Fasting can generate entire immune system: Research Study
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ISLAMABAD, Jun 12 (APP): Fasting can generate entire immune system: Research Study
Scientists at the University of Southern California have found that fasting for as little as three days can regenerate the entire immune system in humans.
The scientists said that the discovery could be particularly beneficial for people suffering from damaged immune systems, such as cancer patients on chemotherapy, Radio Pakistan reported.
It could also help the elderly whose immune system becomes less effective as they age, making it harder for them to fight off even common diseases.
Traditionally nutritionists have criticized the fasting diets for being unhealthy, however, researchers said, starving kick-starts stem cells into producing new white blood cells. White blood cells fight off infection, the report added.
"It gives the `OK' for stem cells to go ahead and begin proliferating and rebuild the entire system," said Prof Valter Longo, Professor of Gerontology and the Biological Sciences at the University of California.
The researchers said fasting, "flips a regenerative switch" which prompts stem cells to create brand new white blood cells, essentially regenerating the entire immune system.
