Zombie cells, or senescent cells, are aged or damaged cells that stop dividing but remain in the body, releasing harmful inflammatory signals. These cells contribute to aging diseases like Alzheimer’s, heart disease, and diabetes.
They accumulate over time, becoming more abundant after the age of 40 or 50, particularly in the liver, fat, joints, and brain.
Fasting, especially intermittent and prolonged fasting, helps eliminate zombie cells through a process called autophagy. This natural mechanism allows the body to clean out damaged cells, including senescent cells, and recycle their components for energy.
Fasting also promotes apoptosis, a process where old and dysfunctional cells self-destruct. By reducing inflammation, fasting prevents zombie cells from causing further harm and enhances the body’s ability to remove them through senolytic processes (focus on clearing old and inefficient cells).
Health Benefits of Fasting
In addition to clearing zombie cells, fasting offers numerous health benefits:
- Improves insulin sensitivity, lowering the risk of Type 2 diabetes.
- Boosts brain health by increasing brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), which supports memory and reduces neurodegeneration.
- Stimulates stem cell regeneration, particularly within the immune system, allowing the body to repair and renew itself.
- Resets the digestive system, reducing inflammation and promoting gut health.
- Encourages fat burning while preserving muscle mass.
Furthermore, fasting has been linked to a lower risk of cancer by depriving pre-cancerous cells of glucose, which they need to grow.
Short fasts lasting twelve to twenty-four hours enhance immune surveillance and reduce inflammation.
Longer fasts, lasting forty-eight to seventy-two hours, support white blood cell regeneration, effectively resetting the immune system. However, excessive fasting may suppress immunity by reducing immune cell production, highlighting the importance of balance.
By removing senescent cells and offering a wide range of health benefits, fasting is a powerful tool for maintaining overall well-being and extending lifespan.
Dr. Bura practices Plant-Based Dietary Consultancy at Golden Rose Hotel in Arusha from Monday to Saturday, 4-6 PM.
📞 Contact: 062625471
