A new study from MIT confirms that fasting does more than just test your self-control—it can actually boost your body’s ability to heal and slow the effects of aging. Researchers found that intermittent fasting and low-calorie diets help regenerate intestinal stem cells, which play a major role in gut health. That means fasting could help your body bounce back from injuries, inflammation, or even medical treatments that damage the digestive system.
But the real game-changer? The benefits kick in strongest after the fast. When the body starts eating again, these stem cells go into overdrive, rapidly rebuilding the intestinal lining. It’s a natural reset button that could have big implications for gut health and longevity.
There is, however, one small downside. If cancerous mutations are present during this regeneration process, they’re more likely to develop into early-stage tumors. It’s a risk that scientists are still exploring, but it doesn’t erase fasting’s overall benefits. In fact, researchers are already looking at ways to harness the positive effects—like polyamine supplements that could boost regeneration without requiring fasting at all.
While more studies are needed to fully understand fasting’s impact on humans, one thing’s clear: the practice has serious health benefits beyond just spiritual growth. Turns out, the Bible might have been onto something all along.
