Quote:
Originally Posted by donheff
I didn't read the studies and would be interested in a more complete summary of what they show. I have seen studies over the years that didn't impress me. A few were random controlled (gold standard) studies showing drastic caloric restriction led to longer lifespans in mice. Some longevity nut cases applied this by essentially staring themselves but constant or even prolonged hunger has no appeal for me. I also skimmed a few observational studies that showed modest/marginal benefits of intermittent short term fasts in humans. I assume that is what you are most interested in. Do any of the studies show substantial effects? I wouldn't engage in such restrictions unless I saw a good likelihood of substantial benefits. We are not likely to ever see random controlled human studies of this sort - too hard, too long. But are there any random controlled mice studies of intermittent fasting and longevity or other health effects?
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Being constantly hungry would not appeal to me as well. Now fasting for 36 hours night/day/night is not overly difficult once you do it few times and know what to expect. Hours number 18-24 take some strong will
rest is pretty easy.
You can google what benefits this provides. Most studies are not 100% sure about longevity, but they are pretty sure about benefits to Blood Pressure, Strokes, Hard attacks, Diabetes, Parkinson's Disease, Alzheimer's, Cancer rates (because it lowers IGF-1 and stimulates destruction of weak cells), lower bad cholesterol...to name some
It is about living more years healthy without need for medications, enjoying life...and being healthy is good for a wallet as well.
Most Americans do not suffer from being 6 feet tall and being 120 pounds and unable to walk
. Most of us are happy if we maintain healthy weigh. Fasting 1-2 times a week will not make you walking skeleton.