Fasting Improves Metabolic Syndrome

Metabolic syndrome is diagnosed when a person develops at least three of the following five medical conditions:

• abdominal obesity

• high blood pressure

• high blood sugar

• high serum triglycerides

• low serum high-density lipoprotein

Metabolic syndrome substantially increases the risk of cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes, which can lead to serious complications and possible death. To treat metabolic syndrome, weight loss is often the first treatment option. Unfortunately, weight loss is not easy and often frustrates and demoralizes those suffering from metabolic syndrome. However, scientists discovered that intermittent fasting1

1. Reduces fat mass: Fat is energy stored on the body. That fat energy is accessed when energy from food intake is restricted, resulting in fat loss. Intermittent fasting gradually reduces fat on the body, resulting in healthy weight loss.

2. Relieves oxidative stress: Oxidative stress is when free radicals and antioxidants are out of balance. This imbalance can cause large scale chemical reactions in the body because free radicals react so easily with other molecules. Intermittent fasting strengthens cell resistance to oxidative stress.2

3. Regulates inflammatory cytokines: Cytokines control the inflammatory response as part of immune response. This inflammatory response can get into a recurring cycle, which causes extended inflammation and eventual cell damage. Intermittent fasting regulates this immune response. 3

4. Improves vasodilation: The vascular system dilates and constricts as needed so that the proper oxygen can reach all parts of the body. However, people with obesity have blood vessels that are more resistant to vasodilation. Intermittent fasting reduces weight and, therefore, the pressure that decreases the ability of blood vessels to dilate and contract as needed. 4

5. Improves gut microbiota communities: Intermittent fasting increased the production of short-chain fatty acids and decreased the circulating levels of lipopolysaccharides. This gut microbiota alteration results in distinct genetic shifts of carbohydrate metabolism in the gut community, increasing functional pathways in the gut microbiota that reduces cardiometabolic risks. 5

1. https://academic.oup.com/jcem/article/106/1/64/5918106

2. https://www.healthline.com/health/oxidative-stress

3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8590100/

4. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/327402#what-affects-it

5. https://content.iospress.com/articles/nutrition-and-healthy-aging/nha200098