Study on fasting to improve mood in pain

Andreas Michalsen

April 2010

Diet, Fasting & Detox

Andreas Michalsen from Immanuel Hospital Berlin investigated fasting as a method of improving mood in chronic pain. Studies have already shown that medically supervised fasting over a period of 7-21 days can be effective in the treatment of rheumatic diseases and chronic pain syndromes.

Michalsen was able to prove through experimental research that fasting increases the concentration of serotonin, endogenous opioids and endocannabinoids in the brain, which correlates with increased alertness and improved mood. Fasting-induced neuroendocrine activation and increased production of neurotrophic substances may also contribute to improved mood.

The study showed that therapeutic fasting can usefully complement conventional therapy for chronic pain patients as a possible treatment method due to its pain-relieving and mood-enhancing effects.

The most important information on the study at a glance

Indications: Chronic pain
Institution: Immanuel Hospital Berlin, Department of Internal and Complementary Medicine, Institute of Social Medicine, Epidemiology and Health Economics, Charité-University Medical Center, Germany
Title: Study on fasting as a means of improving mood in chronic pain
Brief description: The study shows that fasting increases serotonin, opioids and endocannabinoids, which improves mood and relieves chronic pain.
Original title: Prolonged fasting as a method of mood enhancement in chronic pain syndromes: a review of clinical evidence and mechanisms
Link to the study: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20425196/