- New research suggests intermittent fasting (IF) promotes beneficial changes in the gut-brain connection that may protect against neurodegenerative diseases.
- IF boosts beneficial gut bacteria and enhances production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), crucial for brain health.
- Researchers believe IF’s effects on metabolism and gut health could be harnessed for personalised therapies against dementia.
A recent review in the journal Nutrients has outlined how intermittent fasting (IF) triggers protective changes in the gut-brain axis, potentially delaying conditions such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease.
IF appears to boost gut bacteria that produce short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), which play a vital role in brain health.
These SCFAs improve gut integrity, reducing inflammation linked to conditions like Alzheimer’s. Animal studies show that IF increases synaptic density in the brain and reduces toxic proteins associated with dementia.
The review further explains how fasting shifts the body’s metabolism to use ketone bodies, such as beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHB), instead of glucose.
BHB supports brain function by preserving mitochondrial health, reducing inflammation and oxidative stress, and protecting cognitive performance in animal models.
The authors highlight that while these findings are promising, human trials remain limited.
Introducing IF safely to older or cognitively impaired people can be challenging, requiring careful monitoring and possibly digital support tools.
- Research highlights intermittent fasting as an effective diet for weight loss
- Experts urge people to seek medical advice before water-only fasting
- Low carb intake associated with metabolic benefits of short-term fasting
They suggest personalised “precision fasting” tailored to an individual’s genetics, microbiome, and circadian rhythm could optimise IF’s benefits.
Researchers conclude that IF could become a powerful part of multimodal treatments for dementia, especially when combined with exercise or other therapies.
However, robust clinical trials are needed to fully confirm and translate these findings into practice.
