For thousands of years, fasting has been used as a means of purification, self-healing and spiritual clarification. In recent years, modern research has shown that regular fasting periods can dampen inflammatory processes, stimulate cell repair and promote metabolic health.

A new study now focuses on a surprising aspect: Fasting also works when we just believe that we are fasting.

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The head as a control center

Scientists from the University of Manchester discovered that certain brain cells — so-called agouti-related peptide neurons (AgRP neurons) in the hypothalamus — can restructure the immune system simply by activating them. These neurons normally send hunger signals when we don't eat for a long period of time. In experiments with mice, however, artificial activation of these neurons was enough to reduce pro-inflammatory immune cells in the spleen, bone marrow, and blood — completely without actual food deprivation.

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The results were published in the renowned scientific journal Science Immunology published and shed new light on the close connection between the brain and the immune system.

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What does that mean for humans?

Although the experiments have only been carried out on mice so far, the underlying mechanisms could also play a role in humans. The central nervous system therefore appears not only to be a passive observer, but active regulator to be of immune processes — depending on emotional, cognitive or sensory input.

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In concrete terms, this could mean:

• Die subjective experience Fasting or abstinence from food plays a bigger role than previously assumed.

• The brain could be used therapeutically to modulate inflammatory diseases via neuronal pathways — potentially even without real diets or medications.

• In the future, fasting could also play a role as a neuro-immunological approach for cancers, autoimmune processes or chronic inflammation.

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In the context of longevity medicine

The finding fits perfectly into the puzzle of Longevity research: It shows how tight cognitive processes, metabolismand immune responses are interwoven. The study thus joins a growing number of scientific papers that Systems biology of aging research — i.e. the complex interplay of brain, intestines, immune cells, hormones and the environment.

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Previous studies have already shown that fasting:

• stimulates autophagy (cell cleansing),

• reduces oxidative stress,

• increases mitochondrial efficiency

• may affect epigenetic markers.

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This new study adds a fascinating dimension to the picture: the role of the brain as “Fasting Center”, which triggers physiological processes, even before a calorie has been saved.

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Conclusion:

Fasting is more than a physical discipline — it is a neurobiological condition. Anyone who learns how the brain “thinks” about hunger could have a targeted influence on inflammation, the immune system and possibly even biological age in the future.

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Studies & references:

• Science Immunology (2024): “Hypothalamic AgRP neurons regulate peripheral myeloid cell homeostasis in response to hunger signaling” Summary on scitechdaily.com‍

• ‍Mind-body medicine and psychoneuroimmunology — a growing field that systematically investigates the bridge between mental state and immune function.

• Book recommendation: The Inflamed Mind by Edward Bullmore — how depression, stress and inflammation are linked.