Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Effectiveness of Prolonged Fasting in Treating Human Chronic Diseases: Clinical Evidence and Empirical Insights from a Specialized University Medical Center

  • Chapter
  • First Online:
Intermittent and Periodic Fasting, Aging and Disease

  • 91 Accesses

Abstract

This chapter delves into the historical and medical dimensions of prolonged fasting, tracing its evolution from cultural and religious practices to its contemporary medical applications. It underscores methods and evidence linked to prolonged fasting, particularly within medical contexts, highlighting its potential advantages for prevention and treatment of diverse diseases. Medical professionals play a pivotal role in guiding and overseeing fasting, considering its multifaceted physiological, biochemical, and psychological effects.

Prolonged fasting, spanning at least 4 days, encompasses varied approaches. Traditional European techniques, such as the Buchinger and FX Mayr methods, involve fluid-only or modified fasting, each with distinct caloric intakes and initiation/refeeding protocols, driving metabolic adaptations and potential health-related gains.

Prolonged fasting demonstrates potential in numerous health related facets. It aids in preventing noncommunicable diseases by enhancing insulin sensitivity, curbing inflammation, and bolstering cellular repair. Evidence indicates its potential efficacy in metabolic ailments like type 2 diabetes, ameliorating blood sugar control and corresponding markers. Additionally, fasting presents benefits for essential hypertension by reducing blood pressure and fostering cardiovascular health. Autoimmune diseases could benefit from the anti-inflammatory properties of prolonged fasting, possibly influencing gut microbiota. Conditions like rheumatoid arthritis exhibit improved symptoms and joint function with fasting, especially when followed by plant-based diets. Fasting could improve mental health through mood enhancement and anxiety reduction. In cancer treatment, short-term fasting complementing chemotherapy could potentially mitigate side effects. Fertility implications are being investigated, as fasting induces relevant hormonal adaptations. Despite promising existing data, rigorous research and larger studies are essential for confirming the efficacy of prolonged fasting in diverse health conditions.

Prolonged fasting, though generally safe, entails absolute and relative contraindications necessitating medical attention, including tailored medication adjustments due to altered pharmacokinetics. Minor adverse effects are common, while severe imbalances and dehydration may arise if contraindications are overlooked.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this chapter

Log in via an institution

Subscribe and save

Springer+ Basic
$34.99 /Month
  • Get 10 units per month
  • Download Article/Chapter or eBook
  • 1 Unit = 1 Article or 1 Chapter
  • Cancel anytime
Subscribe now

Buy Now

Chapter
USD 29.95
Price excludes VAT (USA)
eBook
USD 149.00
Price excludes VAT (USA)
Hardcover Book
USD 199.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Purchases are for personal use only

Institutional subscriptions

References

  • Andersson M, Haglund E, Aili K, Bremander A, Bergman S (2022) Associations between metabolic factors and radiographic knee osteoarthritis in early disease - a cross-sectional study of individuals with knee pain. BMC Musculoskelet Disord 23(1):938

    Article  CAS  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Bahr LS (2022) Effects of fasting and a ketogenic diet on neuropsychiatric outcomes in multiple sclerosis patients – a randomized controlled trial. Freie Universität Berlin

    Google Scholar 

  • Bauersfeld SP, Kessler CS, Wischnewsky M, Jaensch A, Steckhan N, Stange R et al (2018) The effects of short-term fasting on quality of life and tolerance to chemotherapy in patients with breast and ovarian cancer: a randomized cross-over pilot study. BMC Cancer 18(1):476

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Belkaid Y, Hand TW (2014) Role of the microbiota in immunity and inflammation. Cell 157(1):121–141

    Article  CAS  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Bennett J, Stevens GA, Mathers CD, Bonita R et al (2018) NCD countdown 2030: worldwide trends in non-communicable disease mortality and progress towards sustainable development goal target 3.4. Lancet 392(10152):1072–1088

