Fasting

Description

Extended periods of fasting that trigger metabolic changes

Used to Treat

[ 1 ] James B Johnson et al. (2007) DOI PMCID PMID [ 2 ] Haris Younas et al. (2007) DOI PMCID PMID [ 3 ] Kim Han et al. (2018) DOI PMCID PMID

Pollen Allergy (Hay Fever)

Bacterial Infection

Cancer

[ 4 ] Lee C et al. (2012) DOI PMID [ 5 ] Sagun Tiwari et al. (2022) DOI PMID [ 6 ] Sebastian Brandhorst et al. (2021) DOI PMID [ 7 ] Maira Di Tano et al. (2020) DOI PMID [ 8 ] Alessio Nencioni et al. (2019) DOI PMID [ 9 ] Yichun Xie et al. (2024) DOI PMID [ 10 ] Albin Sjölin et al. (2022) Link [ 11 ] Stefanie de Groot et al. (2019) DOI PMID [ 12 ] M Mansilla-Polo et al. (2024) DOI PMID [ 13 ] Ciara H O'Flanagan et al. (2017) DOI PMCID PMID

Cardiovascular disease

[ 14 ] Benjamin D Horne et al. (2009) DOI PMCID PMID [ 15 ] Ciera L Bartholomew et al. (2021) DOI PMCID PMID [ 16 ] Celeste E Naude et al. (2022) DOI PMCID PMID [ 17 ] Kirubel T Hailu et al. (2024) DOI PMCID PMID [ 18 ] Sneha Annie Sebastian et al. (2024) DOI PMID [ 19 ] Zhengqi Qiu et al. (2024) DOI PMCID PMID [ 20 ] Kelemu Tilahun Kibret et al. (2025) DOI PMCID PMID

Crohn's Disease

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

[ 21 ] Xiangwei Hu et al. (2023) DOI PMCID PMID [ 22 ] Valter D Longo et al. (2016) DOI PMCID PMID

Alzheimer's Disease

[ 23 ] Alby Elias et al. (2023) DOI PMCID PMID [ 24 ] Jordan Beveridge et al. (2025) DOI PMCID PMID [ 25 ] Reji Babygirija et al. (2025) DOI PMCID PMID [ 26 ] Jiao Chen et al. (2025) DOI PMCID PMID [ 27 ] Dimitrios Kapogiannis et al. (2024) DOI PMCID PMID [ 28 ] Zhengzhong Zeng et al. (2024) DOI PMID [ 29 ] Eric Mayor et al. (2023) DOI PMCID PMID [ 30 ] BrightFocus Editorial Staff et al. (2023) Link [ 31 ] Samuel T Henderson et al. (2008) PMCID PMID

Epilepsy

[ 32 ] Adam L Hartman et al. (2014) DOI PMCID PMID [ 33 ] John M Freeman et al. (1999) DOI PMID [ 34 ] Mohamed Mahdaoui et al. (2025) DOI PMCID PMID

Mental Disorder

Parkinson's Disease

Arthritis

Diabetes

[ 35 ] Michael Albosta 1,2, et al. (2021) DOI PMID [ 36 ] Anna Obermayer et al. (2022) DOI PMID [ 37 ] Suresh K Sharma et al. (2023) DOI PMID [ 38 ] Lixin Guo et al. (2024) DOI PMID [ 39 ] Wen Xiaoyu et al. (2024) DOI PMID

Psoriasis

[ 40 ] Giovanni Damiani et al. (2019) DOI PMCID PMID [ 41 ] Lynda Grine et al. (2022) DOI PMCID PMID [ 42 ] Nawaf Almutairi et al. (2022) DOI PMCID PMID [ 43 ] Shekhar Neema et al. (2022) DOI PMCID PMID

Shingles (Herpes Zoster)

Viral Infection

Gut Dysbiosis

[ 21 ] Xiangwei Hu et al. (2023) DOI PMCID PMID [ 22 ] Valter D Longo et al. (2016) DOI PMCID PMID

