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Dry fasting involves avoiding food and hydration of all kinds for a sufficiently long period. This induces various physiological changes within the body, bringing about many alterations that benefit an individual. Although there are numerous types of fasting, most studies focus on the immune system and fasting.
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Should You Dry Fast When You Have a Fever? Here’s What the Experts Say
Dry fasting involves avoiding food and hydration of all kinds for a sufficiently long period. This induces various physiological changes within the body, bringing about many alterations that benefit an individual. Although there are numerous types of fasting, most studies focus on the immune system and fasting. Here, we will focus on dry fasting, its effects, and if it is wise to undertake a dry fast when down with a fever.
Suffering from a fever while dry fasting is a symptom, but dry fasting during a fever can have varying impacts on individuals. Here’s what you need to know: • When you fast, your body must rely on its energy reserves to keep functioning normally. Glucose is found in the blood and stored as glycogen in the liver and muscles. It is the primary fuel for your body.
When glycogen stores are depleted, as typically after 24 to 48 hours of prolonged dry fasting, the body begins to rely on fat and, to a lesser extent, amino acids for energy. • In a metabolic process known as lipolysis, excess fat is converted into usable fuel molecules called fatty acids. Ketones are a byproduct of fatty acid metabolism that can be used as a fuel source by the body and the brain.
Beta-hydroxybutyrate(BHB) is a primary ketone that may be beneficial to the immune system, though the exact mechanism of this effect is unclear. One theory is that it reduces inflammation and oxidative stress caused by the innate immune system. • Human immune cells exposed to BHB at concentrations as those found in the body after fasting for 2 days showed a reduced inflammatory response in a study at the Yale School of Medicine.
Evidence from animal studies suggests that fasting can boost the immune system and combat bacterial infections. Consistent with these findings, consuming glucose, or sugar, may aid in the fight against viral infections. • In addition, fasting has been shown to increase immune cell production and regeneration. • The immune system’s response to low blood sugar levels has led some to speculate that fasting might have health benefits.
Fasting during fever Glucose affects bacterial and viral infections differently in mice, according to a 2016 study. In mice that were infected with bacteria, glucose had a detrimental effect, whereas, in mice that were infected with viruses, glucose had a beneficial effect. In light of the fact that the common cold and associated fever are caused by a viral infection, the proverbial wisdom that goes “Feed a cold, starve a fever” may be easier to understand.
Can one safely try it? Even though there is some evidence from studies conducted on animals that suggests that fasting may help with bacterial infections but has no effect on viral infections, a person should always pay attention to what feels right for their body. It is best to seek the advice of a physician for more specific recommendations.
Conclusion Depending on the cause of the fever, the results associated with fasting might vary. A person suffering from a bacterial infection may benefit from certain fasts. However, a viral infection might be an exception to this rule. Hope this information related to fever while dry fasting proves to be of help.SOURCE CREDIT: https://medium.com/@dryfastingclub/should-you-dry-fast-when-you-have-a-fever-heres-what-the-experts-say-29dbb8f4d9ef
