Intermittent Fasting and Reduction of Inflammatory Response in a Patient with Ulcerative Colitis

Abstract

Ulcerative colitis is an inflammatory disease that affects the colon, generating a crisis period associated with diarrhea and ulcerations. Stress plays a pivotal role in modulating the inflammatory response and aggravating progression. Different studies have shown that fasting reduces inflammation markers, and intermittent fasting decreases inflammatory markers such as IL-2, IL-6, and RCP. Goal: To evaluate the impact of intermittent fasting on a patient diagnosed with ulcerative colitis. A female patient underwent intermittent fasting (10/14) for eight weeks. Clinical tests were performed for blood count, RCP, biochemical profile, glycemia, and T4/TSH levels. Fecal calprotectin was determined. Clinical exams were assessed before and after intermittent fasting. Inflammation markers, such as CRP and calprotectin, were significantly reduced after eight weeks of intermittent fasting. The patient reported feeling better and was seizure-free during the following months when she continued fasting intermittently. Intermittent fasting allowed for a reduction in inflammation markers.