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Berg JM, Tymoczko J, Gatto GJ, Stryer L (2013) Koordination des Stoffwechsels: Stryer Biochemie. Springer, Berlin

    Book  Google Scholar 

  • Berger B, Jenetzky E, Köblös D, Stange R, Baumann A, Simstich J et al (2021) Seven-day fasting as a multimodal complex intervention for adults with type 1 diabetes: feasibility, benefit and safety in a controlled pilot study. Nutrition 86:111169

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Berthelot E, Etchecopar-Etchart D, Thellier D, Lancon C, Boyer L, Fond G (2021) Fasting interventions for stress, anxiety and depressive symptoms: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Nutrients 13(11)

    Google Scholar 

  • Best D, Avenell A, Bhattacharya S (2017) How effective are weight-loss interventions for improving fertility in women and men who are overweight or obese? A systematic review and meta-analysis of the evidence. Hum Reprod Update 23(6):681–705

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Bischoff SC, Barbara G, Buurman W, Ockhuizen T, Schulzke JD, Serino M et al (2014) Intestinal permeability -- a new target for disease prevention and therapy. BMC Gastroenterol 14:189

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Calabrese EJ (2016) Preconditioning is hormesis part II: how the conditioning dose mediates protection: dose optimization within temporal and mechanistic frameworks. Pharmacol Res 110:265–275

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Calabrese EJ, Mattson MP (2017) How does hormesis impact biology, toxicology, and medicine? NPJ Aging Mech Dis 3:13

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Cheng CW, Villani V, Buono R, Wei M, Kumar S, Yilmaz OH et al (2017) Fasting-mimicking diet promotes Ngn3-driven β-cell regeneration to reverse diabetes. Cell 168(5):775–88.e12

    Article  CAS  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Choi IY, Piccio L, Childress P, Bollman B, Ghosh A, Brandhorst S et al (2016) A diet mimicking fasting promotes regeneration and reduces autoimmunity and multiple sclerosis symptoms. Cell Rep 15(10):2136–2146

    Article  CAS  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Cramer H, Hohmann C, Lauche R, Choi KA, Schneider N, Steckhan N et al (2022) Effects of fasting and lifestyle modification in patients with metabolic syndrome: a randomized controlled trial. J Clin Med 11(16)

    Google Scholar 

  • de Groot S, Vreeswijk MPG, Welters MJP, Gravesteijn G, Boei JJWA, Jochems A et al (2015) The effects of short-term fasting on tolerance to (neo) adjuvant chemotherapy in HER2-negative breast cancer patients: a randomized pilot study. BMC Cancer 15(1):652

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • de Groot S, Pijl H, van der Hoeven JJM, Kroep JR (2019) Effects of short-term fasting on cancer treatment. J Exp Clin Cancer Res 38(1):209

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Di Francesco A, Di Germanio C, Bernier M, de Cabo R (2018) A time to fast. Science 362(6416):770–775

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Drinda S, Grundler F, Neumann T, Lehmann T, Steckhan N, Michalsen A et al (2019) Effects of periodic fasting on fatty liver index—a prospective observational study. Nutrients 11(11)

    Google Scholar 

  • El Salam MAA (2018) Obesity, an enemy of male fertility: a mini review. Oman Med J 33(1):3–6

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Ertürk C, Altay MA, Bilge A, Çelik H (2017) Is there a relationship between serum ox-LDL, oxidative stress, and PON1 in knee osteoarthritis? Clin Rheumatol 36(12):2775–2780

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Finnell JS, Saul BC, Goldhamer AC, Myers TR (2018) Is fasting safe? A chart review of adverse events during medically supervised, water-only fasting. BMC Complement Altern Med 18(1):67

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Fond G, Macgregor A, Leboyer M, Michalsen A (2013) Fasting in mood disorders: neurobiology and effectiveness. A review of the literature. Psychiatry Res 209(3):253–258

