The Oldest Cure in the World

1. Fasting: An Ancient Practice Rediscovered

After a hundred false starts and blind alleys, scientists are finally unlocking the health-giving secrets of fasting, and we are fortunate indeed to live in a time when anyone can benefit from this knowledge.

Fasting's deep roots. Fasting is not a new fad but an ancient practice, dating back to prehistoric times when food scarcity was a regular occurrence. Early humans likely experienced periods of fasting due to environmental factors, and those who could adapt thrived. This evolutionary pressure has shaped our bodies to respond positively to periods of food deprivation.

Religious and cultural significance. Fasting has been a central practice in many religions, including Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. In these contexts, fasting is often used for spiritual purification, penance, or to connect with the divine. This widespread adoption across cultures highlights the profound impact of fasting on the human experience.

Modern revival. Despite its historical significance, therapeutic fasting has been largely neglected by modern medicine until recently. However, a growing body of scientific evidence is now validating the health benefits of fasting, leading to a resurgence of interest in this ancient practice.

2. Eastern Religions and the Ascetic Ideal

It is by fasts that the Rishis—enlightened beings—have attained to high success.

Hinduism's emphasis on self-denial. In Hinduism, fasting is seen as a way to reduce attachment and desire, which are considered the root of suffering. By willingly denying themselves food, practitioners aim to weaken their attachment to worldly pleasures and move closer to a state of nirvana.

Buddhism's Middle Way. While the Buddha initially embraced extreme fasting, he later rejected it in favor of the Middle Way, which emphasizes moderation in all things. However, fasting still plays a role in Buddhist practice as a tool for calming the mind and cultivating self-discipline.

Jainism's extreme asceticism. Jainism takes fasting to its most extreme form, with some practitioners engaging in Sallekhana, or starvation unto death. This practice is seen as a way to purify the soul and escape the cycle of rebirth.

3. The West's Tumultuous Relationship with Fasting

Fasting, in short, is astoundingly and variously useful, deserving of the enthusiasm it is finally getting but deserving as well of being treated with sensibility and discernment.

Ancient Greek perspectives. While some ancient Greek philosophers like Pythagoras advocated for fasting, others, like Hippocrates, had a more nuanced view. The Hippocratic Corpus acknowledges the potential benefits of fasting but also warns against its misuse.

Christianity's complex relationship. Christianity's view of fasting is complex, with some figures like Tertullian advocating for extreme asceticism, while others, like Jesus himself, emphasized moderation. Fasting became a central practice in Christianity, particularly during Lent, but its interpretation and application have varied widely over time.

Galen's influence. The writings of Galen, a prominent Roman physician, had a profound impact on Western medicine for centuries. Galen's emphasis on humoral theory led to a decline in the use of therapeutic fasting, as doctors focused on balancing the body's humors through other means.

4. Tanner's Folly: A Spark of Modern Therapeutic Fasting

The whole thing is in the recuperative power in man.

Henry S. Tanner's public fast. In the late 19th century, Dr. Henry S. Tanner challenged the medical establishment by undertaking a 40-day water-only fast under public observation. This event sparked widespread debate about the limits of human endurance and the potential benefits of fasting.

Tanner's theory of regenerative fasting. Tanner believed that fasting allowed the body to clear away excess food and the debris of worn-out tissues, leading to purification and a "new birth." He argued that most diseases arose from these two sources and could be remedied by giving the body a chance to rest and repair itself.

The medical establishment's skepticism. Despite Tanner's claims and the public's fascination, the medical establishment largely dismissed his ideas as unscientific. Doctors of the time were more focused on measurements and external interventions, failing to recognize the body's innate capacity for self-healing.

5. The Rise and Fall of Fasting in Early 20th Century America

It may be of use to the shipwrecked, or to persons who are lost.

Early proponents of therapeutic fasting. In the early 20th century, a few American doctors began to embrace therapeutic fasting, often drawing inspiration from Tanner's work and the broader health reform movement. These doctors, often ostracized by the medical establishment, used fasting to treat a variety of conditions, from digestive disorders to mental illness.

The influence of Sylvester Graham. Sylvester Graham, the founder of Grahamism, promoted a lifestyle of temperance and self-denial, including fasting. Graham's emphasis on whole grains and plant-based foods laid the groundwork for later dietary approaches to health.