Systemic Inflammation

Acne

[ 44 ] Hiba Fathimathul Harshiba et al. (2024) DOI [ 12 ] M Mansilla-Polo et al. (2024) DOI PMID [ 45 ] Jessica Maloh et al. (2023) DOI PMCID PMID

Eczema (Dermatitis)

[ 12 ] M Mansilla-Polo et al. (2024) DOI PMID

Hives

Insomnia

Lichen Planus

[ 12 ] M Mansilla-Polo et al. (2024) DOI PMID

Rosacea

[ 12 ] M Mansilla-Polo et al. (2024) DOI PMID

How it Works

Insulin Resistance

[ 35 ] Michael Albosta 1,2, et al. (2021) DOI PMID

IGF-1 (Insulin-like Growth Factor 1)

[ 46 ] Chia-Wei Cheng et al. (2014) DOI PMID

Systemic Inflammation

[ 47 ] Andrea Mulas et al. (2023) DOI PMID [ 48 ] Desiree N Lavin et al. (2011) DOI PMID [ 49 ] Rui-han Zhou et al. (2021) DOI PMID [ 50 ] Ángel Roco-Videla et al. (2023) DOI PMID [ 51 ] Armin Ezzati et al. (2025) DOI PMID

mTOR (Mechanistic Target of Rapamycin)

[ 52 ] Nerea Deleyto-Seldas et al. (2021) DOI PMID [ 53 ] Ruzhou Zhao et al. (2021) DOI PMID [ 54 ] Dudley W Lamming et al. (2019) DOI PMID [ 55 ] Mikkel Holm Vendelbo et al. (2014) DOI PMID [ 56 ] Dae-Kyu Song et al. (2022) DOI PMID

Autophagy

[ 57 ] Mohammad Bagherniya et al. (2022) DOI PMID [ 58 ] Mehrdad Alirezaei et al. (2010) DOI PMID [ 59 ] Rajesh Chaudhary et al. (2010) DOI PMID [ 60 ] Hannaneh Parvaresh et al. (2024) DOI PMID [ 61 ] Youli Wang et al. (2021) DOI PMID

Sources

[1] Alternate Day Calorie Restriction Improves Clinical Findings and Reduces Markers of Oxidative Stress and Inflammation in Overweight Adults with Moderate Asthma

[ 1 ] James B Johnson et al. (2007) DOI PMCID PMID

[2] Caloric restriction prevents the development of airway hyperresponsiveness in mice on a high fat diet

[ 2 ] Haris Younas et al. (2007) DOI PMCID PMID

[3] A pilot study to investigate the immune modulatory effects of fasting in steroid-naïve mild asthmatics

[ 3 ] Kim Han et al. (2018) DOI PMCID PMID

[4] Fasting cycles retard growth of tumors and sensitize a range of cancer cell types to chemotherapy

[ 4 ] Lee C et al. (2012) DOI PMID

[5] Effect of fasting on cancer: A narrative review of scientific evidence

[ 5 ] Sagun Tiwari et al. (2022) DOI PMID

[6] Fasting and fasting-mimicking diets for chemotherapy augmentation

[ 6 ] Sebastian Brandhorst et al. (2021) DOI PMID

[7] Synergistic effect of fasting-mimicking diet and vitamin C against KRAS mutated cancers

[ 7 ] Maira Di Tano et al. (2020) DOI PMID

[8] Fasting and cancer: molecular mechanisms and clinical application

[ 8 ] Alessio Nencioni et al. (2019) DOI PMID

[9] Fasting as an Adjuvant Therapy for Cancer: Mechanism of Action and Clinical Practice

[ 9 ] Yichun Xie et al. (2024) DOI PMID

[10] Cancer whitepaper

[ 10 ] Albin Sjölin et al. (2022) Link

[11] Effects of short-term fasting on cancer treatment

[ 11 ] Stefanie de Groot et al. (2019) DOI PMID

[12] Popular Diets and Skin Effects: A Narrative Review

[ 12 ] M Mansilla-Polo et al. (2024) DOI PMID

[13] When less may be more: calorie restriction and response to cancer therapy

[ 13 ] Ciara H O'Flanagan et al. (2017) DOI PMCID PMID

[14] Usefulness of Routine Periodic Fasting to Lower Risk of Coronary Artery Disease among Patients Undergoing Coronary Angiography

