Takao Hospital: At the Forefront of Water Fasting and Medical Nutrition Therapy

Ebe K, Wood M and Bando H

Published on: 2025-06-06

Abstract

Takao Hospital, a pioneer in Japan, introduced a brown rice, fish, and vegetable diet in 1984 and a low-carbohydrate diet (LCD) in 1999 for inpatients with atopic dermatitis and diabetes. In 1984, the first author (K.E. below) provided medical care to a student after a 22-day hunger strike, noting significant weight loss (15 kg) and enhanced sensory perception. K.E.’s personal 3-day fast resulted in a 4-kg weight loss and reduced sleep needs, with blood sugar at 35 mg/dl, likely sustained by ketones. A recent study showed that a 4:3 intermittent fasting regimen outperformed daily calorie restriction. Fasting and LCDs are effective for weight management, diabetes control, and hypoglycemia mitigation, stabilizing metabolism via ketone bodies.