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The viral claim on social media that fasting can cure diseases has sparked widespread debate and curiosity, where proponents of the practice often cite intermittent fasting and extended fasting as powerful tools for promoting overall health, weight loss, and even curing certain chronic diseases. Claiming that their grandparents practiced it and, therefore, lived longer, these people argue that fasting can enhance autophagy, the body’s natural process of clearing damaged cells and regenerating new ones, potentially leading to better metabolic health and reduced inflammation, but is this really true?
Indian television actress Chhavi Mittal recently shared a video on her Instagram handle explaining how her mother told her about her grandfather, who passed away at the age of 101, that he never took antibiotics when he was sick. He would rarely take paracetamol, but would stop eating food to heal himself under the logic that everything is connected to the gut. Hence, he would let the gut heal and get well in two days.
In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Dr Subrata Das, head of the department of internal medicine and diabetes at Sakra World Hospital, Bengaluru, explained, “Eating whole, nutrient-rich foods is vital to maintain health and protect the body from disease, as their unique components work in ways that supplements cannot. The gut microbiome, which is a population of bacteria and other microorganisms that live in the human digestive tract, is vital for overall health.”
He explained, “Maintaining a healthy balance of these bacteria, known as homeostasis, is critical. Conversely, an imbalance, known as dysbiosis, may contribute to chronic diseases such as inflammatory bowel disease, obesity, cancer and autism. The gut microbiome, which consists of trillions of bacteria, viruses and fungi, is essential for supporting digestion and immune, heart and brain functions. The gut microbiome, which is primarily found in the large intestine, contains more bacterial cells than human cells and effectively acts as an additional organ.”
Dr. Subrata Das emphasizes, “A healthy diet can reduce the risk of diseases such as heart disease, diabetes and some cancers and improve overall health. However, diet alone cannot replace medical treatment, as genetics, lifestyle and environmental factors also play an important role in health. Therefore, medical care is necessary to treat many conditions.”
Pondering whether improving gut health can replace antibiotics in treating the disease, Dr Rajeshwari Panda, Head, Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Medicover Hospitals, Navi Mumbai, highlights these points:
Do not take antibiotics:
Whether or not to take antibiotics when you’re sick depends on the nature of the illness. Antibiotics are effective against bacterial infections but do not treat viral infections. Taking antibiotics unnecessarily can contribute to antibiotic resistance and disrupt the natural balance of bacteria in your body, including your gut microbiome. Therefore, it’s important to follow medical advice and take antibiotics only when prescribed by a healthcare professional for a bacterial infection that requires them.
Diet during illness:
It is generally recommended that you continue to eat a balanced diet, even if you are sick. Proper nutrition helps support your immune system and overall health. However, during certain illnesses, particularly those affecting the gastrointestinal tract, you may need to adjust your diet. For example, if you have nausea, vomiting or diarrhea, you may want to focus on consuming clear liquids or easy-to-digest foods until your symptoms improve. Staying hydrated and listening to your body’s cues about food intake is essential.
Gut health and disease:
The gut plays a vital role in overall health, including immune function, digestion, and even mental health. While not every illness or disease is directly related to the gut, the health of your gut microbiome can affect various aspects of your health. Factors such as diet, stress, medications, and lifestyle can affect gut health. Some conditions, such as certain types of gastrointestinal infections or disorders, are clearly linked to gut health. However, other diseases may have more complex causes involving genetics, environmental factors, and overall immune system function.
Dr. Rajeshwari Panda emphasises, “While it is important to support your body’s natural healing processes and maintain gut health, the approach to managing the disease needs to be individualised based on the specific condition and medical advice. It is essential to seek guidance from healthcare professionals to ensure you are taking the appropriate steps to recover and maintain overall health.”
Medical experts warn that although some studies have suggested potential benefits, fasting is not a one-size-fits-all solution and may not be suitable for everyone, especially those with existing health issues. It’s important to approach fasting with careful deliberation and seek professional medical advice to ensure it’s done safely and effectively.
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