5-Day Fasting-Style Diet Shows Promise for Crohn’s Disease Relief

A new study from Stanford Medicine, published in Nature Medicine, suggests that a short, calorie-restricted diet may improve symptoms in people with Crohn’s disease.

In a clinical trial of 97 patients, participants followed a fasting mimicking diet (FMD) for five consecutive days each month over three months, consuming 700–1,100 calories daily through plant-based meals. The rest of the month, they resumed normal eating.

By the end, nearly two-thirds of those on the diet reported symptom relief, compared to fewer than half in the control group. Researchers also observed significant reductions in inflammation markers, including fecal calprotectin and other immune signals.

While some participants experienced mild fatigue or headaches, no serious side effects were reported. The findings indicate that periodic calorie restriction may help manage inflammation and improve quality of life in patients with mild-to-moderate Crohn’s disease.

03-04-2026