‘If done properly, it is one of the most effective ways’: Samantha Ruth Prabhu explains how fasting supports digestion

Samantha Ruth Prabhu, who has recently been vocal about gut health and biohacking, has opened up about the powerful role fasting can play in improving digestion. In a new conversation with Dr Mitrabasu Chhillar — MBBS, MD (Medicine) and an expert in holistic wellness and chronic disease reversal — the actor discussed why structured fasting can benefit the body when done correctly.

Samantha said she views fasting as a natural break that allows the digestive system to function the way it is meant to. “If this is done properly, it is meant to be one of the most effective ways of keeping your digestive system healthy,” she shared. Dr Chhillar added that fasting also sharpens awareness around eating, helping people make conscious choices and manage cravings better. According to him, the practice supports both psychological discipline and hormonal balance.

How fasting benefits the body

Nutrition expert Edwina Raj from Aster CMI Hospital, Bengaluru agreed with the wellness advantages, noting that fasting offers far more than weight-loss benefits.
According to her, fasting can:

• lower blood pressure
• positively influence hunger-regulating hormones like ghrelin and leptin
• improve satiety while reducing overall food intake
• enhance insulin sensitivity, making it easier for the body to process carbohydrates
• promote fat-to-energy conversion, aiding weight reduction

She recommends occasional fasting — once a week or once a month — to rejuvenate cells, strengthen immunity, support autophagy, and potentially improve longevity.

Possible side effects of fasting

While fasting comes with strong metabolic benefits, Raj cautioned that it may trigger temporary side effects in some people, especially those new to the routine. These include:

• headaches or gas-related discomfort
• bloating due to overeating during eating windows
• dehydration-related headaches
• fluctuations in blood sugar caused by prolonged gaps between meals

She advised easing into fasting instead of making sudden changes, and ensuring adequate hydration and mindful food choices to minimise digestive distress.

Why fasting can be risky for diabetics

Clinical nutritionist CV Aishwarya from Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research, Chennai, emphasised that fasting requires extra caution for people with diabetes — especially those on insulin or sulfonylureas.

Extended fasting can lead to hypoglycemia, as blood sugar levels may drop sharply without regular food intake. In people with type 1 diabetes, prolonged fasting can also trigger the breakdown of fat into ketones, increasing the risk of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) — a potentially life-threatening condition marked by high blood sugar, rising ketone levels and metabolic imbalance.

Experts recommend that diabetic individuals avoid fasting without medical guidance.