Fasting diets lower excess cholesterol and could protect against diabetes

[DCUK NewsBot]

Researchers show that intermittent fasting diets help lower cholesterol which could reduce insulin resistance and help prevent type 2 diabetes developing. The study was carried out by Intermountain Medical Center in Murray, Utah. Participants were aged between 30 and 69 and had at least 3 of the following 5 diabetes risk factors: High fasting blood glucose levels High triglyceride levels Low levels of HDL cholesterol ('good' cholesterol) High blood pressure A large waist measurement The participants took part in a diet which involved included single days for which only water was the only food or drink to be consumed. The researchers observed effect on cholesterol through the 6 week study. The research team found that whilst cholesterol went up on fasting days, by the end of the study, cholesterol levels of the participants dropped by 12%. The researchers believe that the higher cholesterol on fasting days is from the body releasing extra cholesterol from fat cells to be used up for energy by other cells of the body. Excess storage of fat is a known contributor to insulin resistance and therefore a mechanism, such as fasting, which promotes loss of excess fat and lowering cholesterol plays a part in reducing the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. The researchers note that further research studies, such as over a longer period of time than six weeks, will be needed to confirm the benefits found in this study.

Continue reading...

 

[Scouser58]

There are many comments of fasting diets, that also say that it could encourage poor overall control of the diet. What if without realising it some people are already becoming/become diabetic and fasting would not be a good idea, hypo's etc. What would also happen if these trying to fast, also started using the Victoza drug, to get more weight loss?? There was only s 6 week study done, maybe this information should not have been released this early. It also said that the cholesterol levels rose on fasting days, to be taken for energy production, well what are the effects on the heart while this use of cholestrol is being used? not happy with that idea, surley this would place too musch stress on a body that is already feeling under stress.