Unlocking the Potential of Intermittent Fasting as a Dietary Intervention for Chronic Inflammatory Diseases

Articles in Press

Document Type : Review Article

Authors

1 Department of Internal Medicine, North Khorasan University of Medical Sciences, Bojnurd, Iran

2 Vector-Borne Diseases Research Center, North Khorasan University of Medical Sciences, Bojnurd, Iran

10.30476/ijns.2025.105356.1393

Abstract

Chronic inflammation contributes to development of various chronic diseases and is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Certain interventions can improve chronic inflammatory diseases by reducing inflammation and oxidative stress, activating regulatory T cells, and limiting inflammatory responses. Lifestyle and dietary interventions can also help improve disease outcomes. Intermittent fasting (IF) is a dietary intervention that can regulate inflammation and potentially improve chronic inflammatory diseases through metabolic, immunomodulatory, and microbiome-related effects. This literature review aimed to investigate the efficacy of IF in chronic inflammatory diseases and its related mechanisms. This study conducted an extensive review of current literature by searching four databases, including PubMed, Scopus, Embase, and Web of Science. IF was shown to have positive effects on chronic inflammatory diseases, such as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and cardiovascular disorders. However, caution should be exercised when recommending IF for patients with inflammatory bowel disease and chronic kidney disease. On the other hand, IF has potential neuroprotective effects against neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s and may be a safe dietary intervention for asthmatics that can improve symptoms by reducing inflammatory responses. IF can be an effective strategy for the prevention and management of chronic inflammatory diseases, but careful consideration of individual patient needs seems necessary before recommending this dietary intervention.

Highlights

Amirali Ghahremani (Google Scholar)

Hasan Namdar Ahmadabad (Google Scholar)

Keywords

International Journal of Nutrition Sciences

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 17 August 2025

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