Intermittent fasting is linked with several health benefits, including lowering the risk of diabetes, heart disease, etc. According to a study published in BMJ Nutrition, Prevention, and Health, it was found that COVID patients who practice water-only intermittent fasting are at a lower risk of hospitalization or mortality due to viral infection. Dr. Benjamin, Director of Intermountain Healthcare, stated that intermittent fasting can reduce inflammation and improve cardiovascular health.

Dr. Benjamin clarified that the effect of intermittent fasting was not dependent on whether or not someone tested positive for COVID-19, but it was associated with a reduction in the severity of symptoms in patients who had been infected with the virus. He further explained that intermittent fasting reduces inflammation, especially since hyper-inflammation is associated with poor COVID-19 symptoms. After 12–14 hours of fasting, the body switches from using glucose in the blood to ketones, including linoleic acid. The SARS-CoV-2 virus structure has small pockets on the surface where linoleic acid gets attached, disrupting the adherence of the viral body to other cell structures.

Another potential benefit of intermittent fasting is that it promotes autophagy. Autophagy helps the body to destroy and recycle damaged and infected cells. Although the study highlighted multiple benefits of intermittent fasting, the researchers stressed that intermittent fasting should not be considered a substitute for vaccinations against COVID-19.

(Source: https://health.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/industry/intermittent-fasting-may-reduce-complications-from-covid-19-study/92765676 )