Can Fasting Reverse Autoimmune Disease? New Clinical Trials vs. Hype

Quick Summary

Fasting has gained popularity as a potential "miracle cure" for autoimmune diseases like lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, and Hashimoto’s, but what does the science say?

This blog explores the latest research on fasting—including intermittent fasting, prolonged fasting, and fasting-mimicking diets (FMD)—and its effects on autoimmune conditions.

While some studies suggest fasting can reduce inflammation, promote cellular repair, and temporarily alleviate symptoms, the evidence is still preliminary.

Experts caution that fasting is not a cure and should be approached carefully, especially for those with certain health conditions.

Fasting may be a helpful complementary tool, but it’s not a replacement for medical treatments. Always consult a doctor before trying fasting for autoimmune disease.

If you’ve scrolled through wellness TikTok or Instagram lately, you’ve probably seen influencers raving about fasting as a “miracle cure” for autoimmune diseases like lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, or Hashimoto’s.

But is there real science behind the hype, or is this just another overblown health trend?

Let’s dig into the latest research, separate fact from fiction, and answer the burning question: Can fasting actually reverse autoimmune disease?

What Is an Autoimmune Disease?

Autoimmune diseases happen when your immune system—your body’s built-in security guard—goes rogue and starts attacking your own tissues.

Think of it like a guard dog that’s so overzealous, it starts chewing up the furniture (aka your joints, skin, or organs). Common examples include:

- Rheumatoid arthritis(attacks joints)

- Lupus(attacks skin, kidneys, heart)

- Multiple sclerosis (attacks nerves)

- Hashimoto’s(attacks the thyroid)

These conditions are often managed with medications like steroids or immunosuppressants. But what if something as simple as not eating could calm the chaos?

Fasting 101: What Types Are We Talking About?

Fasting isn’t just “not eating.” There are different approaches:

1. Intermittent fasting (IF):

Time-restricted eating (e.g., 16 hours fasting, 8 hours eating)

2. Prolonged fasting:

24–72 hours without food (often under medical supervision).

3. Fasting-mimicking diets (FMD):

Eating very low-calorie, low-protein meals for 3–5 days to trick your body into thinking it’s fasting.

The theory? Fasting might “reset” the immune system by reducing inflammation and promoting cellular repair processes like autophagy (your body’s cleanup crew for damaged cells)[^1].

The Science: What Do Clinical Trials Say?

Let’s cut through the noise and look at recent studies:

1. Fasting-Mimicking Diets(FMD) and Lupus (2023)

A 2023 pilot study published in Cell Reports Medicine found that a 3-day FMD reduced inflammation and improved symptoms in mice with lupus—and showed similar promise in a small human trial[^2].

Participants ate ~800 calories/day of plant-based, low-protein foods. After three cycles, some reported less joint pain and fatigue. But the study was tiny (just 17 people), so don’t pop the champagne yet.

2. Fasting and Rheumatoid Arthritis (2022)

A 2022 review in Frontiers in Nutrition analyzed multiple studies and found that short-term fasting (3–7 days) temporarily reduced RA symptoms like joint swelling and morning stiffness[^3]. However, symptoms often returned once normal eating resumed.

3. The Valter Longo Effect

Dr. Valter Longo, a fasting researcher at USC, has shown that FMD cycles can lower inflammatory markers like C-reactive protein (CRP) and promote stem cell regeneration[^4].

His 2023 trial suggested FMD might help “reboot” the immune system in autoimmune patients, but larger studies are needed.

The Hype vs. Reality

The Good

- Fasting may reduce inflammation by lowering pro-inflammatory cytokines (chemical messengers that fuel autoimmune attacks)[^5].

- It could promote gut health, which is closely linked to immune function[^6].

- Some patients report symptom relief during fasting periods.

The Not-So-Good

- No long-term cures (yet): Most benefits are short-lived.

- Risks: Fasting can backfire, causing nutrient deficiencies, muscle loss, or triggering disordered eating.

