The Latest Medical News

A Summary of The Latest Medical News: ### Breakthrough Study: Intermittent Fasting Slashes Crohn's Symptoms by 40% A groundbreaking clinical trial reveals that **intermittent fasting**—limiting meals to an **8-hour daily window**—can dramatically ease **Crohn's disease** symptoms, cut inflammation, and support weight loss without changing calorie intake or food types.[1][2][3] **Crohn's disease basics.** This inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) affects any part of the digestive tract, causing diarrhea, malnutrition, abdominal pain, cramping, and excess visceral fat that worsens inflammation and treatment response.[1][2] **Study design and participants.** Researchers from the University of Calgary and University of British Columbia recruited 35 overweight or obese adults with Crohn's. Half followed time-restricted eating (16-hour fasts daily, 6 days a week for 12 weeks), while the control group ate normally. No calorie cuts were required.[1][2][3] **Symptom relief highlights.** Fasters saw a **40% drop in disease activity**, including fewer bowel movements and **50% less abdominal pain**. They reported better overall symptoms, suggesting potential for lasting remission.[1][3] **Weight and body composition wins.** The fasting group lost about **5.5 pounds** and reduced **visceral fat** (deep abdominal fat around organs), while controls gained **3.7 pounds**. BMI dropped significantly, with bigger declines linking to better gut health.[1][2][3] **Metabolic and inflammation improvements.** Blood markers for inflammation (like leptin and PAI-1) decreased, alongside healthier shifts in metabolism, immune function, and fat tissue proteins. No diet quality changes explained this—**meal timing** was key.[1][2][3] **Gut microbiome boost.** Fasting increased gut bacteria diversity and short-chain fatty acid production, which supports digestive health. These changes happened despite similar calorie intake.[2] **Expert insights from researchers.** "Time-restricted feeding offers benefits beyond weight loss, like reduced discomfort and inflammation," said senior author Dr. Maitreyi Raman, University of Calgary. Lead investigator Natasha Haskey added, "It's a sustainable, biology-based tool to complement meds."[1][2] **Not a cure, but promising add-on.** Experts stress intermittent fasting isn't a medication replacement and larger, longer trials are needed for safety confirmation. It may help break treatment limits, especially for non-responders.[1][2] **Practical takeaway for Crohn's patients.** If overweight, consider discussing an 8-hour eating window with your doctor—six days weekly—as a low-cost strategy alongside standard care.[2][3] Help with your insurance? https://tally.so/r/n012P9