A study from 2014 [^1] indicated that prolonged fasting (2-5 days) caused the regeneration of immune cells and "reversed age-dependent myeloid-bias in mice". I don't have the knowledge to fully understand the implications of this, but it seems it supports reports that fasting has positive effects on aging-related brain degeneration.
I fast semi-regularly (I'm just finishing up a four-day fast), and it amazes me how often we by default reach for something (e.g. pills) to put into our bodies to solve or improve something, when sometimes the answer is to _not_ put something (i.e. food) in it (at least for a little bit). It's also a great exercise in self-control and discipline.
There is a great book on all kind of benefits of fasting (it provides also ideas for diet on periods of normal eating): The Longevity Diet by Valter Longo (legitimate scientist).
I fast semi-regularly (I'm just finishing up a four-day fast), and it amazes me how often we by default reach for something (e.g. pills) to put into our bodies to solve or improve something, when sometimes the answer is to _not_ put something (i.e. food) in it (at least for a little bit). It's also a great exercise in self-control and discipline.
^1: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24905167/