Fasting for Inflammation: What the Research Shows

Fasting for Inflammation: What the Research Shows

Intermittent fasting (IF) is widely known for its role in weight loss—but growing evidence shows its powerful effect on reducing chronic inflammation. Inflammation is at the root of many chronic diseases, including heart disease, autoimmune disorders, diabetes, and neurodegenerative conditions. Fasting gives the body a break from inflammatory triggers and activates healing pathways that restore balance and health.

1. Inflammatory Markers Drop During Fasting

Research consistently shows that fasting lowers levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as TNF-alpha, IL-6, and CRP. These molecules are key drivers of chronic inflammation and tissue damage (de Cabo & Mattson, 2019).

2. Fasting Enhances Cellular Cleanup (Autophagy)

Fasting triggers autophagy, the body’s natural process of breaking down and recycling damaged cells and proteins. This reduces oxidative stress and inflammation at the cellular level (Mizushima & Komatsu, 2011).

3. Gut Health Improves, Reducing Systemic Inflammation

Constant eating stresses the gut, particularly if the diet includes sugar, seed oils, or processed foods. Fasting allows the intestinal lining to repair, supports microbiome balance, and decreases gut-derived inflammation (Longo & Panda, 2016).

4. Insulin Resistance and Inflammation Are Linked

Elevated insulin levels fuel chronic inflammation and metabolic dysfunction. Intermittent fasting lowers insulin, improves insulin sensitivity, and helps stabilize blood sugar—reducing inflammation throughout the body.

5. Brain Inflammation and Mood Improve

Fasting supports brain health by increasing ketone production and reducing neuroinflammation. It also boosts BDNF (brain-derived neurotrophic factor), which improves cognition and resilience to stress (de Cabo & Mattson, 2019).

6. Immune System Regulation

Fasting promotes immune system regeneration by eliminating old or damaged white blood cells and stimulating the production of new ones. This helps restore balance and reduce overactive immune responses associated with inflammation.

The ASTR Diet: A Proven Approach for Inflammation Relief

Dr. Joseph Jacobs developed the ASTR Diet to integrate the healing power of fasting with anti-inflammatory, toxin-free foods. This holistic system helps: • Reduce inflammation and oxidative stress
• Heal the gut and balance the immune system
• Restore hormonal and metabolic health

Whether you struggle with autoimmune issues, chronic pain, fatigue, or inflammatory conditions, this approach targets the root causes of inflammation without medications or extreme diets.

Learn more about how fasting fits into the ASTR healing system in Eat to Heal by Dr. Joseph Jacobs: Available on Amazon

References:
Mizushima N & Komatsu M. (2011). Autophagy: renovation of cells and tissues. Cell.
Longo VD & Panda S. (2016). Fasting, circadian rhythms, and healthy lifespan. Cell Metabolism.
de Cabo R & Mattson MP. (2019). Effects of intermittent fasting on health, aging, and disease. New England Journal of Medicine.