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.

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

Renal conservation of ketone bodies during starvation

Sapir, D. G., Owen, O. E.
Metabolism 1975
Abstract

Renal handling of acetoacetate and beta-hydroxybutyrate was studied in 12 obese subjects undergoing total starvation. Simultaneously, the acetoacetate, beta-hydroxybutyrate, and inulin clearance rates were measured, and acetoacetate and beta-hydroxybutyrate reabsorption rates were calculated. Renal clearance of blood acetoacetate and beta-hydroxybutyrate remained constant. In contrast,… Read More

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

Fasting therapy for psychosomatic disorders in Japan

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

It has been well known in Japan that fasting therapy has an excellent effect on various kinds of psychosomatic diseases. From 1967 to 1977 the therapy was carried out on about 382 cases of psychosomatic diseases in our clinic with an efficacy rate of 87%. The following diseases were considered as suitable indications for the therapy; irritable colon, behavioral disturbance of eating,… Read More

Influence of insulin and glucagon on sodium balance in obese subjects during fasting and refeeding

Kolanowski, J.
Int J Obes 1981
Abstract

To delineate the hormonal mechanism of dietary-induced changes in sodium balance, the role of insulin and glucagon in natriuresis of fast was evaluated in obese subjects submitted to a total starvation and given either glucagon or somatostatin infusion on day 4 of fast. While large amounts of glucagon (1 mg over 6 h) stimulated concomitantly ketonaemia, ketonuria and renal sodium losses, the… Read More

Influence of glucagon on sodium (Na) balance during fasting and refeeding in the obese

Kolanowski, J., Salvador, G., Henquin, J. C., Desmecht, F., Gerich, J., Karam, J. H., Crabbe, J.
European society for Clinical Investigation - Abstracts 1973
Abstract

To delineate the hormonal mechanism of dietary-induced changes in sodium balance, the role of insulin and glucagon in natriuresis of fast was evaluated in obese subjects submitted to a total starvation and given either glucagon or somatostatin infusion on day 4 of fast. While large amounts of glucagon (1 mg over 6 h) stimulated concomitantly ketonaemia, ketonuria and renal sodium losses, the… 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