[ 14 ] Benjamin D Horne et al. (2009) DOI PMCID PMID

[15] Randomized controlled trial of once-per-week intermittent fasting for health improvement: the WONDERFUL trial

[ 15 ] Ciera L Bartholomew et al. (2021) DOI PMCID PMID

[16] Low-carbohydrate versus balanced-carbohydrate diets for reducing weight and cardiovascular risk

[ 16 ] Celeste E Naude et al. (2022) DOI PMCID PMID

[17] The Effect of Fasting on Cardiovascular Diseases: A Systematic Review

[ 17 ] Kirubel T Hailu et al. (2024) DOI PMCID PMID

[18] Intermittent fasting and cardiovascular disease: A scoping review of the evidence

[ 18 ] Sneha Annie Sebastian et al. (2024) DOI PMID

[19] Beneficial effects of time-restricted fasting on cardiovascular disease risk factors: a meta-analysis

[ 19 ] Zhengqi Qiu et al. (2024) DOI PMCID PMID

[20] Intermittent Fasting for the Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease Risks: Systematic Review and Network Meta-Analysis

[ 20 ] Kelemu Tilahun Kibret et al. (2025) DOI PMCID PMID

[21] Intermittent fasting modulates the intestinal microbiota and improves obesity and host energy metabolism

[ 21 ] Xiangwei Hu et al. (2023) DOI PMCID PMID

[22] Fasting, Circadian Rhythms, and Time-Restricted Feeding in Healthy Lifespan

[ 22 ] Valter D Longo et al. (2016) DOI PMCID PMID

[23] Effects of intermittent fasting on cognitive health and Alzheimer's disease

[ 23 ] Alby Elias et al. (2023) DOI PMCID PMID

[24] Intermittent fasting and neurocognitive disorders: What the evidence shows

[ 24 ] Jordan Beveridge et al. (2025) DOI PMCID PMID

[25] Fasting is required for many of the benefits of calorie restriction in the 3xTg mouse model of Alzheimer's disease

[ 25 ] Reji Babygirija et al. (2025) DOI PMCID PMID

[26] Effect of time-restricted feeding on cognitive dysfunction in Alzheimer's disease and the role of ApoE polymorphism: protocol for a randomised controlled trial

[ 26 ] Jiao Chen et al. (2025) DOI PMCID PMID

[27] Brain responses to intermittent fasting and the healthy living diet in older adults

[ 27 ] Dimitrios Kapogiannis et al. (2024) DOI PMCID PMID

[28] Fasting, a Potential Intervention in Alzheimer's Disease

[ 28 ] Zhengzhong Zeng et al. (2024) DOI PMID

[29] Neurotrophic effects of intermittent fasting, calorie restriction and exercise: a review and annotated bibliography

[ 29 ] Eric Mayor et al. (2023) DOI PMCID PMID

[30] Biohacking Brain Health: Research Exploring Fasting and Diet Changes Shows Promise in Delaying Alzheimer's Disease, Improving Cognition

[ 30 ] BrightFocus Editorial Staff et al. (2023) Link

[31] Ketone bodies as a therapeutic for Alzheimer's disease

[ 31 ] Samuel T Henderson et al. (2008) PMCID PMID

[32] Intermittent fasting: A “new” historical strategy for controlling seizures?

