Daniel Fast Research Articles

Fasting Protocols Do Not Improve Intestinal Architecture and Immune Parameters in C57BL/6 Male Mice Fed a High Fat Diet.

The intestinal ecosystem, including epithelium, immune cells, and microbiota, are influenced by diet and timing of food consumption. The purpose of this study was to evaluate various dietary protocols after ad libitum high fat diet (HFD) consumption on intestinal morphology and mucosal immunity. C57BL/6 male mice were fed a 45% high fat diet (HFD) for 6 weeks and then randomized to the following protocols; (1) chow, (2) a purified high fiber diet known as the Daniel Fast (DF), HFD consumed (3) ad libitum or in a restricted manner; (4) caloric-restricted, (5) time-restricted (six hours of fasting in each 24 h), or (6) alternate-day fasting (24 h fasting every other day). Intestinal morphology and gut-associated immune parameters were investigated after 2 months on respective protocols. Consuming a HFD resulted in shortening of the intestine and reduction in villi and crypt size. Fasting, while consuming the HFD, did not restore these parameters to the extent seen with the chow and DF diet. Goblet cell number and regulatory T cells had improved recovery with high fiber diets, not seen with the HFD irrespective of fasting. Nutritional content is a critical determinant of intestinal parameters associated with gut health.

Working memory and hippocampal expression of BDNF, ARC, and P-STAT3 in rats: effects of diet and exercise

ABSTRACT Objectives Mounting evidence suggests diet and exercise influence learning and memory (LM). We compared a high-fat, high-sucrose Western diet (WD) to a plant-based, amylose/amylopectin blend, lower-fat diet known as the Daniel Fast (DF) in rats with and without regular aerobic exercise on a task of spatial working memory (WM). Methods Rats were randomly assigned to the WD or DF at 6 weeks of age. Exercised rats (WD-E, DF-E) ran on a treadmill 3 times/week for 30 min while the sedentary rats did not (WD-S, DF-S). Rats adhered to these assignments for 12 weeks, inclusive of ab libitum food intake, after which mild food restriction was implemented to encourage responding during WM testing. For nine months, WM performance was assessed once daily, six days per week, after which hippocampal sections were collected for subsequent analysis of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), activity-regulated cytoskeletal protein (ARC), and signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (P-STAT3, Tyr705). Results DF-E rats exhibited the best DSA performance. Surprisingly, the WD-S group outperformed the WD-E group, but had significantly lower BDNF and ARC relative to the DF-S group, with a similar trend from the WD-E group. P-STAT3 expression was also significantly elevated in the WD-S group compared to both the DF-S and WD-E groups. Discussion These results support previous research demonstrating negative effects of the WD on spatial LM, demonstrate the plant-based DF regimen combined with chronic aerobic exercise produces measurable WM and neuroprotective benefits, and suggest the need to carefully design exercise prescriptions to avoid over-stressing individuals making concurrent dietary changes.

Diet Modification and Not Timed Feeding Strategies Result in Intestinal Microbiome Alterations (P21-030-19)

ObjectivesTime-restricted feeding strategies have been shown to normalize obesity parameters, even under high fat feeding conditions. The objective of this study is to examine whether timed feeding alters parameters of gut health or intestinal microbiome composition. MethodsC57BL/6 male mice were randomized to Chow or a high fat diet (HFD) for 6 weeks, followed by a switch from HFD to 1) Chow (sChow), 2) Purified Vegan – Daniel Fast (DF), 3) HFD ad lib, 4) HFD time restricted (TRF), 5) HFD alternative day fasting (ADF), or 6) HFD 60% caloric restriction (CR) for an additional 8 weeks. ResultsWe observed that body mass gain was reduced for all intervention groups (P ≤ 0.0001). Small intestinal length and cecal weight were increased in Chow, sChow and DF (P ≤ 0.02), while total cecal short chain fatty acid (SCFA) concentration was non-significantly increased for all groups consuming the HFD. Proprionate was specifically increased in the Chow, sChow and DF groups (P ≤ 0.02). Chow fed microbiota remained stable in taxonomic composition and alpha diversity (Shannon diversity index) throughout the study. HF fed microbiota displayed lower alpha diversity along with reduced phylum levels of Bacteroidetes and increase Firmicutes. Animals switched from HF to Chow demonstrated a rapid transition in taxonomic composition, alpha, and beta diversity that initially resembled HF, but clustered closely with Chow by weeks 4 and 8 of intervention. After 8 weeks on the respective dietary protocols, alpha diversity of the DF was most similar to Chow fed animals and also resulted in the largest increase in Bacteriodetes and largest decrease in Firmicutes. Beta diversity (weighted UniFrac) showed Chow, sChow, and DF clustered together, while high fat fed groups (HF, CR, ADF, and TRF) clustered. Compared with HF controls, CR and TRF led to a relative increase in the classes Clostridia, Deferribacteres and Deltaproteobacteria. The taxonomic composition and alpha diversity of ADF fasting resembled HF under fed conditions, while ADF under fasting conditions more closely resembled CR and TRF. ConclusionsIn conclusion, timed feeding on a high fat diet did not result in significant changes in the microbiome, demonstrating that diet, and not fasting is the major determinant for microbiome composition. Funding SourcesUniversity of Memphis & Children’s Foundation Research Institute, Memphis.

