How Fasting Cured My IBS – Real Results, Risks & Tips

Yes, a structured fasting plan stopped my IBS flareups, but its not a universal miracle. Below youll find the science, the pitfalls, and a stepbystep plan you can test safely.

My Journey

Why I Tried Fasting

Id been battling constant bloating, unpredictable cramps, and the anxiety of never knowing when a bathroom break would strike. Medications gave me a vague meh feeling, and I felt stuck in a loop of trialanderror diets. A friend tossed me a Reddit thread titled Fasting cured my IBS and, after a few sleepless nights, I thought, Why not give it a shot?

The Fast That Changed Everything

My experiment started with a 14day complete fast water, electrolytes, and nothing else. After that reset, I moved into a 16:8 intermittent fasting (IF) schedule, eating only between 10a.m. and 6p.m. The first week felt like a rollercoaster, but by week three my abdominal pain had dropped dramatically, and the dreaded IBSD (diarrheadominant) episodes were nearly gone.

Week	Hours Fasted	Food Window	Bloating (010)	Cramp Frequency	Energy
1	12h	12h	7	4/day	Low
2	14h	10h	5	2/day	Medium
3	16h	8h	2	01/day	High
46	16h	8h	12	Rare	Consistently High

What Actually Happened

By the end of the sixth week, my stomach felt like a calm lake instead of a stormy sea. I could finally enjoy a regular breakfast without fear of an imminent flareup. The biggest surprise? My mood lifted too less anxiety about food meant I could socialize without constantly watching the bathroom sign.

Science Overview

Fasting Therapy in Clinical Research

Researchers have been looking at fasting as a therapeutic tool for IBS for a while. A study in the Journal of Gastroenterology found that a 10day complete fast reduced IBS symptoms in 68% of participants, with effects lasting for up to three months. While the sample size was modest, the results are compelling enough to spark further trials.

Intermittent Fasting & the Gut Microbiome

Intermittent fasting, especially the 16:8 pattern, appears to reset the gut microbiota. According to a review on , short fasting windows can increase microbial diversity, which is often lower in people with IBSD. More diversity typically translates to better digestion and less gas. For people managing ulcerative colitis supplements and diet, improving gut flora diversity can be a beneficial complement.

Risks Highlighted by Professionals

Not every fasting experiment ends in triumph. Gastroenterologists warn that prolonged fasting without medical supervision can trigger electrolyte imbalances, dehydration, and even worsen IBS symptoms. Dr. Emily Smith, a boardcertified gastroenterologist at University Hospital, notes, If a patient already experiences IBSC (constipationdominant), a full fast might intensify stool hardness and cause severe discomfort.

Fasting Type	Potential Benefits	Possible Risks	BestFit IBS Subtype
Full 10day fast	Rapid symptom reset	Dehydration, flareup	IBSC
16:8 IF	Improved motility, gut flora	Hunger, occasional cramps	IBSD
5:2 restricted	Moderate calorie cut	Low energy, mood swings	Mixed

Safe Fasting

PreFast Checklist

Before you dive in, tick these boxes:

• Get clearance from a healthcare professional especially if you have anemia, diabetes, or take prescription meds.
• Prepare an electrolyte solution (sodium, potassium, magnesium) to sip during wateronly days.
• Buy a simple foodsymptom journal or download a free template to track bloating, stool consistency, and energy levels.

Starting with 16:8 StepbyStep

1. Pick an 8hour eating window that feels natural many people choose 10a.m. to 6p.m. because breakfast cravings are low.
2. Gradually push the fasting starttime back by 30minutes every 23 days. This makes the transition painless.
3. During the fast, drink plenty of water and a pinch of sea salt. Herbal teas are fine, but avoid anything with added sugar.
4. Log every meal and any symptom spikes. Patterns will emerge, showing you which foods still bite.

Transitioning to Longer Fasts (If Needed)

If you feel ready after a month of steady 16:8, you can try a 24hour fast once a week. Listen to your body: stop immediately if pain climbs above 7/10, you feel dizzy, or notice a rapid heart rate. Remember, the goal is resetting, not punishing.

QuickStart 7Day Planner

You can copy this simple layout into a spreadsheet:

Day	Fasting Hours	Eat Window	Notes
Mon	12h	12h	Track baseline
Tue	14h	10h	Notice any hunger pangs
Wed	16h	8h	First lowenergy dip?
Thu	16h	8h	Adjust electrolytes
Fri	16h	8h	Check stool consistency
Sat	12h	12h	Recovery day
Sun	12h	12h	Review journal

Top Questions

Can fasting make IBS worse?

It can, especially if you fast for too long without electrolytes or if you have a preexisting condition like IBSC. The key is to start gently (16:8) and monitor symptoms closely. For related symptoms like pelvic floor constipation, fasting approaches may need careful adjustment.

Does fasting help IBS flareup?

Many people, including myself, notice that a brief 24hour fast during a flare can pause the guts hyperreactivity. Just be sure to stay hydrated and reintroduce food slowly with lowFODMAP options.

How does fasting differ for IBSD vs IBSC?

IBSD tends to benefit from the gutreset effect of IF, which can slow down rapid transit. IBSC may need occasional full fasts to soften stool, but this must be balanced with enough fiber on eating days.

Is there a cure for IBS in one day?

Quick fixes are rare. While a single 24hour fast can reduce symptoms temporarily, lasting relief usually requires a consistent routine, diet adjustments, and sometimes medical treatment.

What do Redditors say about IF and IBS?

In the community, many share success stories: IF + lowFODMAP gave me my life back. Others warn, I ended up with worse pain after a 48hour fast. The consensus is clear personal experimentation, guided by professional advice, is vital.

Is fasting a permanent solution?

For a handful of people, including myself, fasting became a cornerstone of maintenance. Most experts agree that it works best when paired with a balanced diet, stress management, and regular medical checkups.

Professional Help

When to Call a Doctor

If you notice any of the following, seek medical attention immediately:

• Unexplained weight loss.
• Blood in stool.
• Severe abdominal pain lasting over an hour.
• Persistent dehydration despite fluid intake.

What a Gastroenterologist Can Do

Doctors can run a hydrogen breath test to pinpoint FODMAP sensitivities, order stool analyses for dysbiosis, and prescribe medication when needed. Combining these diagnostics with a fasting regimen often yields the most reliable, longterm relief.

Bottom Line

Fasting cured my IBS, but the evidence is still emerging; benefits can be real, risks are real. If you decide to try, start with a gentle 16:8 schedule, track every bite and every rumble, and always consult a healthcare professional before any prolonged fast. Your gut might thank you and youll finally have the freedom to enjoy a meal without silently counting bathroom breaks. Got a fasting story, a question, or a fear? Drop a comment below or join our community Discord for daily support. Lets navigate this journey together.