Intermittent fasting results in better COVID-19 outcomes

July 10, 2022 update. This paper is now peer-reviewed and published in the BMJ Prevention and Health.

A new study showed that regular fasting people have better COVID-19 outcomes.

The study was made in Utah by the Intermountain Medical Center Heart Institute. Mormons comprise 62% of the residents in Utah, and they observe fasting. Beliefnet explains why Mormons fast. 

Latter-Day Saints believe that they need to strive to follow the example of the Savior. Fasting in the Latter-Saints tradition typically means to go without food or drink for two consecutive meals, encompassing about 24 hours.  During this time, a person often prays. Through these efforts, a fasting individual hopes to receive special blessings from the Lord.

The research involved patients enrolled in the INSPIRE Registry.

The INSPIRE registry is a confidential collection of blood and tissue samples and medical information that comes from people like you. The people who participate in the registry may be healthy or may have a medical condition. This information helps Intermountain doctors and scientists learn how diseases can be prevented, predicted, and treated.

Intermittent faster have better COVID-19 outcomes.

In the study’s primary outcome, death and hospitalization secondary to COVID-19 occurred in 11.0% of intermittent fasters and 28.8% of non-fasters, with a hazard ratio of 0.61 favoring fasting.

The secondary analysis showed that the risk of testing positive for SARS-CoV-2 is equal among the faster (14.3%) and non-fasters (13%). 

Explanation of results

In their discussion, the authors explained that while fasting, The body switches its energy source from glucose to ketones. During ketosis, circulating fatty acids increase, including linoleic acid. Linoleic acid binds to the spike protein of the SARS-CoV-2 and reduces the affinity of the spike protein to the ACE2 receptor.[2]

Elevated galectin-3 during fasting protects against the severe outcomes of COVID-19. [4][5]

Galectin-3 modulates inflammation with the appropriate pro-inflammatory response during acute infection and prevents hyperimmune reactions, thus preventing severe COVID-19. 

Severe COVID-19 results from the inability of the immune system to kill the SARS-CoV-2 viruses early in the infection. The result is a hyperimmune response in the form of myocarditis and Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS).

The authors listed other benefits from several authors about the role of galectin-3 in viral infections.

• Galectin-3 can bind to many pathogens [3]
• Activates the immune system [3].
• Regulatory function in viral infections [4] 
• It increases the production of antiviral proteins and prevents viral replication.[5]

Previous articles on this website have discussed the many benefits of intermittent fasting in obesity, hypertension, and diabetes. All of which are risk factors in getting severe COVID-19.

• The Fasting Experience of 1422 Subjects at the Buchinger Wilhelmi Clinic
• The Effects of Three-Week Fasting on the Extremely Obese
• A Case Report of 3 Diabetic Patients that are Weaned Off Insulin

Intermittent fasting lowers blood pressure and blood sugar and burns excess visceral fat that produces inflammatory cytokines. The pro-inflammatory cytokines like interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, and neural factor kappa beta (NFκB) are responsible for a state of chronic inflammation that is worsened by infections.

The study is consistent with other COVID-19 mortality data

40-50% of the Mormons practice their religion which includes fasting. Data regarding COVID-19 mortality per state is consistent with the result of this study, showing that intermittent fasting results in better COVID-19 outcomes.

According to Statista, Utah is the fourth-lowest state in the US regarding COVID-19 deaths per 100,000 people as of March 21, 2022. Below is the part of the graph comparing the fifty states. Utah has 142 while Mississippi, the highest, has 414 COVID-19 deaths per 100,000.

Source: Statista

This research is the first study documenting the advantage of fasting in COVID-19. Intermittent fasting also lowers the risks of developing strokes and heart attacks.

Learn more about intermittent fasting: The Complete Guide to Fasting.

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Related:

1. Yogurt and Intermittent Fasting Reduced Body Toxins
2. Intermittent Fasting Grows New Liver Cells Faster
3. Intermittent Fasting while on Diabetes Medications
4. The Effects of Intermittent Fasting on Asthma
5. How to Do Intermittent Fasting
6. The Kaizen Way of Fasting
7. Early Time-Restricted Feeding is Intermittent Fasting In Sync with the Circadian Rhythm
8. Will Fasting Make My Muscles Shrink?
9. Are You Skipping Breakfast?
10. The 20/80 Rule for Health
11. 10 Unbelievably Easy Ways to Screw Up Intermittent Fasting!
12. Autophagy – How to Recycle Yourself
13. The Benefits of Intermittent Fasting and Fitness during Disasters

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