GLOSSARY

absolute fast—A defined period of abstinence from all food and liquid.

advanced glycation end-products (AGEs)—These are what remain after glycation, in which a sugar molecule bonds to either a protein or lipid molecule without an enzyme to control the reaction; these contribute to increased oxidant stress and inflammation, which are linked to diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

alternate-day fasting—A dietary regimen in which one day of non-fasting is followed by a day of fasting.

autophagy—The process through which damaged or dysfunctional cells are broken down and disposed of.

basal metabolic rate—The amount of energy the human body expends while at rest; the minimum number of calories the body needs to maintain normal bodily functions.

brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF)—A protein found in the brain that helps support and encourages the growth of neurons.

calorie restriction—A dietary regimen centered on low-calorie intake; involves the consumption of a prescribed number of calories each day.

cytokines—Proteins that modulate the body’s inflammatory response.

fast—The act of abstaining from food, liquid, or both for a defined period of time; the term can also be applied to other practices or activities aside from food.

fasting day—A day in which the individual engages in a fast; this may involve abstinence from all food or a reduced calorie count for the day.

intermittent fasting—A type of diet or eating pattern in which individuals alternate between periods of fasting and non-fasting.

ischemic heart damage—A disease characterized by reduced blood supply of the heart muscle, usually due to coronary artery disease.

ketone bodies—Substances produced as by-products when fatty acids are broken down for energy in the liver; they are a vital source of energy during fasting.

ketosis—A state in which levels of ketone bodies are elevated, suggesting that the glycogen stores in the liver have been depleted. In this state, the body switches from burning carbohydrate for energy to burning stored fat for energy.

low-density lipoprotein (LDL)—one of the five groups of lipoproteins most often associated with cardiovascular diseases.

neurodegenerative disease—A classification of diseases involving the degeneration, or progressive loss of structure or function, of neurons. Examples of neurodegenerative diseases include Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, and Huntington’s.

non-fasting day—A day on which the individual engages in normal eating practices.