Study on the effect of intermittent fasting on reflux disease

The aim of the present study under Yan Jiang was to investigate the short-term effects of time-restricted fasting in patients with suspected gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

Lifestyle changes are often recommended, but the role of diet in GERD is unclear. Intermittent fasting is popular in the media and has shown potential benefits in weight loss and inflammatory disease as well as changes in gastrointestinal hormones.

Patients referred for evaluation of GERD symptoms on 96-hour ambulatory wireless pH measurement without proton pump inhibitors were screened for eligibility. Patients were asked to maintain their usual diet for the first 2 days of pH measurement and switch to an intermittent fasting regimen (16-hour fasting and 8-hour eating window) for the second 2 days. Objective measures of reflux and GERD symptom severity were recorded and analyzed.

A total of 25 participants were analyzed. 36% of them fully adhered to the intermittent fasting regime, and 84% showed at least partial adherence. The mean acid exposure time on fasting days was 3.5% compared to 4.3% on non-fasting days. Intermittent fasting was associated with a 0.64 reduction in acid exposure time. There was a reduction in GERD symptom scores for heartburn and regurgitation during periods of intermittent fasting.

Initial adherence to time-restricted eating may be difficult for patients. There is weak statistical evidence that intermittent fasting slightly reduces acid exposure. Our data show that short-term intermittent fasting improves symptoms of regurgitation and heartburn.