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.

Fasting: molecular mechanisms and clinical applications

Longo, V. D., Mattson, M. P.
Cell Metab 2014
Abstract

Fasting has been practiced for millennia, but, only recently, studies have shed light on its role in adaptive cellular responses that reduce oxidative damage and inflammation, optimize energy metabolism, and bolster cellular protection. In lower eukaryotes, chronic fasting extends longevity, in part, by reprogramming metabolic and stress resistance pathways. In rodents intermittent… Read More

Epinephrine-stimulated glucose production is not diminished by starvation: evidence for an effect on gluconeogenesis

Hendler, R. G., Sherwin, R. S.
J Clin Endocrinol Metab 1984
Abstract

We infused physiological doses of epinephrine (1.2 microgram/m2 X min) into six healthy obese subjects in the postabsorptive state and after 3-4 days of starvation. During starvation, a reduction in hepatic glycogen stores was demonstrated by the absence of a rise in plasma glucose and glucose production (using [3-3H]glucose) in response to glucagon infusion. The increases in plasma… Read More

Uncomplicated and stressed starvation

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

Effect of food deprivation (fasting) on plasma gastrin levels in man

Uvnas-Wallenstein, K., Palmblad, J.
Scand J Gastroenterol 1980
Abstract

We studied plasma gastrin levels in 12 healthy men before and after 4, 8 and 10 days of total food deprivation. The gastrin levels during the starvation period were significantly lower than the preexposure values. No such changes were observed in 6 other men, serving as controls, who were allowed to eat ad libitum during the experiment. Blood glucose levels and urinary output of catecholamines… Read More

Psychophysiological study on fasting therapy

Yamamoto, H., Suzuki, J., Yamauchi, Y.
Psychother Psychosom 1979
Abstract

The Tohoku University method of fasting therapy was performed on 380 patients. The clinical results revealed an efficacy rate of 87%. With regard to psychosomatic diseases, irritable colon syndrome, neurocirculatory asthenia, mild diabetes mellitus, obesity and borderline hypertension were good indications for this therapy. In order to clarify the therapeutic mechanism, several clinical… Read More

Serum dopamine-beta-hydroxylase activity in fasting man

Mjos, O. D., Vik-mo, H., Gutteberg, T. J., Stromme, J. H.
Clin Exp Pharmacol Physiol 1977
Abstract

1. Dopamine-beta-hydroxylase (D beta H) activity was measured in sera from ten healthy male students after 2 and 3 days fasting which is associated with increased circulating noradrenaline. 2. Circulating D beta H remained essentially unchanged throughout the fasting period, although 'stress parameters' like plasma glycerol and free fatty acid concentrations were elevated by a factor… Read More

Fasting therapy for psychosomatic diseases with special reference to its indication and therapeutic mechanism

Suzuki, J., Yamauchi, Y., Horikawa, M., Yamagata, S.
Tohoku J Exp Med 1976
Abstract

It has been well known that the fasting therapy which was invented in Medical School of Tohoku University reveals an excellent effect upon various kinds of psychosomatic diseases, but its therapeutic mechanism and suitable indication are not yet explained completely. In order to corroborate these problems, this study was undertaken on 262 cases of psychosomatic diseases in the field of… Read More

Follow-up of patients starved for obesity

Swanson, D. W., Dinello, F. A.
Psychosom Med 1970

Prolonged starvation--a dangerous procedure?

Runcie, J., Thomson, T. J.
Br Med J 1970
Abstract

Experience with 18 obese patients who have undergone prolonged (60 days) therapeutic starvation shows that in general this is a safe procedure, but there are significant associated hazards, particularly a breakdown in electrolyte homoeostasis. The need for close biochemical control of such patients is stressed.

Starvation: stress or satisfaction?

Crumpton, E., Wine, D. B., Drenick, E. J.
JAMA 1966