Fasting cures promote good intestinal bacteria

Scientifically confirmed: fasting diets increase the diversity of the intestinal flora

20/11/2014

Fasting cures cause an increase in anti-inflammatory and gut wall barrier-promoting bacterial groups. This was the result of a study by scientists at the Institute of Nutrition Science at the University of Vienna. An additional probiotic intervention after the fasting cure increased this effect.

Fasting cures increase the number of health-promoting bacteria in the intestine
Fasting cures have been used for millennia - for religious, spiritual or health reasons. Scientifically proven, however, was the health-promoting effect of dietary renunciation not. A research team led by Alexander Haslberger from the University of Vienna addressed this problem and was able to prove that fasting "not only increases well-being, but also promotes a healthy intestinal flora".

As part of their investigation, the researchers fasted 50 subjects for a week and repeatedly subjected them to a so-called colon hydro-therapy, a special intestinal lavage. In addition, study participants received probiotics for three months. Before, during and after, the researchers took samples. „The results are pleasing, "Haslberger told the news agency „APA“.

As it turned out, bacterial diversity increased significantly. Thus, an increase of the microorganism Faecalibacterium prausnitzii, one of the main butyric acid producers in the intestine, as well as Akkermansia and bifidobacteria could be recorded. These are anti-inflammatory and intestinal wall barrier-promoting bacterial groups. The additional treatment with probiotics increased this effect even more. Before the start of the study, the researchers had feared that the fasting could destroy not only pathogenic, but also healthy bacteria. All the more gratifying the result of the investigation.

Fasting and healthy nutrition instead of industrial food
Similar results were obtained in a Buchinger fasting cure, which was scientifically studied only on eight subjects. „This is a good starting point, which should result in meaningful nutritional advice. "Bad eating habits, for example, with industrial food, poor lifestyles and stress in recent years have led to an increase in intestinal problems and an influence on the intestinal flora And food intolerance is the consequence, explains nutritionist Claudia Nichterl to the news agency, arguing that fresh food preparation and the use of natural foods are becoming increasingly obsolete. „It is unfortunate that this knowledge has been lost, "said Nichterl. (Ag)