ate whatever I wanted 3 times a day. And I went from 230 lbs down to 195.

It’s not rocket science. One less meal, then just be a little healthier in the food you eat and your body will adjust. It’s made a world of difference for me.

Fasting cuts calories naturally. Eating 550 less calories a day? That adds up, but not in a quick, shock-diet type of way, giving you a much stronger chance of actually sticking with it. After you’ve reached your desired health goals, you don’t stop because you’ve now automatically got the perfect maintenance regimen. Then you won’t have to worry about the pounds coming back like the aftermath of some fad diet.

[QUOTE] “Our main finding here is that time-restricted fasting cuts out 550 calories a day, which is very hard to do in an ordinary calorie-restricted diet,” said the senior author, Krista A. Varady, a professor of nutrition at the University of Illinois, Chicago. “The coolest part is that it’s so simple. All you have to do is watch the clock.”

I first read this as "New Study Says FISTING May Reduce Risk of Cancer, Obesity and Diabetes.'

[quote] I first read this as "New Study Says FISTING May Reduce Risk of Cancer, Obesity and Diabetes.'

There are many examples of critical early detection of colorectal cancer because of fisting!

You’ve got to get your mind out of the gutter, R68. Intermittent fasting can enhance the mind as well as the body, leading to an increased mental acuity that can afford you the opportunity to read more, learn a different language or expand your skills with new hobbies. When you cleanse the body, you cleanse your mind and cleanse your spirit.

[QUOTE] It makes sense that humans would have adapted this physiological function as a means of survival. According to the journal Neuroscience, “Those individuals whose brains functioned best during periods of resource scarcity would be the most successful in meeting the challenges. From an evolutionary perspective, intermittent running and food deprivation (involuntary fasting) have been the most common energetic challenges our brains and bodies experience.”

[QUOTE] Intermittent fasting also causes an increase in a molecule known as BDNF (brain-derivated neurotrophic factor) which plays a role in important aspects of brain function relating to mood and cognitive function such as regulating serotonin metabolism, improving synaptic plasticity, and increasing the brain’s ability to resist aging

[quote]It makes sense that humans would have adapted this physiological function as a means of survival. According to the journal Neuroscience, “Those individuals whose brains functioned best during periods of resource scarcity would be the most successful in meeting the challenges. From an evolutionary perspective, intermittent running and food deprivation (involuntary fasting) have been the most common energetic challenges our brains and bodies experience.”

Oh please. The worst kind of speculative pseudo-science. Straight out of Rudyard Kipling's "Just So Stories".

Daylight fasting is not real fasting.

I found myself that not eating enough makes me hold onto my weight. I find it very, very, tricky to find the sweet spot.

One example: numerous times while trying on clothes and they’re a touch snug, I go eat something and I shrink ever so much. It’s like I needed to get my engine started and burning. Does that make sense?

Does that fasting include cum?

R73, that makes sense to me. I have thrifty peasant genes that hold on to every last calorie when I’m not eating “enough”.

This sounds somewhat similar to zig zag dieting where you alternate high and low calorie days to keep your metabolism from plateauing. Maybe zig zag is a more moderate form of intermittent fasting.

[quote] but in a couple years it may very well be at the same state as small meals throughout the day is now: initial promising studies, then later studies that called its benefits into question.

I hadn’t heard this. So the small meals 6 times a day is bad for you or not effective?

Fasting means reducing, you don't reduce food intake if you eat only after sun down.

Ramadan is just another test to see how much people are willing to suffer for their authoritarian religion.

Soda is white trash

The only annoying thing about dealing with people who fast for Ramadan is that they have the WORST BO IMAGINABLE while they're doing it.

[QUOTE] Fasting means reducing, you don't reduce food intake if you eat only after sun down.

Where is that written, R78? Fasting usually leads to reduced calories but it doesn’t necessarily have to be so.

I've done the intermittent fasting thing and had success losing weight. Usually a small period of hunger pangs at night, but it goes away. Only problem - sleep was always iffy. I usually didn't sleep as well.

Your cut off was probably too early, R82.

Fasting can be flexible. When you eat doesn’t have to be set in stone. Some programs, such as Eat Stop Eat, are based on a couple 24 hour fasts every week. But you can mix that concept up with others.

Say I do a daily eating window with a 9pm cutoff, but I’m going out on Saturday night and I know I’m going to be eating and drinking late. Then maybe I’d get up at 10, eat breakfast on Sunday morning and fast for 24 hours until Monday afternoon, where I’m back to my normal routine of eating between 12-9pm. By utilizing a 24 hour fast, I can break protocol to have some fun while still keeping my body used to intermittent fasting and not increasing my caloric intake.

Earlier I mentioned the Warrior Diet, which involves fasting all day and eating one large meal at night (something guys like Gen. Stanley McChrystal do). If you can’t sleep on an empty stomach and you’re sitting around in an office chair at work, not really needing to eat much, you may find something like that preferable.

That's what I did, R84. I generally tried to do a 12-13 hour "fast." So cut off at 8 or 9 pm and then don't eat again until sometime between 8 and 11 am the next morning. But, it could be as little as 10 or 11 hours occasionally; just occasionally. Once I was in the groove and knew it was working I wasn't going to wait an extra hour if I was really, really hungry on a particular day.

