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Health

Does Fasting Kill Viruses?

In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic that has affected the whole world in one way or another, the question that is fasting effective against viruses has more important than ever. Humans are used to encountering as many as 60,000 germs on a daily basis, and some of them can cause serious diseases.

Fasting is known to kill some types of disease-causing germs directly. Furthermore, we are aware that fasting plays a vital role in boosting immunity, so your body gets more capable of fighting off germs and infections. The overall health of your body is also improved via fasting and the autophagy triggered by it. There are many foods, like sugar, on which viruses can thrive for a long period of time. By eliminating your food consumption while fasting, your chances of getting infected by a virus through eating are also minimized.

The world is becoming more careful about viruses and different diseases, so it is important to elaborate on the impact of fasting on viruses in detail.

What is a Virus?

A virus is a multifaceted organism that can cause diseases, but it needs a living host to do that. It thrives by replicating itself through the living cells. It means any organism, like plants, animals, microorganisms, is essential for the survival of a virus. A virus starts changing the metabolic reactions of the body as soon as it is able to invade it. As a result, viral products are produced through host cell replication or infection of the DNA.

It is important to note that viruses cannot live on their own without the help of a living host. A virus is spread quite easily and quickly through an infected person in the following ways:

  • Some of the viruses can be sexually-transmitted.
  • Bites of infected organisms.
  • Consuming contaminated food or water
  • Touching, sneezing, or coughing.

 

Disease-causing Viruses in Humans

Some of the common viruses that can cause diseases in humans are:

  • Coronavirus
  • Hepatitis A
  • Influenza Virus
  • Dengue virus
  • Ebola virus

Can Fasting Kill Viruses?

The effect of fasting on viruses has been studied by many doctors and researchers in different countries. Undoubtedly, fasting can boost your immunity and improve the general health of a person. Moreover, the findings indicate that fasting is effective against killing some of the viruses. But it is highly dependent upon the nature of the virus, and so the notion that fasting can kill viruses varies a lot.

Some of the health experts recommend that you should consume less food during fever and cold to restrict the diet of the viruses living in your body. On the opposite, some studies have shown consuming food is essential to fight off diseases in your body. Sugar, especially, should be restricted in your diet as the virus will be killed eventually due to the minimum diet. Even if they do not die completely, their replication is greatly inhibited, which allows your immune system to eradicate the virus.

Intermittent fasting is highly beneficial for your immune system. It optimizes your health by boosting immunity. As a result, your body gets the ability to fight off the viruses efficiently. According to a study by Cell Stem Cell, fasting for three days a week can mitigate the quantity of old white blood cells in your body and trigger the production of healthy cells.