New York: If you want to help slow down your brain from ageing and increase your lifespan than follow diet patterns like intermittent fasting or restrict your calorie intake, suggests a study, led by researchers one of Indian-origin. A team of scientists at the Buck Institute for ‘Research on Ageing’ in California have found a role for a gene called OXR1 that is necessary for the lifespan extension seen with dietary restriction and is essential for healthy brain ageing.
Intermittent fasting (IF) is a popular trend in the health and wellness world, known for its potential benefits for weight loss, metabolism, and overall health. But recent research suggests that intermittent fasting may also have a positive impact on brain ageing.
Brain ageing is a natural process that occurs as we age, characterized by a decline in cognitive function and an increased risk of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. However, emerging evidence suggests that intermittent fasting may help slow down this process and even improve brain function.
One of the ways intermittent fasting may benefit brain ageing is through its effects on the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). BDNF is a protein that promotes the growth and survival of neurons, and low levels of BDNF have been linked to age-related cognitive decline. Studies have shown that intermittent fasting can increase BDNF levels in the brain, potentially helping to protect against age-related neurodegeneration.
In addition to boosting BDNF levels, intermittent fasting may also improve brain function by promoting autophagy. Autophagy is the body’s natural process of breaking down and removing damaged cells and cellular components. This process is crucial for maintaining the health of brain cells, and impaired autophagy has been linked to neurodegenerative diseases. Intermittent fasting has been shown to enhance autophagy, which may help to prevent the build-up of toxic proteins in the brain that contribute to age-related cognitive decline.
Moreover, intermittent fasting may also have anti-inflammatory effects on the brain. Chronic inflammation has been linked to various age-related diseases, including neurodegenerative disorders. Intermittent fasting has been shown to decrease inflammation markers in the body, potentially reducing the risk of inflammation-related brain disorders.
Additionally, intermittent fasting may improve the brain’s resistance to stress. Chronic stress has been linked to accelerated brain ageing, and intermittent fasting has been shown to increase the production of stress-resilient proteins in the brain. This may help protect against the harmful effects of stress on the brain, ultimately slowing down the ageing process.
While more research is needed to fully understand the effects of intermittent fasting on brain ageing, the available evidence is promising. In fact, a recent study found that intermittent fasting improved memory and motor coordination in older adults, suggesting that it may have a protective effect on the brain.
It’s important to note that intermittent fasting is not a magic bullet for brain ageing. A healthy lifestyle that includes a balanced diet, regular exercise, and good sleep habits is still crucial for maintaining brain health. However, intermittent fasting may be an additional tool to help slow down the ageing process and promote brain function.
If you are considering trying intermittent fasting, it’s essential to speak with your doctor first, especially if you have any underlying health conditions. Intermittent fasting can be challenging for some individuals, and it’s crucial to approach it safely and responsibly.
In conclusion, while intermittent fasting has gained popularity for its potential benefits for weight loss and overall health, it may also help slow brain ageing. By promoting the production of BDNF, enhancing autophagy, reducing inflammation, and improving stress resistance, intermittent fasting may have a protective effect on the brain, potentially reducing the risk of age-related cognitive decline and neurodegenerative diseases. Further research is needed, but intermittent fasting shows promising potential as a natural and accessible way to maintain brain health as we age.
