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Handbook of Famine, Starvation, and Nutrient Deprivation pp 1–18Cite as

Intermittent Fasting Effects on the Central Nervous System: How Hunger Modulates Brain Function

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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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Authors and Affiliations

  1. The National Institute for Biotechnology in the Negev Ltd, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Building 39, room #211, P.O.B. 653, 84105, Beer-Sheva, Israel

    Fernanda M. Cerqueira

  2. Departamento de Bioquímica, Instituto de Química, Universidade de São Paulo, Av. Prof. Lineu Prestes, 748, 05508-000, São Paulo, SP, Brazil

    Bruno Chausse & Alicia J. Kowaltowski

Authors
  1. Fernanda M. Cerqueira
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  2. Bruno Chausse
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  3. Alicia J. Kowaltowski
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Alicia J. Kowaltowski .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Diabetes & Nutritional Sci Div Sch, King's College London, London, United Kingdom

    Victor Preedy

  2. Clinical Biochemistry, University of Westminster, Westminster, United Kingdom

    Vinood B. Patel

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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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  • Publisher Name: Springer, Cham

  • Print ISBN: 978-3-319-40007-5

  • Online ISBN: 978-3-319-40007-5

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