What Really Happens To Your Body When You Fast

2. Immune cells regeneration

White Blood Cell

New evidence suggests fasting may have a rejuvenating effect on the immune system. It also seems to help the body fight against certain conditions such as cardiovascular disease and cancer, while being able to alleviate the side effects of chemotherapy.

A study published in the Cell Stem Cell journal, showed that fasting for periods of 2-4 days at a time can reduce the number of white blood cells (cells of the immune system that defend the body against pathogens). This number goes back up again as metabolism returns to normal, suggesting the body gets rid of weak cells during fasting and then turns to stem cells to generate new, healthier ones.