By Ashlyn Khan
Abstract
Brain diseases such as Dementia, Alzheimer’s and Huntington’s disease, have become a leading cause of death and disability worldwide and the number of individuals with these conditions are increasing. This article will demonstrate how Intermittent Fasting (IF) may be the key to prevent brain diseases.
The definition of ‘Intermittent Fasting’ is the abstinence from food and drink for a period of time (Malavolta, M. and Mocchegiani, E. ,2016). Research indicates that a fast ranging anywhere from 12-36 hours is required for metabolic changes to occur (Anton, S.D., Moehl, K., et al. ,2018).
Introduction
In the fasting state, glycogenolysis (the breakdown of glycogen to glucose for energy) (Paredes-Flores, M.A. and Mohiuddin, S.S. ,2021) is switched with Ketosis (the breakdown of ketones for energy) (Dhillon, K. K and Gupta S. ,2019). It is suggested that this metabolic switch occurs between 12-36 hours (Anton et al., 2018) when glycogen stores are depleted and there is an increase in free fatty acids and glycerol (Cahill, 2006). This shift in energy production means ketones become the main source of fuel for the brain (Puchalska and Crawford, 2017).
New metabolic changes start to occur in the body, one being the upregulation of brain-derived neurotrophic factors (BDNF) (Mattson et al., 2018). BDNF’s are proteins in the hippocampus and the cortex of the brain that improve our learning and memory by creating new neural connections for different areas of the brain through synapses and nerve cells. These connections are so important in maintaining healthy brain function and recovering from brain injury caused by trauma or a stroke.
Unfortunately, as we age there is a loss of BDNF in the body, meaning the brain’s ability to make new connections is reduced and consequently our memory is
affected. Additionally, loss increases our risk of cognitive impairment (Seidler and Barrow, 2022).
It is therefore important that we maintain our BDNF levels to promote healthy cognitive function. As studies show, Intermittent Fasting is a natural, cost effective way to potentially reduce the risk of developing neurodegenerative diseases.
One factor of IF to consider is that ketosis can lead to elevated ketone levels. If too high, the blood can become acidic which can result in a serious condition known as diabetic ketoacidosis (www.medicalnewstoday.com, 2021). This potential issue should be evaluated when prescribing an IF regime for patients, however, as stated previously, a minimum of 12 hours and a maximum of 36 hours of fasting ensures harmful metabolic changes do not occur. And so, with medical supervision, the issue of diabetic ketoacidosis remains unharmful so long as patients adhere to these parameters.
Currently there is no cure for certain brain diseases like Alzheimer’s disease. Prevention is the key to treating these conditions and with more research, Intermittent Fasting has the potential to be a new, non-medicated treatment for
patients susceptible to brain diseases and for anyone wanting to improve their cognitive function.
References
Anton, S.D., Moehl, K., Donahoo, W.T., Marosi, K., Lee, S.A., Mainous, A.G., Leeuwenburgh, C. and Mattson, M.P. (2018). Flipping the Metabolic Switch: Understanding and Applying the Health Benefits of Fasting. Obesity (Silver Spring, Md.), 26(2), pp.254–268. doi:https://doi.org/10.1002/oby.22065.%5BAcessed 8 Feb 2024].
Cahill, G.F. (2006). Fuel metabolism in starvation. Annual review of nutrition, [online] 26, pp.1–22. doi:https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev.nutr.26.061505.111258.%5BAccessed 8 Feb 2024].
Dhillon, K.K. and Gupta, S. (2021). Biochemistry, Ketogenesis. [online] PubMed. Available at: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29630231/.%5BAccessed 8 Feb 2024].
Malavolta, M. and Mocchegiani, E. (2016). Molecular Basis of Nutrition and Aging: A Volume in the Molecular Nutrition Series. [online] Google Books. Academic Press. Available at:
https://books.google.co.uk/books?hl=en&lr=&id=oFjBBwAAQBAJ&oi=fnd&pg=PP 1&dq=Molecular+Basis+of+Nutrition+and+Aging [Accessed 8 Feb. 2024].
Paredes-Flores, M.A. and Mohiuddin, S.S. (2021). Biochemistry, Glycogenolysis. [online] PubMed. Available at:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32119304/.%5BAccessed 8 Feb 2024].
Puchalska, P. and Crawford, P.A. (2017). Multi-dimensional Roles of Ketone Bodies in Fuel Metabolism, Signaling, and Therapeutics. Cell Metabolism, [online] 25(2), pp.262–284. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cmet.2016.12.022.%5BAccessed 8 Feb 2024].
Seidler, K. and Barrow, M. (2022). Intermittent fasting and cognitive performance – Targeting BDNF as potential strategy to optimise brain health. Frontiers in Neuroendocrinology, 65, p.100971.
doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.yfrne.2021.100971.%5BAccessed 21/02/2024] T
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