Fasting doubles stem cells' regenerative capacity: Study

The US biologists found that a 24-hour fast can reverse the age-related loss of intestinal stem cell function that can regenerate new intestinal cells.

The study, published on Thursday in the journal Cell Stem Cell, revealed that fasting dramatically improves stem cells' ability to regenerate, in both aged and young mice, Xinhua reported.

In fasting mice, cells begin breaking down fatty acids instead of glucose, a change that stimulates the stem cells to become more regenerative.

The researchers found that they could also boost regeneration with a molecule that activates the same metabolic switch and such an intervention could potentially help older people recovering from gastrointestinal infections or cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy.

"Fasting has many effects in the intestine, which include boosting regeneration as well as potential uses in any type of ailment that impinges on the intestine, such as infections or cancers," said Omer Yilmaz, an assistant professor of biology in Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), and one of the senior authors of the study.

"This study provided evidence that fasting induces a metabolic switch in the intestinal stem cells, from utilising carbohydrates to burning fat," said David Sabatini, an MIT professor of biology and the paper's another senior author.

"Interestingly, switching these cells to fatty acid oxidation enhanced their function significantly. Pharmacological targeting of this pathway may provide a therapeutic opportunity to improve tissue homeostasis in age-associated pathologies."

Intestinal stem cells are responsible for maintaining the lining of the intestine, which typically renews itself every five days. When an injury or infection occurs, stem cells are key to repairing any damage. However, as people age, the regenerative abilities of these intestinal stem cells decline, so it takes longer for the intestine to recover.

After mice fasted for 24 hours, the researchers removed intestinal stem cells and grew them in a culture dish, allowing them to determine whether the cells can give rise to "mini-intestines" known as organoids.

The researchers found that stem cells from the fasting mice doubled their regenerative capacity.

The researchers sequenced the messenger RNA of stem cells from the mice that fasted and revealed that fasting induces cells to switch from their usual metabolism, which burns carbohydrates such as sugars, to metabolise fatty acids.

This switch occurs through the activation of transcription factors called PPARs, which turn on many genes that are involved in metabolizing fatty acids, according to the researchers.

The researchers found that if they turned off this pathway, fasting could no longer boost regeneration and they could reproduce the beneficial effects of fasting by treating mice with a molecule that mimics the effects of PPARs.

The findings suggest that drug treatment could stimulate regeneration without requiring patients to fast, which is difficult for most people.

One group that could benefit from such treatment is cancer patients who are receiving chemotherapy, which often harms intestinal cells.

It could also benefit older people who experience intestinal infections or other gastrointestinal disorders that can damage the lining of the intestine.

Three days of fasting can renew your entire immune system

A person’s entire immune system can be rejuvenated by fasting for as little as three days as it triggers the body to start producing new white blood cells, a study suggests
Fasting for as little as three days can regenerate the entire immune system, even in the elderly, scientists have found in a breakthrough described as “remarkable”.

Although fasting diets have been criticised by nutritionists for being unhealthy, new research suggests starving the body kick-starts stem cells into producing new white blood cells, which fight off infection.

Scientists at the University of Southern California say the discovery could be particularly beneficial for people suffering from damaged immune systems, such as cancer patients on chemotherapy.

It could also help the elderly whose immune system becomes less effective as they age, making it harder for them to fight off even common diseases.

The researchers say fasting “flips a regenerative switch” which prompts stem cells to create brand new white blood cells, essentially regenerating the entire immune system.

“It gives the ‘OK’ for stem cells to go ahead and begin proliferating and rebuild the entire system,” said Prof Valter Longo, Professor of Gerontology and the Biological Sciences at the University of California.

“And the good news is that the body got rid of the parts of the system that might be damaged or old, the inefficient parts, during the fasting.

“Now, if you start with a system heavily damaged by chemotherapy or ageing, fasting cycles can generate, literally, a new immune system.”

Prolonged fasting forces the body to use stores of glucose and fat but also breaks down a significant portion of white blood cells.

During each cycle of fasting, this depletion of white blood cells induces changes that trigger stem cell-based regeneration of new immune system cells.

In trials humans were asked to regularly fast for between two and four days over a six-month period.

Scientists found that prolonged fasting also reduced the enzyme PKA, which is linked to ageing and a hormone which increases cancer risk and tumour growth.

“We could not predict that prolonged fasting would have such a remarkable effect in promoting stem cell-based regeneration of the hematopoietic system,” added Prof Longo.

“When you starve, the system tries to save energy, and one of the things it can do to save energy is to recycle a lot of the immune cells that are not needed, especially those that may be damaged,” Dr Longo said.