- Not for everyone: People with diabetes, adrenal fatigue, or a history of eating disorders should avoid fasting without medical supervision.

What Do Experts Say?

Dr. Sarah Ballantyne (aka The Paleo Mom) cautions:

“Fasting can be a tool, but it’s not a magic bullet. Autoimmune diseases are complex, and fasting alone won’t reverse them. Pair it with a nutrient-dense diet and stress management.”[^7]

Meanwhile, the Arthritis Foundation states:

“While fasting shows promise for reducing inflammation, it should never replace prescribed treatments. Always consult your doctor first.”[^8]

Personal Stories: What Do Patients Say?

Here are a few experiences shared by people in the autoimmune community on Reddit.

• Jane, 34, Lupus: “I tried a 3-day fasting-mimicking diet, and my joint pain improved significantly. It didn’t last forever, but it gave me a much-needed break.”

• Mike, 42, Rheumatoid Arthritis: “Intermittent fasting helped me reduce morning stiffness, but I had to stop because it messed with my blood sugar levels.”

• Ben, 29, Hashimoto’s: “Fasting made my fatigue worse. It’s not for everyone, and that’s okay.”

These stories highlight that fasting can have varied effects, and what works for one person may not work for another.

Now, the million dollar question

Should You Try Fasting for Autoimmunity?

If you’re curious, here’s how to proceed safely:

1. Talk to your doctor. Fasting can interact with medications (e.g., steroids).

2. Start small: Try 12–14 hour overnight fasts before attempting longer ones.

3. Hydrate: Drink water, herbal tea, or electrolytes.

4. Break fasts gently: Avoid heavy meals—bone broth or steamed veggies are better than pizza.

Broader Context: Beyond Fasting

While fasting is a hot topic, it’s important to remember that autoimmune diseases are influenced by multiple factors. Here are other lifestyle strategies that can complement fasting:

Anti-Inflammatory Diet: Focus on whole, unprocessed foods like vegetables, fruits, nuts, seeds, and fatty fish.

1. Stress Management: Chronic stress can worsen autoimmune symptoms. Practices like yoga, meditation, and deep breathing can help.

2. Sleep: Prioritize 7–9 hours of quality sleep per night to support immune function.

3. Exercise: Gentle movement like walking or swimming can reduce inflammation without overstraining the body.

4. Exercise: Gentle movement like walking or swimming can reduce inflammation without overstraining the body.

   The Bottom Line

   Fasting might help manage autoimmune symptoms by calming inflammation and promoting cellular repair.

   But the hype oversells it as a “cure.” Right now, evidence is promising but preliminary. Think of fasting as a complementary tool—not a replacement for meds or other therapies.

   As one Reddit user in the r/Autoimmune community put it:

   “Fasting gave me a 2-week break from joint pain. It wasn’t a miracle, but it was a relief. Just don’t believe the influencers selling snake oil.”

   Stay skeptical, stay safe, and let science—not social media—guide your choices.

   References:

   [^1]: [Autophagy and inflammation regulation in autoimmune diseases](https://www.nature.com/articles/s41590-022-01270-7)

   [^2]: [Fasting-mimicking diet in lupus patients](https://www.cell.com/cell-reports-medicine/fulltext/S2666-3791(23)00231-6)

   [^3]: [Fasting and rheumatoid arthritis](https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fnut.2022.878020/full)

   [^4]: [Valter Longo on FMD and immune reset](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6816332/)

   [^5]: [Fasting reduces pro-inflammatory cytokines](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1550413121000038)

   [^6]: [Gut-immune axis and fasting](https://www.cell.com/cell/fulltext/S0092-8674(21)00754-6)

   [^7]: [Dr. Sarah Ballantyne on fasting](https://www.thepaleomom.com/fasting-autoimmune-disease/)

   [^8]: [Arthritis Foundation statement on fasting](https://www.arthritis.org/health-wellness/healthy-living/nutrition/fasting/healthy-fasting)