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Gabriel S, Ncube M, Zeiler E, Thompson N, Karlsen MC, Goldman DM et al (2022) A six-week follow-up study on the sustained effects of prolonged water-only fasting and refeeding on markers of cardiometabolic risk. Nutrients 14(20)

    Google Scholar 

  • Gabrielsen JS, Tanrikut C (2016) Chronic exposures and male fertility: the impacts of environment, diet, and drug use on spermatogenesis. Andrology 4(4):648–661

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Gasior M, Rogawski MA, Hartman AL (2006) Neuroprotective and disease-modifying effects of the ketogenic diet. Behav Pharmacol 17(5–6):431–439

    Article  CAS  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Göhler L, Hahnemann T, Michael N, Oehme P, Steglich HD, Conradi E et al (2000) Reduction of plasma catecholamines in humans during clinically controlled severe underfeeding. Prev Med 30(2):95–102

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Goldhamer AC, Lisle DJ, Sultana P, Anderson SV, Parpia B, Hughes B et al (2002) Medically supervised water-only fasting in the treatment of borderline hypertension. J Altern Complement Med 8(5):643–650

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Grundler F, Mesnage R, Michalsen A, Wilhelmi de Toledo F (2020) Blood pressure changes in 1610 subjects with and without antihypertensive medication during long-term fasting. J Am Heart Assoc 9(23):e018649

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Grundler F, Plonné D, Mesnage R, Müller D, Sirtori CR, Ruscica M et al (2021) Long-term fasting improves lipoprotein-associated atherogenic risk in humans. Eur J Nutr 60(7):4031–4044

    Article  CAS  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Hartmann AM, Dell'Oro M, Spoo M, Fischer JM, Steckhan N, Jeitler M et al (2022) To eat or not to eat-an exploratory randomized controlled trial on fasting and plant-based diet in rheumatoid arthritis (NutriFast-study). Front Nutr 9:1030380

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Heyman SN, Bursztyn M, Szalat A, Muszkat M, Abassi Z (2020) Fasting-induced Natriuresis and SGLT: a new hypothesis for an old enigma. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 11:217

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Hofer SJ, Carmona-Gutierrez D, Mueller MI, Madeo F (2022) The ups and downs of caloric restriction and fasting: from molecular effects to clinical application. EMBO Mol Med 14(1):e14418

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Huang DQ, El-Serag HB, Loomba R (2021) Global epidemiology of NAFLD-related HCC: trends, predictions, risk factors and prevention. Nat Rev Gastroenterol Hepatol 18(4):223–238

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Jeitler M, Lauche R, Hohmann C, Choi KA, Schneider N, Steckhan N et al (2022) A randomized controlled trial of fasting and lifestyle modification in patients with metabolic syndrome: effects on patient-reported outcomes. Nutrients 14(17)

    Google Scholar 

  • Kafaei-Atrian M, Mohebbi-Dehnavi Z, Sayadi L, Asghari-Jafarabadi M, Karimian-Taheri Z, Afshar M (2019) The relationship between the duration of menstrual bleeding and obesity-related anthropometric indices in students. J Educ Health Promot 8:81

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Kjeldsen-Kragh J, Haugen M, Borchgrevink CF, Laerum E, Eek M, Mowinkel P et al (1991) Controlled trial of fasting and one-year vegetarian diet in rheumatoid arthritis. Lancet 338(8772):899–902

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Kjeldsen-Kragh J, Haugen M, Borchgrevink CF, Førre O (1994) Vegetarian diet for patients with rheumatoid arthritis--status: two years after introduction of the diet. Clin Rheumatol 13(3):475–482

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Kjeldsen-Kragh J, Mellbye OJ, Haugen M, Mollnes TE, Hammer HB, Sioud M et al (1995) Changes in laboratory variables in rheumatoid arthritis patients during a trial of fasting and one-year vegetarian diet. Scand J Rheumatol 24(2):85–93

