Abstract
We have previously reported on the health impact of the plant-based fasting method known as the Daniel Fast (DF). However, our prior studies have included only short-term (21-day) interventions, rather than interventions spanning multiple months. For long-lasting and robust health effects, dietary modification for longer periods of time may be needed. We determined the 6-month impact of a traditional (vegan) DF (n=12) and modified DF (n=9; allowing for the inclusion of small amounts of meat and milk) on anthropometric and biochemical markers of health in men and women (mean age: 45 years). Outcome measures were obtained on day one of the assigned dietary plan, as well as after 3 weeks, 3 months, and 6 months of adherence to the plan. Multiple improvements were noted for both dietary plans across the 6 month intervention, with limited differences noted across time between the traditional and modified DF. Compliance to both dietary plans was approximately 80% at month 6. These data indicate that both a traditional and modified DF, which allow for ad libitum feeding, result in improvements in multiple health-related outcomes. Adopting such a dietary approach may lead to enhanced quality of life, as well as a reduction in disease risk over time. Additional, long-term studies related to the health impact of this fasting method are needed.ÂÂ
Highlights
The dietary restriction model known as the Daniel Fast (DF) is a stringent plant-based plan shown to yield multiple health-related benefits when followed for a 21-day period [1,2,3,4]
The average weekly time spent exercising was 2.3 hours for those assigned to the modified DF and 4.9 hours for those assigned to the traditional DF
Values are mean ± SEM. * group effect for RDW (p=0.02); traditional DF < modified DF * group effect for basophils (p=0.04); traditional DF < modified DF No other statistically significant differences noted (p>0.05); no baseline (Pre) differences existed between groups for any measure (p>0.05)
Summary
The dietary restriction model known as the Daniel Fast (DF) is a stringent plant-based plan shown to yield multiple health-related benefits when followed for a 21-day period [1,2,3,4]. A traditional DF includes ad libitum intake of fruits, vegetables, legumes, whole grains, nuts, seeds, and oils. No animal products are allowed in a traditional DF and items such as caffeine, alcohol, additives, and preservatives are prohibited. The. Biblically-inspired DF (Daniel 1:8-14) is followed by tens of thousands of Christians each year, often as part of a corporate (i.e. church congregation) fast at the start of the New Year, and by many individuals throughout the year. While the fast is typically done for the purpose of spiritual growth, favorable changes in health outcomes are often observed
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