Scientists reveal how the gut talks to the brain during fasting

Fasting has many health benefits. But the physical reaction to our fast is not something we’ve entirely understood. KPBS sci-tech reporter Thomas Fudge tells us what we’ve learned about the way the gut talks to the brain, and what it could mean for our health.

[syjfhmt]

The Gut: "Hey dude, I'm hungry." The Brain: "I'm still deciding."

[turkeybowlwinkle]

The irony of a weight loss story being reported by Fudge.

[Red_AIert]

I recently did my first 24 hour fast ever, where there was no medical procedure scheduled, and although it can be challenging the mental clarity is amazing. I’ve lost 20 pounds doing this and cleaning up my diet. Thanks for the info.

[catbangs]

I no longer consider myself to be fasting. It's just a habit now that I stop eating at 3pm and have breakfast around 5am. I no longer experience the 15 pounds weight fluctuation.

[jmg]

I eat when I'm hungry.
Never understood those dictated mealtime.

[saadabbas]

been intermittent fasting since 2017. keeps me young and thin !!

[zsekbxz]

When I undergo fasting and have complete sleep on weekends (even over sleep) - I shred weight, and my body becomes more toned or improves shape upon waking up... ❤

[PasqualItizzz]

🎶 In7 in the membrane, flip 7 in the brain! 🎶

[ss-oqpc]

I've gone from 229 to 179 from intermittent fasting and replacing pasta with spaghetti squash.

Still at least 9 pounds to go.

[thenry]

My theory is that we weren't meant to eat 3 times a day. That would be a luxury for our ancestors. I believe the clarity, mood and heightened senses are the state we put our selves in to hunt because you want to be sharp. I suspect fasting is what we were meant to do

[vv-cvud]

modern eating lifestyle (3 meals a day) along with the high carb, high sugar made it worse. Simply fasting is like resting to the body in terms of intake. if you keep your intake minimum but Nutrional with medium physical activity in a health & stable environment, most of us people will live a decent life.

[katramana]

Thomas Fudge KPBS News
Me: reaches out to fudge

[Mallan_]

As Muslims, we fast on Mondays and Thursdays as taught by Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) for the heavenly reward. Learning about the health benefits of these fasts for our bodies is encouraging. Thanks for sharing.

[jlvandat]

Fudge delivers a great report on fasting, ironic. I do IF at 6/18 and just love it. I dropped 40 pounds, lowered my blood pressure, improved cholesterol and save much time and money. Been doing it for 7+ years with excellent results, and just began doing occasional prolonged fasting (7-20 days) for added benefits. My guess is that we'll discover If and PF prevent many diseases and extend lifespan significantly, and also find other benefits, e.g., improved mental health.

[Anandroid]

I’m so used to OMAD for the past decade now. It’s just a habit and I’m used it. I don’t even think about food until evening. I saved so much time and money for the past decade now and don’t even realize it. I’m 31 and people think I look 18 lol! Get carded at restaurants all the time

[jeffreyadams]

I try for a 16-20 hours fast each day, but sometimes I fudge it.

[datazndood]

This doesn’t sound too ground breaking. It’s like research done on animals who eat less, move less, expend less energy live longer, makes sense. If you are a fasting construction worker in the northeast winter or a rickshaw driver in 120 degree heat for 12 hours a day in Delhi not sure if this would quite pan out for you and your family.

[hailmademodeG]

the dude on the scope is the underpaid grad student doing most of the labour for this project. They didnt even interview him. I bet hes got a killer PPT ready to be slapped onto a poster for some random conference.

[beatricet]

Final shot of soft serve ice cream with choc, and reporter signing off as "Thomas Fudge". 🍫🍦 Who's hungry now? 😂

[AllBecomesGood]

Thank god, soon if I want to lose weight I won't have to simply eat less, I can buy some drugs for it