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Koppold DA, Kandil FI, Güttler O, Müller A, Steckhan N, Meiß S et al (2023) Effects of prolonged fasting during inpatient multimodal treatment on pain and functional parameters in knee and hip osteoarthritis: a prospective exploratory observational study. Nutrients 15(12)

    Google Scholar 

  • Laurens C, Grundler F, Damiot A, Chery I, Le Maho AL, Zahariev A et al (2021) Is muscle and protein loss relevant in long-term fasting in healthy men? A prospective trial on physiological adaptations. J Cachexia Sarcopenia Muscle 12(6):1690–1703

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Lee C, Longo VD (2011) Fasting vs dietary restriction in cellular protection and cancer treatment: from model organisms to patients. Oncogene 30(30):3305–3316

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Lee KW, Loh HC, Ching SM, Devaraj NK, Hoo FK (2020) Effects of vegetarian diets on blood pressure lowering: a systematic review with meta-analysis and trial sequential analysis. Nutrients 12(6)

    Google Scholar 

  • Li C, Ostermann T, Hardt M, Ludtke R, Broecker-Preuss M, Dobos G et al (2013) Metabolic and psychological response to 7-day fasting in obese patients with and without metabolic syndrome. Forsch Komplementmed 20(6):413–420

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Li C, Sadraie B, Steckhan N, Kessler C, Stange R, Jeitler M et al (2017) Effects of a one-week fasting therapy in patients with Type-2 diabetes mellitus and metabolic syndrome - a randomized controlled explorative study. Exp Clin Endocrinol Diabetes 125(9):618–624

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Lin CC, Huang TL (2020) Brain-derived neurotrophic factor and mental disorders. Biom J 43(2):134–142

    Google Scholar 

  • Lithell H, Vessby B, Hellsing K, Ljunghall K, Höglund NJ, Werner I et al (1983) Changes in metabolism during a fasting period and a subsequent vegetarian diet with particular reference to glucose metabolism. Ups J Med Sci 88(2):109–119

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Liu T, Ye Z, Feng J, Zhang L, Chen H, Chen X et al (2023) Efficacy and safety of modified fasting therapy for weight loss in 2054 hospitalized patients. Obesity (Silver Spring) 31(6):1514–1529

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Longo VD, Mattson MP (2014) Fasting: molecular mechanisms and clinical applications. Cell Metab 19(2):181–192

    Article  CAS  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Longo VD, Panda S (2016) Fasting, circadian rhythms, and time-restricted feeding in healthy lifespan. Cell Metab 23(6):1048–1059

    Article  CAS  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Maeda K, Tsukamura H (1996) Neuroendocrine mechanism mediating fasting-induced suppression of luteinizing hormone secretion in female rats. Acta Neurobiol Exp (Wars) 56(3):787–796

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Maifeld A, Bartolomaeus H, Löber U, Avery EG, Steckhan N, Markó L et al (2021) Fasting alters the gut microbiome reducing blood pressure and body weight in metabolic syndrome patients. Nat Commun 12(1):1970

    Article  CAS  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Mathias D (2018) Energiegewinnung bei Nahrungsmangel. Fit und gesund von 1 bis Hundert: Ernährung und Bewegung - Aktuelles medizinisches Wissen zur Gesundheit. Springer, Berlin

    Book  Google Scholar 

  • Mattson MP (2008) Dietary factors, hormesis and health. Ageing Res Rev 7(1):43–48

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Mesnage R, Grundler F, Schwiertz A, Le Maho Y, Wilhelmi de Toledo F (2019) Changes in human gut microbiota composition are linked to the energy metabolic switch during 10 d of Buchinger fasting. J Nutr Sci 8:e36

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Michalsen A (2010) Prolonged fasting as a method of mood enhancement in chronic pain syndromes: a review of clinical evidence and mechanisms. Curr Pain Headache Rep 14(2):80–87

