In a recent research analysis, moderate intermittent fasting was shown to be an effective anti-inflammatory diet. In addition, according to the study authors, intermittent fasting could not only help with weight loss, but alsohelp against inflammation. The study results show that such a diet increases the level of galectin-3. This is a protein related to inflammatory responses.
Prevent type 2 diabetes and heart disease with an anti-inflammatory diet
Previous research has also shown that intermittent fasting, an eating pattern that alternates between periods of fasting and eating, can improve health markers that are not just related to weight. Inflammation in the body is linked to a higher risk of chronic diseases such as diabetes and heart disease. Now the research team is encouraged to see evidence that intermittent fasting causes the body to fight inflammation and reduce these risks. The scientists also found that intermittent fasting leads to a decrease in metabolic syndrome (MS) and insulin resistance. This specific study examined 67 patients aged 21 to 70 years. All had at least one feature of metabolic syndrome or type 2 diabetes. However, the participants were not taking antidiabetic drugs or cholesterol-lowering drugs and had elevated LDL cholesterol levels. Half of the subjects followed an intermittent diet plan for 22 weeks.
After 26 weeks, the researchers then measured the participants' galectin-3. They found that it was increased in the intermittent fasting group. Additionally, the team also observed lower rates of HOMA-IR (insulin resistance) and metabolic syndrome, which the researchers believe are similar to the reported effects of SGLT-2 inhibitors. This is a class of medications used to treat high blood sugar levels in patients with type 2 diabetes. By finding higher levels of galectin-3 in patients who were fasting, these results represent an interesting mechanism that may help reduce the risk of heart failure and diabetes, according to the study authors.This research worksuggests that such an anti-inflammatory diet could have a positive impact on overall health in at-risk patients. In contrast to very restrictive diet plans that promise rapid weight loss, moderate intermittent fasting has several health benefits.