The rise of heroic medicine. The rise of heroic medicine, with its emphasis on aggressive interventions like bloodletting and toxic drugs, further marginalized therapeutic fasting. Doctors of this era believed in actively fighting disease, often to the detriment of their patients.

6. The Science of Fasting: Unlocking the Body's Healing Secrets

The body, Tanner was declaring, could heal itself.

Ketosis and the metabolic switch. When the body is deprived of food, it enters a state of ketosis, where it begins to burn stored fat for energy. This metabolic switch triggers a cascade of beneficial effects, including reduced inflammation, improved insulin sensitivity, and cellular repair.

Autophagy and cellular repair. Fasting stimulates autophagy, a process where cells break down and recycle damaged components. This cellular "housecleaning" helps to remove dysfunctional proteins and organelles, promoting cellular health and longevity.

Stem cell activation. Refeeding after a fast activates stem cells, which are responsible for regenerating tissues and organs. This process can lead to the replacement of damaged cells with new, healthy ones, contributing to overall healing and rejuvenation.

7. TrueNorth: A Modern Bastion of Therapeutic Fasting

I give several chapters to the history of fasting, which is as old as the written word.

Alan Goldhamer's vision. Dr. Alan Goldhamer, the founder of the TrueNorth Health Center, has dedicated his career to promoting therapeutic fasting and a whole-plant, SOS-free diet. His clinic has become a haven for those seeking to heal chronic conditions through natural means.

A holistic approach. TrueNorth's approach to fasting is holistic, encompassing not only dietary changes but also exercise, rest, and emotional support. The clinic provides a supportive environment where patients can focus on healing and making lasting lifestyle changes.

Documenting the results. Goldhamer and his colleagues have published numerous case reports and studies documenting the effectiveness of fasting for a variety of conditions. This research has helped to legitimize therapeutic fasting and pave the way for further scientific investigation.

8. The Importance of Diet and Lifestyle After Fasting

Fasting, in short, is astoundingly and variously useful, deserving of the enthusiasm it is finally getting but deserving as well of being treated with sensibility and discernment.

Maintaining gains through diet. While fasting can provide significant short-term benefits, it is crucial to maintain those gains through a healthy diet and lifestyle. A diet of minimally processed plants, free of added salt, oil, and sugar, is essential for long-term health and well-being.

The pleasure trap. The modern food environment is designed to be highly palatable and addictive, making it difficult to resist unhealthy foods. Breaking free from this "pleasure trap" requires a conscious effort to retrain the taste buds and develop new habits.

The role of exercise and stress management. In addition to diet, exercise and stress management are also crucial for maintaining health after fasting. Regular physical activity and stress-reduction techniques can help to prevent the recurrence of chronic conditions.

9. The Promise of Fasting for Mental Health

While the body is wasting, the mind gets more tranquil, meditation gets more steadfast, and understanding deeper.

Historical use of fasting for mental clarity. Throughout history, fasting has been used to enhance mental clarity and spiritual insight. Many ancient philosophers and religious figures fasted to sharpen their minds and connect with the divine.

Modern research on fasting and brain health. Recent research has shown that fasting can have a positive impact on brain health, increasing levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and promoting neurogenesis. These effects may contribute to improved mood, memory, and cognitive function.

Fasting for mental disorders. While more research is needed, some studies suggest that fasting may be a promising treatment for certain mental disorders, such as depression and schizophrenia. However, it is important to note that fasting should only be undertaken under the supervision of a qualified healthcare professional.

10. The Future of Fasting: Integrating Ancient Wisdom with Modern Science

After a hundred false starts and blind alleys, scientists are finally unlocking the health-giving secrets of fasting, and we are fortunate indeed to live in a time when anyone can benefit from this knowledge.

The need for more research. Despite the growing body of evidence supporting the benefits of fasting, more research is needed to fully understand its mechanisms and applications. Randomized, controlled trials are essential for determining the optimal fasting protocols for different conditions.

Integrating fasting into conventional medicine. For fasting to become more widely accepted, it needs to be integrated into conventional medical practice. This requires educating doctors about the benefits of fasting and developing standardized protocols for its safe and effective implementation.

A call for sensibility and discernment. While enthusiasm for fasting is growing, it is important to approach the practice with sensibility and discernment. Fasting is not a panacea, and it is not appropriate for everyone. However, when used judiciously and under proper supervision, it can be a powerful tool for promoting health and well-being.

Last updated: April 14, 2025