A six-day low-calorie diet regimen has demonstrated potential in reducing gum disease, according to new research from King's College London. The study found that participants who followed the restricted diet experienced significantly lower levels of inflammation in their mouths, a primary indicator of gum disease.
The research involved 28 patients from Spanish hospitals, divided into two groups. One group adhered to a specific calorie-restricted diet, while the control group maintained their regular eating habits. The diet involved consuming 1,100 calories for two days, followed by 750 calories for the next three days. On the sixth day, participants gradually reintroduced more calories with soft foods, before returning to their normal diets on the seventh day. This cycle was repeated three times over a six-month period.
Results showed that individuals on the diet exhibited reduced gum inflammation compared to the control group. Gum disease, encompassing conditions like gingivitis and periodontitis, is typically caused by inadequate oral hygiene, leading to plaque buildup, inflammation, and infections around the teeth.
This research emerges as cases of gum disease are projected to increase. A 2024 study by the University of Greenwich predicted that the prevalence of gum disease in the UK could rise from 42% of the population to 54% by 2050, affecting an estimated 28 million Britons.
Professor Luigi Nibali, a senior author of the study and an oral microbiome expert at King's College London, suggested several reasons for fasting's potential benefits. He noted that fasting can reduce oxidative stress in the body, a common contributor to inflammation that can harm cells and DNA. Additionally, restricting high-calorie foods and refined carbohydrates, often found in processed snacks, can further lower oxidative stress by reducing their intake.