Medically Supervised Water-Only Fasting in the Treatment of Hypertension

Hypertension (high blood pressure) is a major health issue in the United States and other industrial countries. One study has found water fasting combined with diet changes as an effective treatment for hypertension.

Considerations

• Although drugs are extensively used to treat hypertension, diet and other lifestyle changes can be effective in lowering high blood pressure, as explained by the National Kidney Foundation.

Expert Insight

• A study published in the June 2001 issue of the "Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics" found water fasting to be a successful treatment for high blood pressure.

Significance

• Researchers in the study treated 174 patients with blood pressure higher than 140/90 mmHg. By the end of the study, nearly 90 percent had lowered their blood pressure, and all those who were taking blood pressure medication at the start successfully discontinued using it.

Time Frame

• The water fasting part of the treatment lasted 10 to 11 days on average. During this time, participants consumed no food or beverages other than water. This part of the treatment was medically supervised to ensure safety for the participants.

Features

• Prior to water fasting, patients ate only fruits and vegetables for 2 to 3 days. After fasting, they consumed only low-sodium, low-fat vegan foods for 6 to 7 days.