[ 32 ] Adam L Hartman et al. (2014) DOI PMCID PMID

[33] Seizures decrease rapidly after fasting: preliminary studies of the ketogenic diet

[ 33 ] John M Freeman et al. (1999) DOI PMID

[34] Impact of Ramadan Fasting on Patients with Epilepsy: A Systematic Review

[ 34 ] Mohamed Mahdaoui et al. (2025) DOI PMCID PMID

[35] Intermittent fasting: is there a role in the treatment of diabetes? A review of the literature and guide for primary care physicians

[ 35 ] Michael Albosta 1,2, et al. (2021) DOI PMID

[36] Efficacy and Safety of Intermittent Fasting in People With Insulin-Treated Type 2 Diabetes (INTERFAST-2)—A Randomized Controlled Trial

[ 36 ] Anna Obermayer et al. (2022) DOI PMID

[37] Effect of Intermittent Fasting on Glycaemic Control in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

[ 37 ] Suresh K Sharma et al. (2023) DOI PMID

[38] A 5:2 Intermittent Fasting Meal Replacement Diet and Glycemic Control for Adults With Diabetes: The EARLY Randomized Clinical Trial

[ 38 ] Lixin Guo et al. (2024) DOI PMID

[39] The effects of different intermittent fasting regimens in people with type 2 diabetes: a network meta-analysis

[ 39 ] Wen Xiaoyu et al. (2024) DOI PMID

[40] The Impact of Ramadan Fasting on the Reduction of PASI Score, in Moderate-To-Severe Psoriatic Patients: A Real-Life Multicenter Study

[ 40 ] Giovanni Damiani et al. (2019) DOI PMCID PMID

[41] The Effects of Modified Intermittent Fasting in Psoriasis (MANGO): Protocol for a Two-Arm Pilot Randomized Controlled Open Cross-over Study

[ 41 ] Lynda Grine et al. (2022) DOI PMCID PMID

[42] Clinical implications of intermittent Ramadan fasting on stable plaque psoriasis: a prospective observational study

[ 42 ] Nawaf Almutairi et al. (2022) DOI PMCID PMID

[43] Efficacy of Intermittent Fasting in the Management of Chronic Plaque Psoriasis: A Phase IIb Clinical Trial

[ 43 ] Shekhar Neema et al. (2022) DOI PMCID PMID

[44] Fasting for clearer skin: Review article investigating the impact of intermittent fasting on dermatological conditions

[ 44 ] Hiba Fathimathul Harshiba et al. (2024) DOI

[45] The Effects of a Fasting Mimicking Diet on Skin Hydration, Skin Texture, and Skin Assessment: A Randomized Controlled Trial

[ 45 ] Jessica Maloh et al. (2023) DOI PMCID PMID

[46] Prolonged Fasting reduces IGF-1/PKA to promote hematopoietic stem cell-based regeneration and reverse immunosuppression

[ 46 ] Chia-Wei Cheng et al. (2014) DOI PMID

[47] Effect of intermittent fasting on circulating inflammatory markers in obesity: A review of human trials

[ 47 ] Andrea Mulas et al. (2023) DOI PMID

[48] Fasting induces an anti-inflammatory effect on the neuroimmune system which a high-fat diet prevents

[ 48 ] Desiree N Lavin et al. (2011) DOI PMID

[49] The influence of fasting and caloric restriction on inflammation levels in humans

[ 49 ] Rui-han Zhou et al. (2021) DOI PMID

[50] Intermittent Fasting and Reduction of Inflammatory Response in a Patient with Ulcerative Colitis

[ 50 ] Ángel Roco-Videla et al. (2023) DOI PMID

[51] The Effects of Time-Restricted Eating on Inflammation and Oxidative Stress in Overweight Older Adults: A Pilot Study

[ 51 ] Armin Ezzati et al. (2025) DOI PMID

[52] The mTOR-Autophagy Axis and the Control of Metabolism

[ 52 ] Nerea Deleyto-Seldas et al. (2021) DOI PMID

[53] Fasting promotes acute hypoxic adaptation by suppressing mTOR-mediated pathways

[ 53 ] Ruzhou Zhao et al. (2021) DOI PMID

[54] Restriction of dietary protein decreases mTORC1 in tumors and somatic tissues of a tumor-bearing mouse xenograft model

[ 54 ] Dudley W Lamming et al. (2019) DOI PMID

[55] Fasting Increases Human Skeletal Muscle Net Phenylalanine Release and This Is Associated with Decreased mTOR Signaling

