Intermittent Fasting: Therapeutic Mechanisms and Clinical Applications

Intermittent Fasting: Therapeutic Mechanisms and Clinical Applications is organized by The Institute for Functional Medicine (IFM).

Release Date: April 15, 2023
Last Reviewed Date: February 16, 2023
Expiration Date: February 16, 2026

Description:
Fasting for medical purposes has long been a tradition in many cultures and is an established therapeutic approach in integrative and functional medicine. Over the years, many different forms of fasting have been developed to support the treatment of specific chronic conditions. Intermittent Fasting: Therapeutic Mechanisms and Clinical Applications is an introductory course that explores the health benefits of various fasting methods and their clinical appropriateness for specific patient types.

This course provides a balanced overview of the primary therapeutic mechanisms of action, levels of evidence, potential contraindications, and implementation approaches for several fasting methods, including:

• Intermittent Fasti
• Alternate-Day Fasting
• Prolonged Fasting Routine
• Time-Restricted Eating
• Intermittent Energy Restriction (subtypes 5:2 and modified alternate-day fasting)

There are many different ways to fast, and each patient may have a different response. This course is designed to help clinicians be able to confidently use fasting as a therapeutic tool for improving health outcomes.

Learning Objectives:
By the end of this brief course, clinicians will be able to:

• Define several intermittent fasting approaches.
• Identify potential benefits of intermittent fasting.
• Define autophagy and ketosis.
• Differentiate clinical indications and contraindications for intermittent fasting.
• Advise clients considering intermittent fasting.
• Assess the scope and limitations of emerging evidence.

Topics:

• Digestive Health
• Functional Medicine Basics
• Modifiable Lifestyle Factors