What is Fasting?
Fasting is a dietary intervention where individuals stop eating food for a period of time, typically consuming only water, herbal teas, or small amounts of juice or broth. After the fasting period, a refeeding phase gradually restores nutrition. Fasting has been used to improve metabolic health and reduce inflammation. Recently, it has gained attention as a potential approach to managing Long COVID symptoms.
How Fasting Might Help with Long COVID
- Reduces Inflammation – Fasting may help suppress chronic inflammation, a suspected contributor to Long COVID symptoms such as fatigue, pain, and cognitive dysfunction.
- Immune Modulation – Fasting may help regulate immune activity and reset imbalances seen in Long COVID patients.
- Improves Metabolic Function – Fasting is associated with reductions in blood glucose, cholesterol, and weight, which may relieve symptoms like fatigue and cardiovascular strain.
What the Research Says:
Early evidence suggests that intermittent or therapeutic fasting may help reduce symptoms of Long COVID, including fatigue, brain fog, and breathlessness. One case study reported health improvements in most participants, along with better blood pressure, glucose, and inflammation markers. While research is still in its early stages and more clinical trials are underway
Key Studies on Fasting and Long COVID
Case Study Showing Positive Effect:
- This study reported that 13 of 14 patients experienced improvements in overall health following fasting. Symptoms such as fatigue, breathlessness, and cognitive impairment improved. Patients also saw reductions in blood pressure, glucose, and lipid levels. No serious side effects were observed. The authors call for controlled trials to validate these findings.
Clinical Trials:
- NCT06214455 – Recently completed. This study investigated fasting for Long COVID. Results have not yet been published.
- NCT06522750 – Ongoing. This trial is currently evaluating fasting as a therapeutic approach for Long COVID.
Final Thoughts
Although the scientific literature on fasting for Long COVID is still limited, early evidence suggests it may be beneficial in reducing symptoms like fatigue, cognitive dysfunction, and inflammation. Improvements in metabolic and vascular markers have also been reported. Larger clinical trials are needed to confirm these effects and establish safety protocols. Fasting should only be undertaken with appropriate guidance and monitoring.