Fasting-Mimicking Diet May Help Reduce Crohn’s Disease Symptoms
A new study suggests that a fasting-mimicking, calorie-restricted diet followed for a few days each month could help improve symptoms in people living with mild to moderate Crohn’s disease.
Understanding Crohn’s Disease
Crohn’s disease is a chronic autoimmune condition that affects the digestive tract and is a form of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). It impacts nearly one million people in the United States and is becoming increasingly common worldwide.
Common Symptoms
- Abdominal pain
- Diarrhea
- Fatigue and fever
- Nausea and vomiting
- Mouth ulcers and weight loss
While treatments such as medication, dietary adjustments, supplements, and surgery can manage symptoms, there is currently no cure.
What the New Study Found
Researchers discovered that following a fasting-mimicking diet for five consecutive days each month led to noticeable improvements in both symptoms and inflammation levels in people with Crohn’s disease.
How the Study Was Conducted
- 97 participants with mild to moderate Crohn’s disease
- 3-month study period
- One group followed a calorie-restricted, plant-based diet (700–1,100 calories) for 5 days each month
- The control group continued their normal diet
Key Results
By the end of the study, participants who followed the fasting-mimicking diet showed stronger improvements compared to the control group.
Notable Improvements
- Higher rates of symptom reduction
- Greater number of patients reached clinical remission
- Significant decrease in fecal calprotectin, a marker of gut inflammation
More than two-thirds of the fasting-mimicking group experienced meaningful symptom relief, while inflammatory markers dropped sharply in many participants.
Why This Diet May Work
Experts believe that short-term calorie restriction may temporarily reduce inflammatory activity in the body. This can give the immune system and intestinal tissue a chance to recover from constant immune stress.
Possible Mechanisms
- Lower production of inflammatory signaling molecules
- Improved immune cell regulation
- Positive changes in the gut microbiome
- Reduced intestinal inflammation
Is This a Cure?
Researchers and experts caution that this approach is not a cure but may serve as a supportive therapy alongside standard medical treatment. Larger and longer-term studies are still needed to confirm safety, effectiveness, and real-world practicality.
What This Means for Patients
The findings offer hope that a short, structured dietary intervention could become an additional tool for managing Crohn’s disease. However, patients should always consult their healthcare provider before attempting fasting or major dietary changes.
As research continues, fasting-mimicking diets may open new possibilities for managing chronic inflammatory conditions through nutrition-based strategies.
