Study: Intermittent fasting may limit chronic stress effects on the brain

Researchers from Japan's Chiba University and the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University in China have reported that intermittent fasting can reduce the harmful effects of chronic stress on the brain, according to the study. In the experiments, mice exposed to prolonged stress were divided into two groups: one with continuous access to food and the other placed on an intermittent fasting schedule with eating limited to set hours. The fasting group showed reduced depression-like behavior, increased mobility and preserved interest in sweet foods compared with the continuously fed group. The researchers found that chronic stress damaged the myelin sheath, the protective layer around nerve fibers, while intermittent fasting helped preserve myelin structure in brain regions linked to memory, emotion and decision-making. Additional analyses indicated that an increase in beneficial gut microbiome diversity may also contribute to this protective effect. Health experts noted that intermittent fasting, commonly used for weight loss, should be carried out under medical or dietitian supervision. They warned that the approach may not be suitable for people with liver or bile duct disease, those who have had their gallbladder removed, or individuals with stomach problems.