Timed Feeding Protocols While Consuming a High Fat Diet Do Not Alter Gut Fungal Populations (OR23-06-19)

ObjectivesThe gut microbiome participates in host metabolic regulation. While the vast majority of microbiome research has focused on bacterial populations, other microorganisms also colonize the mammalian intestine and likely play functionally important roles in host metabolism. The objective of current study was to characterize the role of dietary composition and timing strategies upon gut fungal populations. MethodsC57BL/6 male mice were randomized to a Chow diet or a high-fat diet (HFD) for 6 weeks, followed by a switch from HFD to 1) Chow (sChow), 2) Purified High Fiber – Daniel Fast (DF), 3) HFD ad lib, 4) HFD time restricted (TRF), 5) HFD alternative day fasting (ADF), or 6) HFD 60% caloric restriction (CR) for an additional 8 weeks. Ileal, cecal and serial fecal samples were collected for next generation sequencing of ITS2 rRNA to examine the gut mycobiome. ResultsWe observed dramatic reductions in alpha diversity in fecal fungal populations when animals consumed the HFD compared with Chow. HFD resulted in dramatic reduction in the relative abundance of the fungal order Saccharomyces, with a concomitant increases in the genus Candida and Hanseniaspora. In response to dietary switch from HFD to Chow, fungal taxonomic composition, alpha, and beta diversity transitioned to a population clustering more similarity with Chow by weeks 4 and 8 of intervention. After 8 weeks on the respective dietary interventions, alpha diversity of the ileal, cecal and fecal fungal population in mice consuming DF or various HFD fasting protocols remained similar to the HFD controls. Saccharomycetales remained the dominant genus present in HFD and DF groups. However, amongst these groups, the DF group (fecal sample) showed the greatest increase in Saccharomyces, but time-restricted feeding protocols also showed increased levels of Saccharomyces. ConclusionsWhile fasting protocols on HFD are associated with improved metabolic outcomes, these data demonstrate that – similar to microbial populations within the microbiome – diet remains the largest driver of microorganism community composition. To our knowledge, this is the first investigation into the role of dietary timing strategies upon the gut fungal communities ever reported. Funding SourcesUniversity of Memphis. Children’s Foundation Research Institute, Memphis.

Nutrient Intake and Physical Exercise Significantly Impact Physical Performance, Body Composition, Blood Lipids, Oxidative Stress, and Inflammation in Male Rats.

Background: Humans consuming a purified vegan diet known as the "Daniel Fast" realize favorable changes in blood lipids, oxidative stress, and inflammatory biomarkers, with subjective reports of improved physical capacity. Objective: We sought to determine if this purified vegan diet was synergistic with exercise in male rats. Methods: Long–Evans rats (n = 56) were assigned to be exercise trained (+E) by running on a treadmill three days per week at a moderate intensity or to act as sedentary controls with normal activity. After the baseline physical performance was evaluated by recording run time to exhaustion, half of the animals in each group were fed ad libitum for three months a purified diet formulated to mimic the Daniel Fast (DF) or a Western Diet (WD). Physical performance was evaluated again at the end of month 3, and body composition was assessed using dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry. Blood was collected for measurements of lipids, oxidative stress, and inflammatory biomarkers. Results: Physical performance at the end of month 3 was higher compared to baseline for both exercise groups (p < 0.05), with a greater percent increase in the DF + E group (99%) than in the WD + E group (51%). Body fat was lower in DF than in WD groups at the end of month 3 (p < 0.05). Blood triglycerides, cholesterol, malondialdehyde, and advanced oxidation protein products were significantly lower in the DF groups than in the WD groups (p < 0.05). No significant differences were noted in cytokines levels between the groups (p > 0.05), although IL-1β and IL-10 were elevated three-fold and two-fold in the rats fed the WD compared to the DF rats, respectively. Conclusions: Compared to a WD, a purified diet that mimics the vegan Daniel Fast provides significant anthropometric and metabolic benefits to rats, while possibly acting synergistically with exercise training to improve physical performance. These findings highlight the importance of macronutrient composition and quality in the presence of ad libitum food intake.