“What we started noticing in both our human work and animal work is that the white blood cell count goes down with prolonged fasting. Then when you re-feed, the blood cells come back. So we started thinking, well, where does it come from?”

Fasting for 72 hours also protected cancer patients against the toxic impact of chemotherapy.

“While chemotherapy saves lives, it causes significant collateral damage to the immune system. The results of this study suggest that fasting may mitigate some of the harmful effects of chemotherapy,” said co-author Tanya Dorff, assistant professor of clinical medicine at the USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center and Hospital.

“More clinical studies are needed, and any such dietary intervention should be undertaken only under the guidance of a physician.”

“We are investigating the possibility that these effects are applicable to many different systems and organs, not just the immune system,” added Prof Longo.

However, some British experts were sceptical of the research.

Dr Graham Rook, emeritus professor of immunology at University College London, said the study sounded “improbable”.

Chris Mason, Professor of Regenerative Medicine at UCL, said: “There is some interesting data here. It sees that fasting reduces the number and size of cells and then re-feeding at 72 hours saw a rebound.

“That could be potentially useful because that is not such a long time that it would be terribly harmful to someone with cancer.

“But I think the most sensible way forward would be to synthesise this effect with drugs. I am not sure fasting is the best idea. People are better eating on a regular basis.”

Dr Longo added: “There is no evidence at all that fasting would be dangerous while there is strong evidence that it is beneficial.

“I have received emails from hundreds of cancer patients who have combined chemo with fasting, many with the assistance of the oncologists.

“Thus far the great majority have reported doing very well and only a few have reported some side effects including fainting and a temporary increase in liver markers. Clearly we need to finish the clinical trials, but it looks very promising.”

17th of December 2013 Observe Amavasyopasana by Gurubaba devotees

As per Aarsha Bharatha upasana calendar published by Gurubaba Ashram, 17^th of December Tuesday Observe Amavasyopasana by devotees. Amavasyopasana is fasting without water and cooked food for 2 nights and 1 day on Amavasi (New moon day)) and Pournami (Full Moon day). It starts at 6 pm on the previous day of new moon / full moon days. Up to 6 pm you can eat anything you want.. From 6 to 9 pm slowly you must come to Upavasa.

Benefits from observing Amavasyopasana

1. To thwart evil planetary influences and to obtain the blessings of good planets

2. To retrieve lost prosperity and to maintain prosperity.

3. To enter wed lock for persons having bad planetary afflictions in their birth chart like “Chova dhosham”

4. to attain unfulfilled aspirations.

5. To sustain nuptial bliss.

6. To do away with ‘Doshas’ from previous births and bad actions of this birth.

7. To protect from evil forces and bad elements of nature

8. As a remedy to incurable diseases and maintain health.

Benefits of Fasting

Most religions use periods of fasting as a means of demonstrating faith or penitence, and an opportunity for spiritual reflection. Fasting has also historically been a means to express political views and a form of protest.

Though it may not be the most practical -- or safest -- diet, some people use fasting as a way to lose weight or to cleanse the body of toxins, although some experts say our bodies are perfectly equipped with organs that already do the job. How fasting is used for weight loss varies by diet. Some fasting diets involve drinking nothing but water or eating only raw foods for a period of one or more days, while others restrict food on alternate days. Certain fasting diets only allow liquids like water, juice, or tea, while others dramatically cut calories but do not eliminate food altogether.

Does Fasting Help You Lose Weight?

When you fast, your body is forced to dip into energy stores to get the fuel it needs to keep going, so you will lose weight. The big question is how long you will keep that weight off. Because food was often scarce for our ancestors, our bodies have been genetically programmed to combat the effects of fasting. When you eat less food, your metabolism slows down to conserve energy. Then, when you go back to your usual diet, your lowered metabolism may cause you to store more energy, meaning that you will probably gain back the weight you lost and possibly even put on more weight when eating the same calories you did before the fast.

As you fast, your body will adjust by reducing your appetite, so you will initially feel less hungry. But once you have stopped fasting, your appetite hormones will kick back into gear and you may actually feel hungrier and be more likely to binge.

Research has shown that fasting on alternate days can help people lose weight, but not for long. In one study, people who followed an alternate-day fasting diet shed weight, even when they ate all they wanted on the nonfasting days. However, they could not maintain the weight loss over time.
Can Fasting Detoxify the Body?

Some fasting diets claim that they can cleanse the body of impurities. However, there is no evidence that fasting detoxifies your body, or that your body even needs to be detoxified. It is naturally designed to remove toxins through the skin (by sweating), liver, colon, and kidneys.
Could Fasting Help You Live Longer?