When I would go out; I might be eating or drinking at 11 pm or midnight. Knowing I was going out, I would probably not eat as much before I went out. And then I wouldn't eat the next day until noon or 1pm and then to reset I'd cut off that day at my regular 8 or 9. So the eating window was simply shorter the day after I "went late." I'm generally too active to do a 24 hour fast reset, though I've never tried,

My perhaps stupid question - If you are trying to limit eating to an 8 to 10 hour window each day does coffee with milk but no sugar count as “eating?” Is only water allowed outside that window - whenever it starts and stops.

I definitely drank coffee (black) outside the eating window, R86 - especially in the morning. Made it easier to put off eating for an hour or two longer. I'm a black coffee drinker, so I think there's like 5 calories per 12 oz or something minimal. Maybe some people don't allow themselves that, but I did, and it didn't seem to hinder the overall process.

With milk? That would seem more like eating since there's more calories - the whole thing is calorie restriction outside the eating time; doesn't matter if they're consumed via food or drink. But, if it's just a splash of milk; it probably wouldn't be fatal, but I'm no expert. At some point the exceptions have to be cut off.

How do you get used to being so fucking hungry all the time? Are you taking any appetite suppressants?

R26 cow milk is fine grammatically. Would you have us saying almond’s milk?

R45 I hope the you got the all-clear on your biopsy results.

r88, drinking fluids. A lot of times, the brain thinks that thirst is really hunger.

R88, not that I never get hungry outside of my 2-4 window for eating, but I think that your body can generally adapt.

Don't some people believe that being on a constant very low calorie diet will extend their life spans?

I've been fasting today. It's 10 pm and I haven't eaten anything. I feel great.

[Quote]Since learning about intermittent fasting, I went back to my natural inclination and I feel much better not trying to gag down food in the morning.

Same.

OP I thought you said... Fisting.

Pay attention R95 - it’s INTERMiTENT fisting. Surprise anal can prolong your life - it’s SCIENCE!!

It MAY.

And it may not too!

[QUOTE] How do you get used to being so fucking hungry all the time? Are you taking any appetite suppressants?

What really helped me R88 was cutting all desserts, sweets and refined sugar. After kicking sugar to the curb, my appetite plummeted. It seems that my “hunger” was mostly sugar cravings of varying intensity. Fasting becomes a lot easier when you’ve removed sugar and its strong addictive properties from your system.

For those looking to reduce hunger, sleeping more (when possible, of course) and fiber+protein are key. I highly recommend Kirkland protein bars, particularly the cookie dough and brownie ones. 15 grams of fiber and 20 grams of protein each.

I’m a sugar whore

When the body goes without food for a while, what we call fasting, two important things happen.

First, the body experiences mild stress and tries to increase efficiency and prepare for tough times. This mild stress brings about increased repair, increased elimination of toxins and recycling of nutrients. Consequently, your body functions better. Of course, fasting for too long has negative impacts.

Second, the body often runs out of glucose, its primary source of fuel, and begins to rely on ketones, a source of fuel that comes from fats stored in the body. Therefore, the body begins to breakdown fat as a source of energy. Breaking down fat can lead to weight loss which is why many people would like to have ketones as their primary source of fuel.

Intermittent fasting can, therefore, be something quite healthy. It can be done in various ways. The most common is what is called 16:8 fasting, where you fast for 16 straight hours and eat only over a window of 8 hours. For example, dinner at 6 pm and breakfast at 10 am. Others do what is called OMAD (One Meal A Day). And others fast whole days or more. The idea is that there should be a long enough period without food.

That said, your body should be able to go 16 hours without food comfortably. Do not be afraid to go without food for a short while. Besides, intermittent fasting should be a comfortable process. If it is not and you feel bad or very uncomfortable, then your body will no longer experience mild stress but moderate to extreme stress which will undermine the benefits of the fast. So, always ensure you are comfortable.

Begin with a 12-hour fast and slowly but comfortably work your way to 16 hours or more. Again, please do not overdo it, or it becomes stressful on the body.

By the way, intermittent fasting is not a new and western concept. It was always a part of traditional African life. People ate early dinners and later breakfast after going out to work or dig.

Intermittent fasting is something we should all occasionally do but always listen to your body. If you feel hungry, eat but next time try to go longer without food. Eventually, your body will adapt. However, if you have diabetes or any other medical condition, seek the advice of your doctor before doing intermittent fasting.

If it’s called fasting, then why does it take so damn long?

Most of us could go a long while just burning Pitt body fat for fuel.

[quote]just burning Pitt body fat for fuel.

What was this supposed to mean?

I have no idea r106, but they did use body fat for making soaps in, "Fight Club".

The body fat remains. Stop saying it burns away. The shit shrinks and you experience invisible jiggling the rest of your fucking life.

A constructive share is that I get a lot accomplished waiting to eat a late breakfast and I don’t lose all energy in the afternoon. An eight o’clock dinner is slower paced.

We really don't need a ton of food every day, portion sizes in restaurants have jumped considerably over the years.