In the News: Fasting once a month could help stave off a heart attack

Fasting for one day a month cuts the risk of coronary artery disease by up to 40 per cent, compared with those who eat every day, according research presented at the recent American Heart Association conference in Orlando.

 

Experts believe the break from food could help ‘re-set’ the body’s metabolism, enabling it to work more efficiently as a result. The findings come from a study of Mormons, members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, which requires followers to fast once a month. It has been recognised since the 1970s that Mormons have lower rates of heart disease than other Americans.

 

The research suggests that people who fast seem to receive a heart-protective benefit and this appeared to also hold true in non-LDS (Latter Day Saints) people who fast as part of a health-conscious lifestyle. The study examined the records of patients who had had a coronary angiography – an X-ray examination of the blood vessels of the heart to look for blockages – between 1994 and 2002. Of 4,629 men and women whose arteries could be clearly examined, Mormons were less likely to have coronary artery disease.

 

Altogether, 61 per cent of Mormons had heart disease compared with 66 per cent of others.

 

A further study of 515 patients who had angiography between 2004 and 2006 found those who fasted were significantly less likely to be diagnosed with coronary artery disease than those who did not fast – 59 per cent compared with 67 per cent. >From these figured, the reduction in risk of coronary artery disease was extrapolated as 39 per cent. Although the researchers also found healthier arteries in diabetics who fasted, they insist it might be dangerous for those with diabetes to start fasting without medical supervision.

 

Time and time again I’ve warned against fasting as it can lead to swings in blood sugar and metabolism and resulting weight gain but a well controlled ‘fast,’ every few months for a maximum of 24 hours can be a great way to give your digestive system a boost. During your 24 hour ‘fast’ you should drink as much water as possible, rest as much as possible and eat plenty of fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds and fresh juice to give your body plenty of nutrients to help it detox naturally.

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