Prof. Dr. Canan Karatay: Fasting Rejuvenates and Heals the Body

Renowned for her groundbreaking insights into healthy living and nutrition, Prof. Dr. Canan Karatay has shared intriguing revelations about fasting and autophagy. Referencing a Nobel Prize-winning study, Dr. Karatay highlighted how prolonged fasting triggers the body’s self-healing process. She explained that after 72 hours of fasting, the body’s healthy cells begin to cleanse damaged ones, a process known as autophagy.

“Even Ibn Sina Emphasized the Importance of Fasting”

Drawing upon historical medical wisdom, Dr. Karatay recalled Ibn Sina’s perspective: “Fasting is not the challenge; the real key lies in eating at the right times.” She explained that the human digestive system is naturally designed to handle long intervals between meals, recommending fewer but more nutritious meals. “A single meal in the morning can provide sufficient energy for the entire day. The modern habit of frequent eating is a harmful industry-driven practice that burdens our digestive system and prevents cellular regeneration,” she remarked.

Criticism of Modern Diet Culture

Dr. Karatay criticized contemporary dieting trends, calling out the promotion of small and frequent meals as detrimental to health. “Dieticians often recommend portions like a matchbox-sized piece of cheese or a few slices of bread. These restrictions are not aligned with human physiology,” she stated. She also condemned the widespread consumption of packaged and sugary foods, describing them as “poisonous” and “a direct threat to our health.”

The Science of Fasting: How Autophagy Works

Supporting her claims with scientific evidence, Dr. Karatay discussed the benefits of autophagy, the cellular cleanup process activated by fasting. She elaborated: “Fasting enables the body to repair itself by breaking down and recycling damaged cells. It promotes youthfulness, enhances immunity, and provides the body with much-needed rest.” She summarized the health benefits of fasting as follows:

• Cellular Repair and Renewal: Autophagy eliminates harmful cells, rejuvenating the body.
• Gut Health Improvement: Digestive organs get a chance to rest and detoxify.
• Mental Health Benefits: A proper diet and fasting intervals can improve mental well-being and reduce the risk of depression.
• Disease Prevention: Fasting strengthens the immune system and reduces inflammation.

“Fasting is Not Dangerous – It’s Beneficial”

Addressing common misconceptions about fasting, Dr. Karatay shared her experiences with patients. “I tell my overweight patients to go two days without eating. They are surprised, but our bodies are perfectly capable of adapting to such periods. The real danger lies in dehydration and lack of salt, not in fasting itself,” she emphasized. Dr. Karatay also advocated drinking plenty of water during fasting to maintain proper hydration.

A Call for Healthier Childhood Nutrition

Dr. Karatay stressed the importance of keeping children away from unhealthy eating habits. “Children are what they eat. Feeding them sugary and processed foods not only harms their physical health but also affects their mental well-being,” she noted. She urged parents to avoid bringing packaged snacks into their homes, advising, “If you don’t want your children to eat junk, don’t let them see it in the first place.”

A Poetic Closing on Health and Well-Being

To conclude her talk, Dr. Karatay recited Mehmet Akif Ersoy’s poem Bülbül, highlighting the need for a healthier society. “For a brighter future, we must adopt healthy eating habits and practice fasting. Science strongly supports these practices,” she said.

Prof. Dr. Canan Karatay’s insights underscore the importance of breaking free from harmful dietary norms and embracing a healthier, more sustainable lifestyle. Her scientific approach and practical advice resonate as a clarion call for individuals and families striving for better health.

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