Fasting in Science and Clinics: A Report on Proceedings from the International Scientific Symposium and Conference on Fasting in Berlin (June 2023).

Daniela A Koppold, Sara Meiß, Carolin Breinlinger, Etienne Hanslian, Michael Boschmann, Andreas Michalsen, Stefan Jordan, Anika Rajput Khokhar

Journal: Complementary medicine research 2024;31(5):484-491

PMID: 39128456

Free Full Text on S. Karger AG, Basel, Switzerland View on PubMed

Abstract

BACKGROUND

A fasting conference and scientific symposium on fasting were held in Berlin in June 2023. Researchers and clinicians from around the world shared new findings, clinical insights, and work in progress during a 3-day program.

SUMMARY

Different fasting regimens, including prolonged, short-term, intermittent fasting, and time-restricted eating were discussed for preventive and therapeutic settings. Experimental and clinical findings shared ranged from biochemical and cellular fasting responses to fasting-mimicking agents, the role of the gut microbiome, and immunological effects. Clinically, a special focus was placed upon metabolic, autoimmune, neurodegenerative, and oncological diseases. The discussion also covered how modern technologies, practical adaptations to traditional protocols, and a supportive network of specialized physicians can assist in the practical application of fasting, among other subjects.

KEY MESSAGES

Dose-response relationships, gender aspects, and the subjective experience of fasting seem promising for future research, while further investigation of religious fasting may offer deeper insights into motivational and health aspects.

Address: Charité Competence Center for Traditional and Integrative Medicine (CCCTIM), Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany.; Institute of Social Medicine, Epidemiology and Health Economics, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany.; Department of Internal Medicine and Nature-Based Therapies, Immanuel Hospital Berlin, Berlin, Germany.; Department of Microbiology, Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany.; Experimental and Clinical Research Unit, Joint Collaboration Between Max-Delbrück-Center and Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany.; Institute of Social Medicine, Epidemiology and Health Economics, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany.; Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany.; Charité Competence Center for Traditional and Integrative Medicine (CCCTIM), Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany.; Institute of Social Medicine, Epidemiology and Health Economics, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany.; Charité Competence Center for Traditional and Integrative Medicine (CCCTIM), Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany.; Institute of Social Medicine, Epidemiology and Health Economics, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany.; Department of Pediatrics, Division of Oncology and Hematology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany.

DOI: 10.1159/000540668

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MeSH Terms: Humans, Fasting, Berlin, Gastrointestinal Microbiome, Congresses as Topic