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New Research Confirms Cancer-Fighting Benefits of Fasting: Ancient Indian Practice Gains Scientific Backing

Fasting, a practice deeply rooted in India’s spiritual and cultural traditions, is now supported by modern science for its numerous health benefits. The recent study by MSK researchers adds to the growing body of evidence that fasting can enhance the body’s defense mechanisms against diseases, including cancer. Photo Credit: Freepik.com

• By Pooja Chaturvedi Sah
• New Delhi
• Jun 17, 2024

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Fasting has deep roots in India’s cultural and spiritual traditions. As a country renowned for its spiritual practices, fasting is often regarded as a moral duty. 

Ancient Hindu monks and rishis have long advocated fasting, supported by teachings in Ayurveda, Dharma Shastra, and Hatha Yoga. These practices suggest that Vrata (resolution for dharma) and Upvasa (fasting) can promote physical and mental health. 

Understanding Fasting

Voluntary Restriction for Health and Spirituality Fasting is defined as the voluntary restriction of food and drink intake. It is practiced for both medical and religious reasons. 

Medically, fasting refers to the metabolic state achieved after 10-12 hours of not eating. This practice is believed to cleanse the body and support emotional and mental well-being. 

The Science Behind Fasting

Health Benefits Backed by Research Modern science has extensively researched fasting, revealing numerous health benefits. 

According to Mark Mattson, senior investigator for the National Institute on Aging, fasting improves biomarkers of disease, reduces oxidative stress, and preserves cognitive functions. 

A comprehensive review titled “Unlocking the Benefits of Fasting: A Review of its Impact on Various Biological Systems and Human Health” highlights several advantages of fasting. It improves cardiovascular health by lowering blood pressure, cholesterol, and triglyceride levels. 

Additionally, fasting enhances insulin sensitivity, aids in weight loss, and improves metabolic health, benefiting individuals with diabetes and metabolic disorders. 

Fasting also boosts immune function, reduces inflammation, enhances autophagy, and supports the body’s defense against infections, cancer, and autoimmune diseases. 

Neuroprotective effects of fasting include improved cognitive function and reduced risk of neurodegenerative diseases. Moreover, fasting has been linked to increased lifespan. 

New Research: Fasting Reprograms Natural Killer Cells to Fight Cancer 

A groundbreaking study from Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSK) has provided new insights into the benefits of fasting. 

Researchers at MSK’s Sloan Kettering Institute discovered that fasting reprograms natural killer (NK) cells, enhancing their ability to fight cancer. The study, led by postdoctoral fellow Rebecca Delconte, Ph.D., was published on June 14 in Immunity. 

Detailed Findings: How Fasting Enhances Cancer-Fighting Abilities of NK Cells The study found that fasting reprograms the metabolism of NK cells, helping them survive in the nutrient-deprived environment of tumors and improving their cancer-fighting abilities. 

Dr. Joseph Sun, the study’s senior author, explains that tumors consume essential nutrients, creating a hostile environment for most immune cells. However, fasting reprograms NK cells to better survive in this suppressive environment. 

NK cells, a type of white blood cell, can destroy abnormal or damaged cells, such as cancer cells, without prior exposure. The presence of more NK cells within a tumor generally indicates a better prognosis for the patient. 

Experimental Insights--Fasting Effects in Animal Models: In the study, mice with cancer underwent 24-hour fasts twice a week, interspersed with periods of normal eating. This fasting regimen led to a significant impact on NK cells. 

As in humans, fasting caused a drop in glucose levels and a rise in free fatty acids, an alternative energy source. During fasting cycles, NK cells adapted to use fatty acids instead of glucose, optimizing their anti-cancer response. 

This adaptation allowed NK cells to survive and function better within the lipid-rich tumor microenvironment. 

Redistribution and Reprogramming of NK Cells: Fasting also caused a redistribution of NK cells within the body. Many NK cells moved to the bone marrow, where they encountered high levels of Interleukin-12, a signaling protein that primed them to produce more Interferon-gamma, crucial for anti-tumor responses. 

Meanwhile, NK cells in the spleen adapted to use lipids as a fuel source. These mechanisms combined to enhance the anti-cancer properties of NK cells, enabling them to produce more cytokines and survive better in the tumor environment. 

The study raises questions about whether NK cells undergo different training in different parts of the body or follow a specific life cycle path. 

Implications for Human Cancer Treatments: The researchers also observed similar effects in human blood samples, where fasting reduced the number of circulating NK cells, akin to the findings in mice. These results suggest that fasting could potentially improve cancer treatments. 

Future Directions--Clinical Trials and Therapeutic Applications: The study opens several avenues for advancing mouse-model research to clinical applications. Clinical trials are already exploring the safety and effectiveness of combining fasting with standard treatments. 

Additionally, drugs could be developed to mimic the effects of fasting without requiring patients to abstain from food. Another potential approach involves inducing a fasted state in NK cells outside the body before administering them to patients. 

Caution and Clinical Advice: Despite the promising results, more clinical data is needed to understand the effects of fasting on cancer patients. Dr. Neil Iyengar, an MSK breast medical oncologist, emphasizes the need for patients to consult with their doctors about safe and healthy fasting practices tailored to their individual conditions.

Conclusion: Fasting’s Dual Role in Health and Disease Prevention 

Fasting, a practice deeply rooted in India’s spiritual and cultural traditions, is now supported by modern science for its numerous health benefits. The recent study by MSK researchers adds to the growing body of evidence that fasting can enhance the body’s defense mechanisms against diseases, including cancer. 

As research continues, fasting may become an integral part of therapeutic strategies to improve overall health and disease outcomes.