Antirheumatic effects of fasting
Palmblad, J.; Hafström, I.; Ringertz, B.
Rheumatic Diseases Clinics of North America 17(2): 351-362
1991
ISSN/ISBN: 0889-857X PMID: 1862244 Document Number: 380687
Total fasting induces within a few days a substantial reduction of joint pain, swelling, morning stiffness, and other arthritic symptoms in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. This remission subsides slowly after discontinuation of fasting. Its mechanisms are complex and involves diminished activation of neutrophils and lymphocytes and decreased generation of leukotrienes and of concentrations of serum complement factors, as well as of other proinflammatory systems. Moreover, ketosis and other metabolic and endocrine changes may be of significance for symptom expression and recognition.