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Michalsen A, Li C (2013) Fasting therapy for treating and preventing disease - current state of evidence. Forsch Komplementmed 20(6):444–453

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Michalsen A, Schneider S, Rodenbeck A, Ludtke R, Huether G, Dobos GJ (2003a) The short-term effects of fasting on the neuroendocrine system in patients with chronic pain syndromes. Nutr Neurosci 6(1):11–18

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Michalsen A, Schlegel F, Rodenbeck A, Ludtke R, Huether G, Teschler H et al (2003b) Effects of short-term modified fasting on sleep patterns and daytime vigilance in non-obese subjects: results of a pilot study. Ann Nutr Metab 47(5):194–200

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Michalsen A, Hoffmann B, Moebus S, Backer M, Langhorst J, Dobos GJ (2005) Incorporation of fasting therapy in an integrative medicine ward: evaluation of outcome, safety, and effects on lifestyle adherence in a large prospective cohort study. J Altern Complement Med 11(4):601–607

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Michalsen A, Li C, Kaiser K, Lüdtke R, Meier L, Stange R et al (2013) In-patient treatment of fibromyalgia: a controlled nonrandomized comparison of conventional medicine versus integrative medicine including fasting therapy. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med 2013:908610

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Morales-Ivorra I, Romera-Baures M, Roman-Viñas B, Serra-Majem L (2018) Osteoarthritis and the mediterranean diet: a systematic review. Nutrients 10(8)

    Google Scholar 

  • Muller H, de Toledo FW, Resch KL (2001) Fasting followed by vegetarian diet in patients with rheumatoid arthritis: a systematic review. Scand J Rheumatol 30(1):1–10

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Nassan FL, Chavarro JE, Tanrikut C (2018) Diet and men’s fertility: does diet affect sperm quality? Fertil Steril 110(4):570–577

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Nazni P (2014) Association of western diet & lifestyle with decreased fertility. Indian J Med Res 140(Suppl 1):S78–S81

    PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Oudmaijer CAJ, Minnee RC, Pol RA, van den Boogaard WMC, Komninos DSJ, van de Wetering J et al (2022) Fasting before living-kidney donation: effect on donor well-being and postoperative recovery: study protocol of a multicenter randomized controlled trial. Trials 23(1):18

    Article  CAS  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Owen OE, Smalley KJ, D'Alessio DA, Mozzoli MA, Dawson EK (1998) Protein, fat, and carbohydrate requirements during starvation: anaplerosis and cataplerosis. Am J Clin Nutr 68(1):12–34

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Papathanasiou I, Anastasopoulou L, Tsezou A (2021) Cholesterol metabolism related genes in osteoarthritis. Bone 152:116076

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Peltonen R, Kjeldsen-Kragh J, Haugen M, Tuominen J, Toivanen P, Førre O et al (1994) Changes of faecal flora in rheumatoid arthritis during fasting and one-year vegetarian diet. Br J Rheumatol 33(7):638–643

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Pettersen BJ, Anousheh R, Fan J, Jaceldo-Siegl K, Fraser GE (2012) Vegetarian diets and blood pressure among white subjects: results from the Adventist Health Study-2 (AHS-2). Public Health Nutr 15(10):1909–1916

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Remely M, Hippe B, Geretschlaeger I, Stegmayer S, Hoefinger I, Haslberger A (2015) Increased gut microbiota diversity and abundance of Faecalibacterium prausnitzii and Akkermansia after fasting: a pilot study. Wien Klin Wochenschr 127(9–10):394–398

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Ricci E, Bravi F, Noli S, Ferrari S, De Cosmi V, La Vecchia I et al (2019) Mediterranean diet and the risk of poor semen quality: cross-sectional analysis of men referring to an Italian Fertility Clinic. Andrology 7(2):156–162

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Ring RM, Eisenmann C, Kandil FI, Steckhan N, Demmrich S, Klatte C et al (2022) Mental and behavioural responses to Bahá'í fasting: looking behind the scenes of a religiously motivated intermittent fast using a mixed methods approach. Nutrients 14(5)

