As documented by Dr. Rhonda Patrick (and others), fasting can trigger cellular autophagy and reduce senescent cells without the use of drugs. https://www.foundmyfitness.com/news/t/fasting
Well. To be fair these theories are based on studies using mice. Is there some parallel to humans? Likely. But that nonetheless remains to be seen.
Sadly it takes a century to do those studies
There’s a substantial tradition of fasting in Christian (especially Orthodox) and Islamic faiths. I’d say that even if we don’t know the mechanism of action, the fact that it was something preserved through the years rather than abandoned means it merits thought about its benefit.
Oh we definitely know the mechanisms of action, especially for short term metabolic benefits. For lifespan studies though, the data just isn't there.
I don’t think religious fasting is practiced to grant one a longer lifespan.
Religious fasting won't induce autophagy. At least in those religious fasting traditions that I know of (Christian lent and Islamic Ramadan) observers can consume calories each day. Autophagy (IIRC) only starts after several days with zero caloric intake.
I believe she suggested a 72 hour fast once every three months or so. I also read the abstract of a study that claims fasting for 24 hours increases the concentration of some chemical that clears sways senescent cells. (But I can’t find it now, sorry)