Doctor warned about the dangers of "therapeutic fasting"

Scientists sound the alarm: "therapeutic fasting" can be dangerous for health

Despite the growing popularity of so-called "therapeutic fasting," scientific research does not confirm its health benefits. Moreover, there is evidence indicating serious risks associated with such practices.

As reported by TUT.AZ, Russian endocrinologist, nutritionist, and candidate of medical sciences Oksana Mikhaleva discussed this in an interview with gazeta.ru.

According to the specialist, fasting can be short-term (complete calorie restriction for less than three days) or long-term (more than four days). Although some studies have recorded positive effects of fasting, such as a 2-10% reduction in body weight and improved glucose and insulin levels, these changes proved to be short-lived and did not bring significant health benefits.

"The problem is that during fasting, there is a loss of not only fat but also muscle mass, with the latter accounting for approximately two-thirds of the total weight loss," warns Mikhaleva. "Sarcopenia (loss of muscle mass) can lead to the development of osteoporosis, sarcopenic obesity, insulin resistance, and other dangerous conditions. After age 50, it is practically impossible to restore lost muscle mass."

In addition, fasting can lead to metabolic acidosis or ketosis, when the body tries to get energy from toxic ketone bodies. This can cause digestive disorders, diarrhea, abdominal pain, negatively affect the brain, trigger headaches, impair cognitive functions, and cause apathy and depression. The risk of infectious diseases also increases.

Fasting is contraindicated for those with chronic diseases, and for children and the elderly. Cases of serious complications have been described, such as deep vein thromboembolism, which developed by the end of the second week of fasting due to dehydration and protein deficiency.

"People who resort to fasting for detox are actually only harming their health," emphasizes Mikhaleva. "Stores of beneficial substances are quickly depleted, oxidative stress increases, and the risk of various diseases rises. The detoxification process itself is disrupted, as all the body's energy goes toward maintaining vital functions."

The doctor also warns against using enemas during fasting: instead of cleansing, they can cause serious harm by washing out beneficial intestinal microbiota and increasing the risk of diseases in the lower gastrointestinal tract.