Fasting Boosts Stress Resilience
Fasting Increases Resilience to Stress, says Expert
Dr. Selin Yurdakul, a psychotherapist and internal medicine specialist, has shed light on the effects of fasting on the brain and psychology. Speaking to UAV, she said that fasting was a powerful tool to increase resilience against stress.
Intermittent fasting, which refers to eating 8 hours after 16 hours of fasting or periods of 4 hours of food after 20 hours of hunger, has become a popular trend lately. Yurdakul noted that the effects of intermittent fasting on body health had been well researched, but its effects on the brain were not as widely discussed.
She explained that during fasting, glucose decreased and ketones were used as an energy source, which increased the levels of brain-derived natriuretic peptide or BDNF. BDNF activated neurogenesis and neuroplasticity, restructuring the brain and having an anti-aging effect, Yurdakul said. Apart from BDNF, the brain also increased serotonin and tryptophan levels during fasting, result in a feeling of well-being and pain reduction.
Yurdakul also mentioned that fasting causes negative emotions such as irritability and fatigue in the short term, but it leads to positive psychological experiences such as reward, achievement, pride and a sense of control in the long term. In a study examining the relationship between fasting and psychological well-being of individuals during Ramadan, it was found that the mean values of self-acceptance, autonomy, positive relationships, environmental adaptability, and personal development increased significantly after fasting.
However, Dr. Yurdakul cautioned that people with chronic diseases should get their doctor’s opinion before trying diets such as intermittent fasting. Healthy choices during fast-breaking and sahur periods also need to be considered, she added.
Fasting has potential benefits for the brain, but it must be done in a healthy manner, and if done correctly, it can lead to positive physical and mental changes.