Studies of fasting in both rodents and humans appear to indicate a connection between calorie restriction and longevity. In one study of overweight men and women, a calorie-restricted diet improved markers of aging, such as insulin level and body temperature.

Fasting might also improve longevity by delaying the onset of age-related diseases including Alzheimer's, heart disease, and diabetes. One study showed that skipping meals once a month, as members of the Mormon religious group do, reduces the risk of clogged arteries (the build-up of plaque that can lead to heart attacks and strokes). However, it is not clear from this research whether fasting alone or the Mormons' generally healthier lifestyle (they also abstain from coffee, alcohol, and smoking) is responsible for the improved heart health. 

Researchers do not yet know whether the effects of fasting translate into an actual increase in lifespan, because they have not followed people for long enough periods of time. However the concept of intermittent fasting, such as skipping a meal purposefully on an intermittent basis, is gaining attention. It appears to be a relatively safe way to reduce caloric intake that is easier for some people to do. The data however is not there yet nor is this an accepted practice.
Is Fasting Safe?

Fasting for a day or two probably won't hurt people who are generally healthy, provided they maintain an adequate fluid intake. However, fasting entirely for long periods of time can be harmful. Your body needs a variety of vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients from food to stay healthy. Not getting enough of these nutrients during fasting diets can lead to symptoms such as fatigue, dizziness, constipation, dehydration, gallstones, and cold intolerance. It is possible to die if you fast too long.

Even short-term fasting is not recommended for people with type I diabetes, because it can lead to dangerous dips and spikes in blood sugar. Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding, or anyone with a chronic disease, should not fast.

Before you go on any type of new diet, particularly one that involves fasting, talk to your doctor to find out whether it is safe and appropriate for you. Also ask your doctor to refer you to a registered dietitian, who can show you how to design a healthy eating plan.

Sri Chakra

The Sri Yantra ("holy instrument") or Sri Chakra ("holy wheel") is a yantra formed by nine interlocking triangles that surround and radiate out from the central (bindu) point, the junction point between the physical universe and its unmanifest source. It represents the goddess in her form of Shri Lalita Or Tripur Sundari, "the beauty of the three worlds (Heaven, Earth, Hell)". The worship of the Sri Chakr is central to the Shri Vidya system of Hindu worship. Four isosceles triangles with the apices upwards, representing Shiv or the Masculine. Five isosceles triangles with the apices downward, symbolizing female embodiment Shakti. Thus the Sri Yantr also represents the union of Masculine and Feminine Divine. Because it is composed of nine triangles, it is known as the Navayoni Chakr."These nine triangles are of various sizes and intersect with one another. In the middle is the power point (bindu), visualizing the highest, the invisible, elusive centre from which the entire figure and the cosmos expand. The triangles are enclosed by two rows of (8 and 16) petals, representing the lotus of creation and reproductive vital force. The broken lines of the outer frame denote the figure to be a sanctuary with four openings to the regions of the universe".
Together the nine triangles are interlaced in such a way as to form 43 smaller triangles in a web symbolic of the entire cosmos or a womb symbolic of creation. Together they express Advait or non-duality. This is surrounded by a lotus of eight petals, a lotus of sixteen petals, and an earth square resembling a temple with four doors.
The Shri Chakr is also known as the nav chakr because it can also be seen as having nine levels. "Nine" comes from "Nau or Nav" of Sanskrit. Each level corresponds to a mudra, a yogini, and a specific form of the deity Tripur Sundari along with her mantra. These levels starting from the outside or bottom layer are:[1]

1.     Trailokya Mohan or Bhupar, a square of three lines with four portals
2.     Sarv Aasa Paripurak, a sixteen-petal lotus
3.     Sarv Sankshobahan, an eight-petal lotus
4.     Sarv Saubhagyadayak, composed of fourteen small triangles
5.     Sara Arthasadhak, composed of ten small triangles
6.     Sarv Rakshakar, composed of ten small triangles
7.     Sarv Rogahar, composed of eight small triangles
8.     Sarv Siddhiprada, composed of 1 small triangle
9.     Sarv Anandamay, composed of a point or bindu

The Sri Chakra (called the Shri Yantra) is the symbol of Hindu tantra, which is based on the Hindu philosophy of Kashmir Shaivism. The Sri Yantr is the object of devotion in Sri Vidya.