    Google Scholar 

  • Safdie FM, Dorff T, Quinn D, Fontana L, Wei M, Lee C et al (2009) Fasting and cancer treatment in humans: a case series report. Aging (Albany NY) 1(12):988–1007

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Salas-Huetos A, Babio N, Carrell DT, Bulló M, Salas-Salvadó J (2019a) Adherence to the Mediterranean diet is positively associated with sperm motility: a cross-sectional analysis. Sci Rep 9(1):3389

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Salas-Huetos A, James ER, Aston KI, Jenkins TG, Carrell DT (2019b) Diet and sperm quality: nutrients, foods and dietary patterns. Reprod Biol 19(3):219–224

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Scharf E, Zeiler E, Ncube M, Kolbe P, Hwang SY, Goldhamer A et al (2022) The effects of prolonged water-only fasting and refeeding on markers of cardiometabolic risk. Nutrients 14(6)

    Google Scholar 

  • Schmidt S, Stange R, Lischka E, Kiehntopf M, Deufel T, Loth D et al (2010) Uncontrolled clinical study of the efficacy of ambulant fasting in patients with osteoarthritis. Forsch Komplementmed 17(2):87–94

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • (SGGG) DGfGuGDÖGfGuGOSGfGuG (2019) Langfassung der Leitlinie “Diagnostik und Therapie vor einer assistierten reproduktionsmedizinischen Behandlung (ART)”. In: (SGGG) DGfGuGDÖGfGuGOSGfGuG (ed). https://www.awmforg/leitlinien/detail/ll/015-085.html. 1.0 ed. https://www.awmf.org/leitlinien/detail/ll/015-085.html: AWMF

  • Sköldstam L, Larsson L, Lindström FD (1979) Effect of fasting and lactovegetarian diet on rheumatoid arthritis. Scand J Rheumatol 8(4):249–255

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Smits RM, Mackenzie-Proctor R, Yazdani A, Stankiewicz MT, Jordan V, Showell MG (2019) Antioxidants for male subfertility. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 3(3):Cd007411

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Song Y, Liu J, Zhao K, Gao L, Zhao J (2021) Cholesterol-induced toxicity: an integrated view of the role of cholesterol in multiple diseases. Cell Metab 33(10):1911–1925

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Spark RF, Arky RA, Boulter PR, Saudek CD, O’Brian JT (1975) Renin, aldosterone and glucagon in the natriuresis of fasting. N Engl J Med 292(25):1335–1340

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Stange R, Pflugbeil C, Michalsen A, Uehleke B (2013) Therapeutic fasting in patients with metabolic syndrome and impaired insulin resistance. Forsch Komplementmed 20(6):421–426

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Steiniger J, Schneider A, Bergmann S, Boschmann M, Janietz K (2009) Effects of fasting and endurance training on energy metabolism and physical fitness in obese patients. Forsch Komplementmed 16(6):383–390

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Sundqvist T, Lindström F, Magnusson KE, Sköldstam L, Stjernström I, Tagesson C (1982) Influence of fasting on intestinal permeability and disease activity in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Scand J Rheumatol 11(1):33–38

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Talmor A, Dunphy B (2015) Female obesity and infertility. Best Pract Res Clin Obstet Gynaecol 29(4):498–506

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Thijssen E, van Caam A, van der Kraan PM (2015) Obesity and osteoarthritis, more than just wear and tear: pivotal roles for inflamed adipose tissue and dyslipidaemia in obesity-induced osteoarthritis. Rheumatology (Oxford) 54(4):588–600

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Tremaroli V, Bäckhed F (2012) Functional interactions between the gut microbiota and host metabolism. Nature 489(7415):242–249

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Wallentin L, Sköldstam L (1980) Lipoproteins and cholesterol esterification rate in plasma during a 10-day modified fast in man. Am J Clin Nutr 33(9):1925–1931

