Fasting triggers stem cell regeneration of damaged, old immune system
Wow! That is amazing news. And it’s not just mice, the study includes a Phase 1 human clinical trial. Interesting, too, how they define “prolonged” fasting as only 2-4 days.
I plan to keep an eye on this guy Valter Longo and his research.
Here’s a link to the study mentioned:
Prolonged Fasting Reduces IGF-1/PKA to Promote Hematopoietic-Stem-Cell-Based Regeneration and Reverse Immunosuppression http://www.cell.com/cell-stem-cell/fulltext/S1934-5909(14)00151-9
The proregenerative effects of fasting on stem cells were recapitulated by deficiencies in either IGF-1 or PKA and blunted by exogenous IGF-1. These findings link the reduced levels of IGF-1 caused by fasting to PKA signaling and establish their crucial role in regulating hematopoietic stem cell protection, self-renewal, and regeneration.
From the article:
“A low-calorie fasting-like diet, plus chemotherapy, enables the immune system to recognize and kill skin and breast cancer cells, according to a new USC-led study on mice.”
I’ve noticed a significant reduction in the incidence of my keratosis (non cancerous skin growths), SCC & BCC’s since beginning my fasting routines. I have had to use Efudix (chemo cream) to keep them at bay in the past.
Considering I’ve been getting them for over 35 years I think this is not a coincidence!