Sri Chakr, popularly mistaken to be a symbol of Lakshmi, is actually a representation of Lalita Mahatripurasundari, an aspect of Parvati Devi..Shri does not mean Wealth in this context. The term 'Shri' is used to denote the reverence to be given to this holy Yantr. The prefix 'Shri' denotes that the Yantr is auspicious, beneficent, salutary, benign and conducive to prosperity.The Shri Chakr is often referred as the Chakr Raja which means King of all Chakr which makes it a supreme instrument in the path of spiritual advancement.

Amasomavara Yagna -Benefits

Meaning of 'Amsomavara'

'Amavasi' means New Moon day; 'Somavara' means Monday.
When New Moon day happens to fall on Monday that special day is know as 'Amasomavara'.
Peculiariteis of 'Amasomavara'
'Amasomavara' is very rare. In certain years there will be one one Amasomavara and in some years there will not be a single one.
'Amasomavara' has many mystical powers. Ancient sages who knew by insight the potential of this holy day used to conduct secret yagnas and poojas on this day to appease Gods and to bring prosperity. The Yagna lasted for many days and involved severe austerities to be observed by the 'Acharyas' of Yagna. After the vedic period, when 'Acharyas' become luxury minded and diverted from the path of penance, this rare gem of knowledge was lst to mankind.
Gurubaba - Agnihotri of Kaliyuga
By doing intense Tapa in Chittramoola Cave, inside the dense forests of kudajadri Hills in Karnataka, Gurubaba was blessed with Darshan of Goddess Mokambika. Devi, most pleased, showered many boons on Gurubaba. The most precious of these was the secret 'Moola Manthras' to perform 'Amasomavara Yagna'. Being the real Avatar of Kaliyuga, Gurubaba is the only one selected by God in Kaliyuga to receive the Manthras from Devi Mookambika.

Amasomavara Yagna

The complete Yagna lasts for 14 days. The Acharya who conducts the Yagna has to fast for 4 nights and 3 days continously without even a drop of water. The Yagna involves Sampoorna Navagraha Pooja, Samagra Navagraha Pooja and Sri Mookambika Moola Swaroopa Tryaksharee Pooja.

Real Vedic Tradition

Acccording to Vedas in any Yagna the Acharya who conduct the Yagna should not enjoy anything received by way of offerings from devotees. The 'Rithwiks' who assist Acharya also should not be paid anything by way of Dakshina or fees. This is striclty followed in 'Amasomavara Yagna'.
Amasomavara involves heavy expenditure amounting to lakhs of rupees. But nothing is charged from the devotees participating in Yagna. No fee is levied. No one is approached for donations. By God`s grace every expense will be met by way of voluntary donations from devotees. All the money and articles received as donation will be distributed among poor and needy as 'ISHTI' after completion of Yagna.

Benefits from 'Amasomavara Yagna'

This is the ultimate Pooja and the last resort for all who could not enter wedlock even after exhausting all types of Pooja and other remedial measures.
It bestows Prosperity and Peace in household
It eliminates evil spirits generated by enemies
It helps for progress in career
It rectifies unexpected set backs in education
It assures marital bliss

How to Participate

Devotees can either come to Guruvayur and stay there for 3 days beginning on Trayodasi i.e 2 days prior to New Moon day or they can observe fasting at their residence and register their name for prasadam.
Red Silk specially blessed by Goddess Mookambika is given as prasadam. The Silk cloth should be wrapped around the pillow and used according to the instructions given from Ashram. Prasadam will be sent by courier. Devotee has to pay courier charges only.
Name shoudl be registered atleast 7 days in advance of New Moon day.

How does chanting work to purify our mind

Chanting works to destroy the incorrect impressions in the subconscious mind. This method, known as the deflection method, helps us to benefit from chanting

If we look at the diagram, we see a barrier which is there between the conscious and sub-conscious mind. This barrier has some special qualities. It doesn’t allow the conscious mind to know what secrets are locked in the sub-conscious mind. This sheath is also porous, but it only allows one thought to emerge at a time from the sub-conscious mind. The thought that emerges is the strongest thought. So impressions from the sub-conscious mind rapidly hit the conscious mind in quick succession and return to strengthen the centre that they arose from.

However when the devotion centre grows stronger, through the spiritual practice of chanting it then becomes the strongest thought to shoot up to the conscious mind. Every time God’s Name shoots up into the conscious mind, the barrier seals and doesn’t allow any other impression to come through. Thus any thought from the sub-conscious mind will not be able to pass beyond the barrier but instead gets deflected as you see in the diagram.

In this process the other impressions and centres receive very little attention. By being continually ignored, the other centres eventually lessen until they cease to exist. So this is another effective way in which the devotion centre cleanses the subconscious mind.