Positive Health Online

Abstract

GOLDHAMER and colleagues, Center for Conservative Therapy, Penngrove, California, USA, dracg@att.net, investigated the use of medically supervised, water-only fasting as a method of normalizing blood pressure (BP) in hypertensive patients.

Background

Hypertension-related diseases are the leading cause of illness and death in industrially developed societies. Antihypertensive drugs are used extensively; however, dietary and lifestyle modifications are also effective in treating patients with hypertension. One such intervention is the use of medically supervised, water-only fasting as a safe and effective means of normalizing BP and initiating health- promoting behavioural changes.

Methodology

174 hypertensive patients with BP in excess of 140 mm Hg systolic, 90 mm Hg diastolic or both underwent a short prefasting period (approximately 2-3 days on average) during which food consumption was limited to fruits and vegetables, followed by medically supervised water-only fasting (approximately 6-7 days on average) and a re-feeding period (approximately 6-7 days on average) introducing a low-fat, low-sodium vegan diet.

Results

Almost 90% of patients achieved BP less than 140/90 mm Hg by the end of the treatment programme. The average reduction in BP was 37/13 mm Hg, the greatest decrease being in those with the most severe hypertension. Patients with stage 3 hypertension (systolic BP >180 mm Hg, diastolic BP >110 mm Hg, or both) had an average reduction of 60/17 mm Hg at the end of treatment. All those who were taking antihypertensive medication at entry (6.3% of the total sample) successfully discontinued use of medication.

Conclusion

Medically supervised water-only fasting appears to be a safe and effective means of normalizing BP and may assist in motivating health-promoting diet and lifestyle changes.

References

Goldhamer A et al. Medically supervised water-only fasting in the treatment of hypertension. Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics 24 (5): 335-9. Jun 2001.

Comment

The results of this research study ought to be disseminated to every general practitioner, and the option of undergoing a medically supervised water-only fast ought to be suggested to every patient with raised blood pressure, prior to the usual prescription of beta-blockers or other blood pressure lowering drugs (calcium antagonists, diuretics or ACE inhibitors). Can you even imagine doctors offering this treatment to lower blood pressure? I’m afraid that we have such a long way to go before this could become a reality.