[ 55 ] Mikkel Holm Vendelbo et al. (2014) DOI PMID

[56] Beneficial effects of intermittent fasting: a narrative review

[ 56 ] Dae-Kyu Song et al. (2022) DOI PMID

[57] The effect of fasting or calorie restriction on autophagy induction: A review of the literature

[ 57 ] Mohammad Bagherniya et al. (2022) DOI PMID

[58] Short-term fasting induces profound neuronal autophagy

[ 58 ] Mehrdad Alirezaei et al. (2010) DOI PMID

[59] Intermittent fasting activates markers of autophagy in mouse liver, but not muscle from mouse or humans

[ 59 ] Rajesh Chaudhary et al. (2010) DOI PMID

[60] Mechanistic insights into fasting-induced autophagy in the aging heart

[ 60 ] Hannaneh Parvaresh et al. (2024) DOI PMID

[61] Impact of Different Durations of Fasting on Intestinal Autophagy and Serum Metabolome in Broiler Chicken

[ 61 ] Youli Wang et al. (2021) DOI PMID

[62] Fasting for stem cell rejuvenation

[ 62 ] Cristina González-Estévez et al. (2020) DOI PMID

[63] Fasting boosts stem cells' regenerative capacity

[ 63 ] Omer Yilmaz, David Sabatini et al. (2018) Link

[64] Fasting Activates Fatty Acid Oxidation to Enhance Intestinal Stem Cell Function during Homeostasis and Aging

[ 64 ] Maria M. Mihaylova et al. (2018) DOI PMID

[65] Intermittent Fasting During Ramadan Increases the Absolute Number of Circulating Progenitor Stem Cells in Healthy Subjects

[ 65 ] Loubna Abdel Hadi et al. (2025) DOI PMID

[66] Essential role for autophagy in life span extension

[ 66 ] Frank Madeo et al. (2015) DOI

[67] Safety, health improvement and well-being during a 4 to 21-day fasting period in an observational study including 1422 subjects

[ 67 ] Françoise Wilhelmi de Toledo et al. (2019) DOI PMID

[68] Long-Term Fasting-Induced Ketosis in 1610 Subjects: Metabolic Regulation and Safety

[ 68 ] Franziska Grundler et al. (2024) DOI PMID

[69] Blood Pressure Changes in 1610 Subjects With and Without Antihypertensive Medication During Long-Term Fasting

[ 69 ] Franziska Grundler et al. (2022) DOI PMID

[70] Long-term fasting improves lipoprotein-associated atherogenic risk in humans

[ 70 ] Franziska Grundler et al. (2022) DOI PMID

[71] Effects of Periodic Fasting on Fatty Liver Index-A Prospective Observational Study

[ 71 ] Stefan Drinda et al. (2019) DOI PMID

[72] Changes in human gut microbiota composition are linked to the energy metabolic switch during 10 d of Buchinger fasting

[ 72 ] Robin Mesnage et al. (2019) DOI PMID

[73] Influence of Long-Term Fasting on Blood Redox Status in Humans

[ 73 ] Françoise Wilhelmi de Toledo et al. (2020) DOI PMID

[74] Interplay between oxidative damage, the redox status, and metabolic biomarkers during long-term fasting

[ 74 ] Françoise Wilhelmi de Toledo et al. (2020) DOI PMID

[75] Long-term fasting: Multi-system adaptations in humans (GENESIS) study-A single-arm interventional trial

[ 75 ] Franziska Grundler et al. (2022) DOI PMID

[76] World's Longest Medically Documented Repeated Fasting History in a 92 Years Old Man Who Fasted 21 Days Yearly for 45 Years: A Case Report

[ 76 ] Françoise Wilhelmi de Toledo et al. (2024) DOI PMID

[77] Non-canonical lysosomal lipolysis drives mobilization of adipose tissue energy stores with fasting

[ 77 ] GV Naveen Kumar et al. (2025) DOI PMID