Popular weight-loss strategy shows surprising potential for chronic pain relief

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Intermittent fasting has grown in popularity as aweight-loss strategy, but it could also unlock new ways to manage chronic pain by altering how the gut communicates with the brain.

A study published in the journal Brain, Behavior, and Immunity, revealed that the timing of meals affects thegut-brain axis, which is a communication system linking the gastrointestinal tract and the central nervous system.

Intermittent fasting is an eating pattern that focuses on when meals are consumed, typically involving extended periods without food, according to health institutions.

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Chronic pain, defined by the Cleveland Clinic as pain persisting for longer than three months, is often accompanied by cognitive difficulties and anxiety.

While traditional treatments target inflammation or pain-signaling nerves, the new research suggests that meal timing may also influence chronic pain by changinggut bacteriaand inflammation throughout the body.

Businesswoman massages her neck with eyes closed in modern office.

Chronic pain is defined as pain lasting longer than three months, according to medical institutions.(iStock)

Scientists at Zhengzhou University in China examined animal models during fasting cycles.They found that intermittent fasting strengthens theintestinal lining, which prevents inflammatory compounds from leaking into the bloodstream and reaching nervous system tissue.

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Analysis of the gut microbiome found that fasting increased levels of a bacterium called Alistipes finegoldii.When researchers administered the live bacteria to animals that were not fasting, they saw similar improvements in pain andcognitive function.

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The researchers found that the bacterium produces compounds that the body can convert into hippuric acid, a chemical messenger linked to the observed benefits.

Woman holding a fresh salad while checking her smartwatch outdoors.

Fasting increased levels of the gut bacterium Alistipes finegoldii.When researchers gave the bacterium to animals that were not fasting, they saw similar improvements in pain and cognitive function.(iStock)

At the cellular level, hippuric acid acts on an inflammatory pathway called STING, short for Stimulator of Interferon Genes.When this pathway becomes overactive in the nervous system, it can fuel inflammation thatworsens painand interferes with brain function.

The study demonstrated that hippuric acid turns down STING activity, quieting inflammatory signaling in the central nervous system and resolvingbehavioral symptoms.

Despite the findings, the research carries a few limitations, the research team acknowledged.

First, observational and early-stage studies can identify a link between intermittent fasting and changes in gut-brain signaling, but they cannot prove that fasting directly causes those changes.

Female patient describes abdominal pain to a doctor during medical consultation.

Because the findings are based on animal models, large-scale human clinical trials are still needed to determine safe, effective fasting protocols for chronic pain management.(iStock)

Also, individual responses to intermittent fasting vary based on each person’s gut microbiome, underlying health conditions, daily nutrient intake andgenetics.

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It can also be challenging for some people to adhere to fasting protocols, as strict eating windows may not be safe or feasible for everyone.

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While fasting is not a cure for chronic pain, researchers said the findings could help guide future treatments that target the gut-brain connection.

They added that further trials will be necessary to establish specificdietary protocolstailored to individual patient needs.

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