Does Fasting Kill Viruses?

We are right in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic that has wreaked havoc around the world, but it should be remembered the coronavirus is not the only virus that has dominated our societies. We can encounter up to 60,000 germs every day, and some of them can cause serious illness. Fasting can kill some of the viruses directly. Moreover, fasting improves your overall health by producing healthy cells via autophagy and boosting immunity. By less food consumption, the chances of getting infected with viruses thriving on food, for example, sugar viruses, is also significantly reduced. 

The importance of the question that does fasting kill viruses has never been more significant in history as the world is bracing for post-coronavirus conditions and possible rise of other viruses. This post deals with a brief description of the viruses and the impact of fasting on them.

What is a Virus?

A virus is much more complex than many people think it to be. They can cause diseases, but they must need an organism to replicate via the living cells. Such organisms can include any living cells like people, animals, plants, and microorganisms. As soon as a virus is able to invade a body, it starts transforming the metabolic reactions to produce more viral products. It happens via host cell replication or by infecting the DNA.

Another interesting fact about viruses is that they cannot live on their own because a living host is essential for them. An infected person can spread the virus in numerous ways. For example,

• Through sexual contact with the infected person. However, not every virus is sexually transmitted.
• Bites by infected animals
• Eating contaminated food or water
• Touching, sneezing, or coughing.

Illness causing Viruses in Humans

Some of the major viruses that can cause diseases in humans are:

• Dengue virus
• Hepatitis A
• Influenza Virus
• Ebola virus
• Coronavirus

Can Fasting Kill Viruses?

Now coming back to our main topic, the impact of fasting on viruses has been studied in great detail by the researchers. There is no doubt about the fact that fasting can improve the immunity and overall health of a person, so the findings that fasting is, in fact, very useful in killing some of the viruses that are not that far-fetched.

Many health experts suggest consuming less food during fever and cold. An article in Stat declared that healthy eating during the illness is essential in fighting off the disease. If you limit sugar in your diet, the food for bacteria and viruses in your body is also highly restricted. As a result, viruses are eventually killed due to a lack of food. Even if potential deaths of the germs do not occur, their replication gets restricted, which makes it easy for your immune system to fight off the virus entirely. 

The impact of intermittent fasting on the immune system is extremely positive. Fasting optimizes your health by enhancing the immune system. Hence, your body gets the ability to fight off the virus more efficiently.