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 and refeeding of various suboptimal isocaloric diets. Effects on mineral and nitrogen balances in obese patients

Jones, J. E., Albrink, M. J., Davidson, P. C., Flink, E. B.
Am J Clin Nutr 1966

Inhibition of salt excretion by carbohydrate

Bloom, W. L.
Arch Intern Med 1962

Catecholamine responses to hypocaloric diets and fasting in obese human subjects

Leiter, L. A., Grose, M., Yale, J. F., Marliss, E. B.
Am J Physiol 1984
Abstract

Catecholamines have multiple metabolic and fluid-electrolyte as well as cardiovascular effects, and their levels in plasma respond to alterations in nutrient and sodium intakes. Plasma norepinephrine, epinephrine, and dopamine were measured in 12 obese nondiabetic subjects before and after 400 kcal/day diets of either protein or glucose, followed by total fasting, and then by hypocaloric… Read More

Protein catabolism in starvation after diets high and low in protein

Utley, D., Whyte, H. M.
Australas Ann Med 1967

Fasting metabolism in infants. I. Effect of severe undernutrition on energy and protein utilization

Kerr, D. S., Stevens, M. C., Robinson, H. M.
Metabolism 1978
Abstract

Fasting energy metabolism was studied in infants to determine the rates of utilization of endogenous carbohydrate, fat, and protein in relation to length of fasting, glucose homeostasis, other circulating energy substrates and hormones, and severe depletion of energy reserves due to prior malnutrition. Five subjects about 1 yr of age were each studied before and after restoration of their… Read More

Effects of caloric and noncaloric materials in fasting hyperbilirubinemia

Barrett, P. V.
Gastroenterology 1975
Abstract

Fasting hyperbilirubinemia (FHB) has previously been shown to be rapidly reversed by the ingestion of a mixed diet. This study examines the effect of carbohydrate, fat, amino acids, and noncaloric materials on FHB. After an initial fast of 15 to 39 hr, caloric and noncaloric materials were administered by mouth or vein to 13 subjects, and the total serum bilirubin (TSB) was… Read More

Skeletal muscle function during hypocaloric diets and fasting: a comparison with standard nutritional assessment parameters

Russell, D. M., Leiter, L. A., Whitwell, J., Marliss, E. B., Jeejeebhoy, K. N.
Am J Clin Nutr 1983
Abstract

Skeletal muscle function and standard nutritional assessment parameters were measured in six obese patients. Base-line measurements were made on a weight-maintaining diet, and further measurements after 2 wk of a 400-cal diet, followed by 2 wk of fasting and then after 2 wk of refeeding. The function of the adductor pollicis muscle was assessed by electrical stimulation of the ulnar nerve. The… Read More

Effect of a protein-sparing diet and brief fast on nitrogen metabolism in mildly obese subjects

Bistrian, D. R., Winterer, J., Blackburn, G. L., Young, V., Sherman, M.
J Lab Clin Med 1977
Abstract

Five young, mildly obese females consumed a formula diet providing total calories at 1.2 X basal energy expenditure and egg white protein, 1.5 gm./kg. ideal body weight (IBW), for 1 week (period 1). During period 2, lasting 3 weeks, a protein-sparing modified fast (PSMF) consisted of similar amounts of egg white without nonprotein calories followed by a 1-week total fast (… Read More

Calcium, magnesium, and phosphate balances during very low calorie diets of soy or collagen protein in obese men: comparison to total fasting

Fisler, J. S., Drenick, E. J.
Am J Clin Nutr 1984
Abstract

In 30 obese men, calcium, magnesium, and phosphate balances were measured for 40 days using one of four weight reducing regimens: 1) 400 kcal soy protein; 2) 400 kcal collagen protein; 3) total fasting with potassium; and 4) total fasting without potassium. Relationship of the minerals to each other and to nitrogen and to the QTc interval was also examined. All groups were in negative… 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… Read More