Influence of a 6-month modified or traditional Daniel Fast on measures of health in men and women

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

Comparison of a Restricted and Unrestricted Vegan Diet Plan with a Restricted Omnivorous Diet Plan on Health-Specific Measures

Background: We have previously noted beneficial health outcomes when individuals follow a dietary restriction plan in accordance with the Daniel Fast (DF). This is true whether individuals eliminate all animal products or include small amounts of meat and dairy in their plan. The present study sought to compare anthropometric and biochemical measures of health in individuals following a traditional DF (i.e., restricted vegan) or modified DF (i.e., restricted omnivorous; inclusive of ad libitum meat and skim milk consumption), with those following an unrestricted vegan diet plan. Methods: 35 subjects (six men; 29 women; 33 ± 2 years; range: 18–67 years) completed a 21-day diet plan. Subjects reported to the lab for pre- (day 1) and post-intervention testing (day 22) in a 10 h fasted state. Blood samples were collected and assayed for complete blood count, metabolic panel, lipid panel, insulin, HOMA-IR, C-reactive protein, and oxidative stress biomarkers (malondialdehyde, advanced oxidation protein products, and nitrate/nitrite). Heart rate and blood pressure were measured and body composition was determined via dual energy X-ray absorptiometry. Subjects’ self-reported compliance, mental and physical health, and satiety in relation to the dietary modification were recorded. Results: No interaction effects were noted for our outcome measures (p > 0.05). However, subjects in the traditional DF group reported an approximate 10% increase in perceived mental and physical health, with a 25% reduction in malondialdehyde and a 33% reduction in blood insulin. Systolic BP was reduced approximately 7 mmHg in subjects assigned to the traditional DF, with an approximate 5 mmHg reduction in subjects assigned to the modified DF and the unrestricted vegan plan. A small (2 mmHg) reduction in diastolic BP was noted for subjects in both DF groups; a slight increase in diastolic BP was noted for subjects assigned to the unrestricted vegan group. An approximate 20% reduction was noted in total and LDL cholesterol for subjects in the traditional DF group, with an approximate 10% decrease for subjects in the modified DF group. No decrease in total or LDL cholesterol was noted for subjects in the unrestricted vegan group. Conclusion: These data indicate that both a traditional or modified DF may improve blood pressure and blood lipids in a clinically meaningful manner if these results are sustained over the long term. A traditional DF also results in a significant reduction in blood insulin and oxidative stress. An unrestricted vegan diet may improve systolic blood pressure, but in the absence of measures to strictly monitor adherence, it does not favorably impact other markers of health measured in the present study.

Participant compliance to a six‐month traditional and modified Daniel Fast

Background: We have previously reported multiple health benefits in individuals following the Christian-based fasting protocol known as the Daniel Fast (DF). However, our prior work has involved only short-term (21-day) assessments. For dietary modification to have a profound impact on health, compliance to the dietary plan must be established for the long-term. Materials and Methods We determined the 6-month compliance to a traditional (vegan) DF (n=12), as well as a modified DF (n=9; allowing for the inclusion of small amounts of meat and milk) in healthy individuals. Participants completed diet records during the study period and also rated their overall compliance to the assigned dietary plan. Results Compliance to both dietary plans proved to be satisfactory (approximately 80 in the 6th month; 85 in the 3rd month and 95 during the 3rd week). It is noteworthy that it did not show any major differences between groups. Body weight, from baseline toward month 6, saw a decline in participants assigned to both the traditional DF (79.6±5.3 to 75.5±5.5 kg) and the modified DF (80.4±8.0 to 74.3±6.5 kg). Conclusion These data indicated that both the traditional and modified DF, which involve ad libitum (Latin for “at liberty”) feeding, are realistic for individuals to comply with over a period of several months. Such compliance is associated with a weight loss of approximately 5-8 of the body mass and considering the multi-faceted health benefits of this particular dietary approach, it may result in worthy improvements in overall health. Additional studies of the long-term health implications of this fasting method are also required.

