Fasting Literature Database

Biomedical publications about prolonged water-only fasting from 1881-1999

TrueNorth Health Foundation has meticulously curated an extensive database of historical literature on prolonged water-only fasting dating back to the late 19th century.

This collection serves as a valuable resource for researchers, healthcare professionals, and individuals interested in exploring early perspectives and research on the effects of water-only fasting in humans.

These publications span a range of topics, including physiological effects, clinical applications, and historical reviews, that offer insights into the rich history and evolving understanding of fasting as a therapeutic intervention.

Post receptor activation of lipolysis in starvation, diabetes mellitus and hyperthyroidism

Arner, P., Engfeldt, P., Wennlund, A., Ostman, J.
Horm Metab Res 1981
Abstract

Activation of lipolysis by cyclic AMP in conditions with accelerated lipid mobilization was examined in subcutaneous adipose tissue incubated in vitro. In (a) 16 obese patients before and during therapeutic starvation, (b) 18 diabetics before and after antidiabetic treatment and (c) 11 hyperthyroid patients before and after anti-thyroid treatment, a positive correlation was found between… Read More

Variation in plasma ketone bodies during a 24-hour fast in normal and in hypoglycemic children: relationship to age

Saudubray, J. M., Marsac, C., Limal, J. M., Dumurgier, E., Charpentier, C., Ogier, H., Coude, F. X.
J Pediatr 1981
Abstract

The variations in blood ketone bodies, blood glucose, and insulin were studied in 19 normal and 14 hypoglycemic children, 4 months to 13 years of age, during a 24-hour fast. Except in four patients (two with hyperinsulinism and two with congenital defect in ketogenesis), a significant increase in blood ketone bodies was observed in both controls and patients. A progressive decrease in glucose… Read More

Uncomplicated and stressed starvation

Meguid, M. M., Collier, M. D., Howard, L. J.
Surg Clin North Am 1981

The effect of fasting on the hormonal response to graded exercise

Galbo, H., Christensen, N. J., Mikines, K. J., Sonne, B., Hilsted, J., Hagen, C., Fahrenkrug, J.
J Clin Endocrinol Metab 1981
Abstract

Eight healthy men (17–31 yr) were studied in the postabsorptive state(control) and after a 59-h fast. They had venous blood drawn at rest and during 10 min of moderate work (treadmill running requiring 60% of the individual maximal oxygen uptake) succeeded by 5 min of heavy work (requiring 100% of the individual maximal oxygen uptake). Fasting resulted in a halving of insulin concentrations, a… Read More

A multiple approach to the treatment of obesity using total fasting or a very-low-calorie diet

Cormillot, A., Zukerfeld, R., Olkies, A., Ravenna, M., Luxardo, J., Tessi, C.
Int J Obes 1981
Abstract

A multiple approach programme used in 20 000 patients (3300 have been hospitalized at some time or other) for 19 years is described. It is based on operative definitions handled by an interdisciplinary team working within a therapeutic community. A diagnostic-prognostic profile is used, and so is the ambulatory treatment including an individual/group approach, and/or hospitalization with total… Read More

Fasting energy utilization in the smaller of twins with epinephrine-deficient hypoglycemia

Kerr, D. S., Brooke, O. G., Robinson, H. M.
Metabolism 1981

Effects of total fasting in obese women. IV. Response of serum triiodothyronine (T3) and reverse triiodothyronine (rT3) to administered T3

Limanova, Z., Sonka, J., Kratochvil, O., Wilczek, H., Marek, J.
Endokrinologie 1981
Abstract

Serum levels of T4, T3, rT3, RT3U and TSH were estimated in 12 obese women in the course of a 14-day fasting. Seven of these patients were treated with T3 in a daily dose of 60--80 micrograms. Fasting led to a small increase of serum T4, while fasting combined with T3 administration was accompanied by a small decrease of serum T4. Serum T3 decreased in the course of the first 2 days of fasting… Read More

Daily plasma citrate rhythms in man during feeding and fasting

Nielsen, T. T., Sorensen, N. S.
Scand J Clin Lab Invest 1981
Abstract

Daily plasma citrate rhythms were followed during a 24-h day in seven subjects fed a common diet and from 0800 to 2100 hours in : (1) ten subjects fed a citrate-poor diet; (2) eight subjects who continued overnight fasting (short-term fasting) and (3) nine obese patients during the 7th day of a total fasting (long-term fasting). During feeding plasma citrate increased after meals (from 9.0 to… Read More

Lipoprotein and apolipoprotein changes in obesity after a short-term fast

Weisweiler, P., Schwandt, P.
Int J Obes 1981
Abstract

Serum lipids, lipoproteins and apolipoproteins were measured in 16 obese female subjects before and after a short-term fast of four days. The mean body weight loss was 2.9 +/- 0.8 kg. Serum triglycerides decreased, serum, LDL, and HDL cholesterol increased significantly. Furthermore there was a significant reduction of the serum apolipoprotein B concentration, while apolipoprotein A I did not… Read More

Biliary cholesterol saturation and weight reduction--effects of fasting and low calorie diet

Schlierf, G., Schellenberg, B., Stiehl, A., Czygan, P., Oster, P.
Digestion 1981
Abstract

The effects of fasting or a 600-cal diet on biliary lipid composition were studied in 20 persons with overweight. With complete fasting for 20 days and a mean weight loss of 650 g/day, biliary cholesterol fell significantly from 10.1 to 6.9 mol% and the 'lithogenic index' from 1.0 to 0.7. Following fasting, the index, in 10 of the 11 patients, was in the normal range below 1.0. With… Read More