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Journalism of Courage
Actor Chhavi Mittal recently shared a unique health philosophy passed down by her grandfather, who lived to be 101 years old. According to Mittal, her grandfather never took medications when he fell ill.
In a reel posted on Instagram, Mittal said, “My mom told me once that my grandfather, who passed away at the age of 101, when he used to fall sick… he didn’t take any medicine or antibiotics. At the most, he would take one or two paracetamol tablets. But he stopped eating… and his logic was everything is related to the gut. So allow your gut to heal… and within two days he would be fine.”
This unconventional approach to health raises interesting questions about the role of fasting and diet in the body’s healing process. Is there any scientific basis behind the idea that allowing the gut to rest can enhance recovery?
Dr Pranav Honnavara Srinivasan, consultant gastroenterologist at Fortis Hospital, says, “Fasting during illness can be both beneficial and detrimental, depending on the illness type and fasting duration. Short term fasting might boost immunity and enhance cellular repair while prolonged fasting can reduce energy reserves and slow recovery. Therefore, decisions regarding fasting during illness should be made on an individual basis and ideally under medical supervision, especially during severe or chronic illness.”
Fasting especially for elderly individuals is with not without risks, says Dr Srinivasan:
Malnutrition and Dehydration: Elderly individuals are more vulnerable to malnutrition and dehydration, especially during illness when their appetite and fluid intake may already be compromised. Fasting can exacerbate these risks, leading to electrolyte imbalances, weakness, and other complications.
Muscle Loss: Prolonged fasting can lead to muscle breakdown, particularly in older adults who may already have decreased muscle mass.
Weakened Immune System: While short-term fasting might temporarily boost the immune response, prolonged fasting can actually weaken the immune system, making it harder to fight off infections.
Medication Interactions: Fasting can interact with certain medications, affecting their absorption and effectiveness. It’s crucial to consult a doctor before fasting if you are taking any medications.
Dr Srinivasan mentions, “As people age, their immune response typically weakens, making them more susceptible to illness and slower to recover. Younger individuals usually have a robust immune system that efficiently fights infections, while older adults experience reduced immune function, which can lead to more frequent or severe illnesses.”
Fasting’s effectiveness can vary with age, he continues. In younger, healthy individuals, fasting might enhance metabolic health and reduce inflammation. For middle-aged individuals, fasting can still be beneficial but may require careful management due to potential health conditions like diabetes or cardiovascular issues.”
In older adults, fasting needs to be approached cautiously; while it may offer benefits such as improved glucose metabolism, it can also pose risks like nutrient deficiencies and muscle loss. Therefore, older adults should consult healthcare professionals before starting fasting, and any fasting regimen should be tailored to their specific health needs and conditions.
The impact of fasting on the immune system is a complex and evolving area of research, says Dr Srinivasan.
He says, “Some studies suggest that short-term fasting can stimulate autophagy, a process where cells break down and recycle damaged components. This could enhance immune function and promote a more robust response to infection.”
However, prolonged fasting can deplete essential nutrients and energy stores, potentially weakening the immune system and making it more difficult to fight off infections.
“Therefore, the decision to fast or restrict food intake during illness should be made in consultation with a healthcare professional, taking into account your individual health status and the nature of your illness,” he stresses.
| DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine. |