Role of Intermittent Fasting on Improving Health and Reducing Diseases

   Nutritional status is the major contributors to self-sufficiency, disease recovery and quality of life. Obesity may result from overfeeding, dietetic errors or other multiple genetic, metabolic and behavioral abnormalities, it induce both insulin resistance and pancreatic beta-cell dysfunction and therefore consider as the cornerstone of type 2 diabetes. (1)     Intermittent fasting, in which individuals fast on consecutive or alternate days, has been reported to facilitate weight loss preventing the progres­sion of type 2 diabetes (2) and consequently improve cardiovascular risk. (3) Moreover, Extensive evidence suggests that imposing fasting periods upon experimental laboratory animals increases longev­ity, improves health and reduces disease, including such diverse morbidities with cancer (4) neurological disorders (5) and disorders of circadian rhythm. (6) Fasting has been used in religion for centuries. The Daniel fast is a biblical partial fast that is typi­cally undertaken for 3 weeks, and during Ramadan (9 th month of Muslim calendar), all Muslims across the world fast during daylight hours of this month where this consider as one of the five main pillars of Islam.     Such periods of fasting can limit inflammation, (7) attenuates proinflammatory cytokines and immune cells, (8) improve circu­lating glucose (9) and lipid levels (10) and reduce blood pres­sure. (11) In addition to that, studies undertaken in animals and humans have suggested that fuel selection is altered and efficiency of metabolism is improved while oxidative stress is reduced.     Intermittent fasting in animal models induce some cardiovascular benefits such as improving blood pressure and heart rate, (12)  as well as circulating choles­terol and triglycerides, and reduce carotid intima-media thickness. (13) Moreover, it improves survival from myocardial ischemia through pro-angiogenic, anti-apoptotic and anti-remodelling effects.     Intermittent fasting also appears to be cardioprotec­tive, providing experimental animals with resistance to ischemic injury (14) in a manner possibly associated with increases in levels of the adipokine adiponectin. (15) Adiponectin is a unique adipokine that appears to have beneficial effects but has circulating levels that are nega­tively correlated with body composition. (16) However, intermittent fasting modulates the levels of visceral fat and several additional adipokines, including leptin, IL-6, TNF-I± and IGF-1. (17)     Although fasting of Ramadan is obligatory for all Muslims who enjoy the spiritual atmosphere during that month, the Qur’an exempts those who are ill, travelling, pregnant women, during breastfeeding or women during their menses from fasting. However, many of that cases who cannot fast feel they miss a great deal but those who don’t follow the Doctor’s advice in this regard may be associated with health troubles. Fasting of that cases may be risky especially with diabetes as it may increase frequency of hypoglycemia, postprandial hyperglycemia with or without diabetic ketoacidosis, along with dehydration and thrombosis. (18)

A 21-day Daniel fast with or without krill oil supplementation improves anthropometric parameters and the cardiometabolic profile in men and women

BackgroundThe Daniel Fast is a vegan diet that prohibits the consumption of animal products, refined foods, white flour, preservatives, additives, sweeteners, flavorings, caffeine, and alcohol. Following this dietary plan for 21 days has been demonstrated to improve blood pressure, LDL-C, and certain markers of oxidative stress, but it has also been shown to lower HDL-C. Krill oil supplementation has been shown to increase HDL-C.MethodsWe investigated the effects of following a Daniel Fast dietary plan with either krill oil supplementation (2 g/day) or placebo supplementation (coconut oil; 2 g/day) for 21 days. The subjects in this study (12 men and 27 women) were heterogeneous with respect to body mass index (BMI) (normal weight, overweight, and obese), blood lipids (normolipidemic and hyperlipidemic), blood glucose (normal fasting glucose, impaired fasting glucose, and type 2 diabetic), and blood pressure (normotensive and hypertensive).ResultsKrill oil supplementation had no effect on any outcome measure (all p > 0.05), and so the data from the krill oil group and the placebo group were collapsed and analyzed to examine the effects of following a 21-day Daniel Fast. Significant reductions were observed in LDL-C (100.6 ± 4.3 mg/dL vs. 80.0 ± 3.7 mg/dL), the LDL:HDL ratio (2.0 ± 0.1 vs. 1.7 ± 0.1), fasting blood glucose (101.4 ± 7.5 mg/dL vs. 91.7 ± 3.4 mg/dL), fasting blood insulin (7.92 ± 0.80 μU/mL vs. 5.76 ± 0.59 μU/mL), homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) (2.06 ± 0.30 vs. 1.40 ± 0.21), systolic BP (110.7 ± 2.2 mm Hg vs. 105.5 ± 1.7 mm Hg), and body weight (74.1 ± 2.4 kg vs. 71.5 ± 2.3 kg) (all p < 0.05).ConclusionFollowing a Daniel Fast dietary plan improves a variety of cardiometabolic parameters in a wide range of individuals in as little as 21 days, and these improvements are unaffected by krill oil supplementation.Trial registrationClinicaltrial.govNCT01378767