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.

Effect of protracted intermittent fasting on the activities of enzymes involved in energy metabolism, and on the concentrations of glycogen, protein and DNA in skeletal muscle of obese women

Vondra, K., Rath, R., Bass, A., Kuzela, L., Slabochowa, Z.
Nutr Metab 1976
Abstract

In the quadriceps femoris muscle of obese women the glycogen concentration was significantly lower than in the control group, while protein and DNA values showed no significant differences. After 37 days of intermittent fasting, which consisted of repeated 5-day fasts alternating with 3-day intervals on 500 KCal/day with 60 g protein, in a group of 21 obese women a significant… Read More

Changes in body composition during treatment of obesity by intermittent starvation

Birkenhager, J. C., Haak, A., Ackers, J. G.
Metabolism 1968

Porphyria precipitated by fasting

Knudsen, K. B., Sparberg, M., Lecocq, F.
N Engl J Med 1967

Massive obesity treated by intermittent fasting. A metabolic and clinical study

Stewart, W. K., Fleming, L. W., Robertson, P. C.
Am J Med 1966

The beneficial effect of intermittent total fasts on the glucose tolerance in obese diabetic patients

Schless, G. L., Duncan, G. G.
Metabolism 1966

Intermittent total fasts and obesity; indications, results and preventable hazards

Duncan, G. G., Hunscher, M. A., Cristofori, F. C., Duncan, T. G., Schless, G. L.
Postgrad Med 1965

Intermittent Fasts in the Correction and Control of Intractable Obesity

Duncan, G. G.
Trans Am Clin Climatol Assoc 1962

Correction and control of intractable obesity. Practicable application of intermittent periods of total fasting

Duncan, G. G., Jenson, W. K., Fraser, R. I., Cristofori, F. C.
JAMA 1962

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 or periodic… Read More