Fasting Interventions for Stress, Anxiety and Depressive Symptoms: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Abstract

Background. Fasting interventions have shown effectiveness in alleviating stress, anxiety and depressive symptoms. However, no quantitative analysis has been carried out thus far. The objective was to determine the effectiveness of fasting interventions on stress, anxiety and depression and if these interventions were associated with increased or decreased fatigue/energy. Methods. Overall, 11 studies and 1436 participants were included in the quantitative analyses. Results. After limiting analyses to randomized controlled trials with low risk of bias, we found that fasting groups had lower anxiety (b = −0.508, p = 0.038), depression levels (b= −0.281, p = 0.012) and body mass index compared to controls without increased fatigue. There was no publication bias and no heterogeneity for these results. These interventions were safe, even in patients with type 2 diabetes. Conclusions. These results should be taken with a caveat. These results are preliminary and encouraging and fasting appears to be a safe intervention. Data are not sufficient to recommend one fasting intervention more than the others. No study was carried out in psychiatric populations and further trials should be carried out in these populations that may be good candidates for fasting interventions.

Mental and Behavioural Responses to Bahá’í Fasting: Looking behind the Scenes of a Religiously Motivated Intermittent Fast Using a Mixed Methods Approach

“…A spiritual element of well-being was seen in our findings through the description of the personal, meaningful, and fulfilling relationship the participants had with God that was reinforced through the act of fasting [ 68 ]. Our findings are in line with findings on Ramadan fasting, as reported in a recent systematic review and meta-analysis on the subject that was found to have a positive influence on stress, anxiety, and depression [ 11 ]. The authors suggest lifestyle factors such as sleep deprivation as possible reasons for these effects [ 11 ].…”

“…Our findings are in line with findings on Ramadan fasting, as reported in a recent systematic review and meta-analysis on the subject that was found to have a positive influence on stress, anxiety, and depression [ 11 ]. The authors suggest lifestyle factors such as sleep deprivation as possible reasons for these effects [ 11 ]. Our findings suggest that one strong influence of personal well-being that may contribute to the observed psychological effects could be self-efficacy [ 69 , 70 ].…”

“…We chose a traditional religious fasting that is similar to the widespread fasting of Ramadan yet allows for easier replicability in terms of seasonal and daily practice time-frames [ 5 ]. It also shares many characteristics with TRE, which has shown promising results regarding reduction in cardiovascular risk factors, obesity [ 9 , 10 ], and inflammatory markers, positively influencing gut microbiota and psychological well-being [ 1 , 11 , 12 ].…”

Role of Nutrition and Diet on Healthy Mental State

“…The meta-analysis of Berthelot and colleagues selecting randomized controlled trials concluded that fasting interventions, compared to control groups, achieved lower anxiety and depression levels, and it was also useful to decrease body mass index levels [27]. The benefit on weight was also interpreted as relevant since overweight and obesity are common among patients with depressive and anxiety states [28], and this comorbid condition is related to poor therapy response.…”

Effect of fasting therapy on vitamin D, vitality and quality of life. A randomized control trial

“…Further, the association of prolonged fasting with vitality and quality of life is an unexplored domain. Fewer studies have reported fasting to act as a mood enhancer in pain,(8) moderately relieve stress, anxiety, depression(13) and offers rewarding psychological experiences. (14) However, all the previous reports necessitate the need for future randomized controlled trials.…”