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Wei N, Dai Z (2022) The role of nutrition in osteoarthritis: a literature review. Clin Geriatr Med 38(2):303–322

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Wei M, Brandhorst S, Shelehchi M, Mirzaei H, Cheng CW, Budniak J et al (2017) Fasting-mimicking diet and markers/risk factors for aging, diabetes, cancer, and cardiovascular disease. Sci Transl Med 9(377)

    Google Scholar 

  • Wilhelmi de Toledo F (2018) Physiologie des Fastens. In: Stange R, Leitzmann C (eds) Ernährung und Fasten als Therapie. Springer, Berlin, pp 181–196

    Chapter  Google Scholar 

  • Wilhelmi de Toledo F, Buchinger A, Burggrabe H, Hölz G, Kuhn C, Lischka E et al (2013) Fasting therapy - an expert panel update of the 2002 consensus guidelines. Forsch Komplementmed 20(6):434–443

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Wilhelmi de Toledo F, Grundler F, Bergouignan A, Drinda S, Michalsen A (2019) Safety, health improvement and well-being during a 4 to 21-day fasting period in an observational study including 1422 subjects. PLoS One 14(1):e0209353

    Article  CAS  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Yokoyama Y, Nishimura K, Barnard ND, Takegami M, Watanabe M, Sekikawa A et al (2014) Vegetarian diets and blood pressure: a meta-analysis. JAMA Intern Med 174(4):577–587

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Yuan L, Wu H, Huang W, Bi Y, Qin A, Yang Y (2021) The function of metformin in endometrial receptivity (ER) of patients with polycyclic ovary syndrome (PCOS): a systematic review and meta-analysis. Reprod Biol Endocrinol 19(1):89

    Article  CAS  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Zheng D, Liwinski T, Elinav E (2020) Interaction between microbiota and immunity in health and disease. Cell Res 30(6):492–506

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Zorn S, Ehret J, Schäuble R, Rautenberg B, Ihorst G, Bertz H et al (2020) Impact of modified short-term fasting and its combination with a fasting supportive diet during chemotherapy on the incidence and severity of chemotherapy-induced toxicities in cancer patients - a controlled cross-over pilot study. BMC Cancer 20(1):578

    Article  CAS  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Institute of Social Medicine, Epidemiology and Health Economics, Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany

    Daniela A. Koppold, Andreas Michalsen & Etienne Hanslian

  2. Department of Internal Medicine and Nature-Based Therapies, Immanuel Hospital Berlin, Berlin, Germany

    Daniela A. Koppold, Andreas Michalsen & Etienne Hanslian

  3. Division of Oncology and Hematology, Department of Pediatrics, Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany

    Daniela A. Koppold

Authors
  1. Daniela A. Koppold
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Andreas Michalsen
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Etienne Hanslian
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Andreas Michalsen .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Kinesiology and Nutrition, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA

    Krista Varady

  2. Regulatory Biology Laboratory, Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, CA, USA

    Emily N.C. Manoogian

  3. Director of the Longevity Institute, Leonard Davis School of Gerontology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA

    Valter D. Longo

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 2024 The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG

About this chapter

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this chapter

Koppold, D.A., Michalsen, A., Hanslian, E. (2024). Effectiveness of Prolonged Fasting in Treating Human Chronic Diseases: Clinical Evidence and Empirical Insights from a Specialized University Medical Center. In: Varady, K., Manoogian, E.N., Longo, V.D. (eds) Intermittent and Periodic Fasting, Aging and Disease. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-49622-6_10

Download citation

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-49622-6_10

  • Published:

  • Publisher Name: Springer, Cham

  • Print ISBN: 978-3-031-49621-9

  • Online ISBN: 978-3-031-49622-6

  • eBook Packages: MedicineMedicine (R0)

Publish with us

Policies and ethics

Search

Navigation