“The Impact of Fasting on Autoimmune Diseases: What You Need to Know”
Various fasting regimens have shown promise for treating inflammatory autoimmune diseases such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, and more. Research suggests benefits, but randomized controlled studies are needed to confirm efficacy.
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Numerous fasting strategies have been explored for treating inflammatory autoimmune conditions like lupus, ankylosing spondylitis, chronic urticaria, mixed connective-tissue disease, glomerulonephritis, and multiple sclerosis, in addition to osteoarthritis and fibromyalgia.
The most compelling evidence supporting the use of fasting pertains to rheumatoid arthritis, an autoimmune disorder that affects the joints. A study from Germany also indicated potential benefits for osteoarthritis, highlighting improvements in pain and joint function. However, more extensive randomized controlled trials are needed to confirm these findings.
In one case, a woman with mixed connective-tissue disease experienced significant relief after a 21-day fast, eliminating the need for medication. A similar positive outcome was observed in a patient with fibromyalgia who became symptom-free after a 24-day fast and maintained this status with a plant-based diet.
For individuals with lupus, fasting also showed promising results, with a 45-year-old woman experiencing pain relief after just four days of fasting. The symptoms recurred but were managed with a subsequent seven-day fast followed by a plant-based diet. A plant-based diet alone has demonstrated efficacy in controlling lupus symptoms in some cases.
In the case of sacroiliitis, linked to ankylosing spondylitis, a patient’s pain significantly improved after switching to a plant-based diet, indicating the potential impact of dietary changes on inflammatory pain management.
Furthermore, individuals with autoimmune glomerulonephritis were fasted for 60 hours and then transitioned to a diet rich in fruits and vegetables, leading to remarkable recoveries and supporting the integration of fasting into treatment plans.
In the realm of autoimmune nerve disease like multiple sclerosis, a modified fasting diet showed overall improvements in quality of life compared to a ketogenic diet, emphasizing the importance of dietary interventions in managing these conditions.
Lastly, fasting therapy exhibited positive outcomes for chronic urticaria, with patients experiencing relief from hives following a fasting regimen. However, it is crucial to emphasize that fasting should be conducted under medical supervision to monitor for potential complications.
Ultimately, while fasting can trigger self-healing mechanisms within the body, long-term benefits require adherence to a health-promoting lifestyle inclusive of a minimally processed plant-based diet, sufficient sleep, and regular physical exercise.
Published on: 2024-12-31 13:00:00 | Author: Michael Greger M.D. FACLM