Abstract
Fasting has been present throughout human history and is a regular practice in many cultures and religions. Currently, findings regarding beneficial effects of fasting on body mass control and health have largely stimulated the practice. The number of studies investigating intermittent fasting effects on different pathological states has grown steadily. Evidence suggests that this dietary intervention can delay or even prevent the onset of pathologies, such as neurodegenerative diseases. Indeed, several studies have reported intermittent fasting actions on brain integrity and function. However, fasting may also affect hunger control in less desirable manners. Indeed, the brain is highly sensitive to fasting practice due to its pronounced energy demand and its central role in the control of whole body energy balance. In this chapter, the effects of intermittent fasting on brain function are discussed along with a description of the history of human fasting practices.
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Abbreviations
- AD:
-
Alzheimer’s disease
- AGRP:
-
Agouti-related peptide
- CART:
-
Cocaine- and amphetamine-regulated transcript
- GnRH:
-
Gonadotropin-release hormone
- HDL:
-
High-density lipoprotein
- IF:
-
Intermittent fasting
- LDL:
-
Low-density lipoprotein
- NPY:
-
Neuropeptide Y
- PD:
-
Parkinson’s disease
- POMC:
-
Pro-opiomelanocortin
- VLDL:
-
Very-low-density lipoprotein
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Cerqueira, F.M., Chausse, B., Kowaltowski, A.J. (2017). Intermittent Fasting Effects on the Central Nervous System: How Hunger Modulates Brain Function. In: Preedy, V., Patel, V. (eds) Handbook of Famine, Starvation, and Nutrient Deprivation. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-40007-5_29-1
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-40007-5_29-1
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