Re the analogy with fasting, more broadly this would be an example of hormesis, i.e. the principle that many sources of stress are beneficial in small quantities. (As others mentioned, though they didn’t use the general term.) Other examples include:
mild toxins, such as spices and bitter flavours (thought to be the evolutionary reason we like them, if in small quantities)
radiation, which curiously seems to reduce cancer risk in low doses.
Sleep deprivation may be somewhat different as it’s an example of largely psychological stress, and I don’t know if other psychological stressors are thought to be beneficial. (Except for the traditional belief that British public schools with tough regimes were ‘character building’, which is why Prince Charles was sent to Gordonstoun!)
Re the analogy with fasting, more broadly this would be an example of hormesis, i.e. the principle that many sources of stress are beneficial in small quantities. (As others mentioned, though they didn’t use the general term.) Other examples include:
mild toxins, such as spices and bitter flavours (thought to be the evolutionary reason we like them, if in small quantities)
heat & cold, e.g. saunas and cold showers
mild diseases—hence vaccines
radiation, which curiously seems to reduce cancer risk in low doses.
Sleep deprivation may be somewhat different as it’s an example of largely psychological stress, and I don’t know if other psychological stressors are thought to be beneficial. (Except for the traditional belief that British public schools with tough regimes were ‘character building’, which is why Prince Charles was sent to Gordonstoun!)