Fasting has been hailed as a quick fix for everything from weight loss to chronic inflammation. And for some with ulcerative colitis (UC), skipping meals or following an intermittent fasting schedule might offer temporary relief. But at MGI Clinics, we’ve seen a different picture emerge over time—one where long-term fasting often does more harm than good.
Let’s break down why fasting might ease UC symptoms in the short term, but ultimately falls short as a sustainable healing method—and what you should focus on instead to find lasting relief.
The Temporary Benefits—and Hidden Risks—of Fasting
When your digestive system gets a break, it’s no surprise your symptoms might improve. Fasting reduces the burden on your intestines and can shift your metabolism into a state called ketosis, where your body burns fat for fuel. Some studies even highlight autophagy—a cellular “clean-up” process—as a potential benefit.
But here’s the catch: these effects are fleeting.
Without food, especially the right kinds of food, your body doesn’t get the nutrients it needs to regulate inflammation or repair the gut lining. In fact, patients often report symptom flare-ups once they resume eating—sometimes worse than before. Why? Because fasting depletes the very tools your immune system and gut microbiome rely on to heal: phytonutrients, proteins, and healthy fats.
Your Gut Microbiome Is the Real Battlefield
At least 70–80% of your immune system lives in your gut, specifically within the Mucosa-Associated Lymphatic Tissue (MALT). This area constantly interacts with trillions of microbes—bacteria, fungi, and viruses—all of which play a huge role in regulating inflammation. If your microbiome is out of balance, your immune system goes haywire, and inflammation surges.
Fasting doesn’t restore microbiome balance—it pauses it. And that pause comes with a cost.
What actually works? Rebuilding your microbiome through intentional, phytonutrient-rich nutrition that supports beneficial bacteria while starving the harmful ones.
Why the Phytonutrient Diet Is a Game Changer
Unlike fasting, a phytonutrient-based diet actively works to reduce inflammation and recalibrate your immune system. These compounds—found in colorful fruits, vegetables, herbs, fungi, and teas—help repair gut lining, fight oxidative stress, and modulate immune responses.
Some of the most powerful phytonutrients for UC include:
- Polyphenols (found in berries, herbs, and olive oil)
- Chlorophyll (from leafy greens)
- Alkaloids (like turmeric and ginger)
- Prebiotics (resistant starches that feed good bacteria)
The key is not just including them—but doing so consistently and in the right combinations. That’s the foundation of the Mind-Gut-Immunity Method we follow at MGI Clinics.
Macronutrient Balance: Don’t Starve Your Gut
One major pitfall of fasting is undernourishment. Many UC patients already struggle with low appetite, and when BMI falls below 18, the body shifts into catabolism—breaking down muscle for energy. This impairs gut healing and weakens the immune response.
To support healing, we generally recommend:
- 50% of daily calories from healthy fats
- 25% from protein (to rebuild tissue and prevent muscle wasting)
- 25% from low-glycemic, microbiome-supportive carbs
This ratio helps fuel recovery, reduce inflammation, and minimize bacterial overgrowth.
The Problem with Intermittent and Long-Term Fasting
Intermittent fasting might seem more manageable than a full water fast, but it still limits nutrient intake. Over time, this can lead to:
- Muscle wasting
- Hormonal imbalances (especially thyroid and cortisol-related)
- Sleep disruption and fatigue
- Poor wound healing and flare-ups
- Increased risk of cardiac complications with severe restriction
These risks far outweigh the short-term “cleanse” benefits often associated with fasting.
What to Do Instead of Fasting
Rather than avoid food, focus on resolving the inflammation that’s making food intolerable in the first place. Once inflammation is under control, digestion improves naturally.
Here’s what we recommend:
- Start small: Begin with nutrient-dense, easy-to-digest meals.
- Track your macronutrients using tools like our macro calculator.
- Use herbal teas during digestive rest periods to supply polyphenols without calories.
- Avoid simple sugars and refined starches that feed harmful bacteria.
- Reintroduce foods mindfully with professional guidance.
When patients shift their focus from restriction to nourishment, they regain energy, experience fewer flare-ups, and often reduce or eliminate medications.
Taking Control of Your Health
If you’re managing ulcerative colitis, know that fasting is not your only option—and in many cases, it’s not your best one. Real healing starts with reducing inflammation, feeding your microbiome, and supporting your body with the nutrients it needs to recover.
For personalized guidance and support, schedule a discovery call with Dr. Chanu Dasari at MGI Clinics. Our Case Studies page features stories of patients who have successfully managed their conditions through the Mind-Gut-Immunity Method.
Start Your Journey to Better Health Today
Discover the transformative power of the Mind-Gut-Immunity Method! Over the past decade, Dr. Dasari has helped countless clients reduce inflammation and find relief from autoimmune issues, often in just 3-6 weeks. Now, you can start your journey to better health with our free training. Click the link below, choose your condition, and learn how our proven approach can help you feel better fast.
About the Author
Dr. Chanu Dasari, a distinguished clinician with a career spanning renowned institutions like Vanderbilt University, Oxford University, and the University of California, has made significant contributions to medical research and practice. His work, published in top peer-reviewed scientific journals and adopted by the US Department of Health, highlights his commitment to advancing healthcare. Dr. Dasari is board-certified by the American Board of Medical Specialties and the American College of Surgeons, with a specialization in hernia repair, gallbladder removal, cysts, digestive disease, and cancer. As the founder of the Mind-Gut-Immunity Clinic, he draws from personal experience with autoimmune and digestive dysfunction to lead a team dedicated to patient-centered care using evidence-based protocols.
