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Attempt to Treat Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia with Prolonged Fasting: Personal Experience and Conclusions

This happened long ago, yet the events remain firmly etched in my memory to this day, especially in the context of living with benign prostatic hyperplasia and searching for non-standard approaches to prostate health.

Diagnosis and the Powerlessness of Medicine

I was diagnosed with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), a condition commonly associated with progressive prostate enlargement and chronic urinary symptoms. I tried all kinds of medications typically prescribed for BPH drug therapy, but the disease did not respond to any of them — in fact, it seemed completely indifferent — and it continued to progress steadily without interruption.

The doctors were only interested in conducting billable diagnostic tests, whether necessary or not, including repeated prostate examinations and laboratory assessments. After these tests, they made it clear that they did not want to entertain any questions from me or discuss alternative treatment options for BPH.

Through their behavior, they tried to instill the idea that BPH is incurable, and that the best course of action (from their perspective) was to undergo repeated tests — perhaps daily — or, if that was not an option, to resign oneself to fate, silently join the ranks of countless sufferers, and eventually hand one’s prostate over to surgeons for dissection — in other words, undergo surgery to remove the hyperplasia, a procedure often presented as the only viable solution.

But I was determined not to join the countless cohort of potential invalids, even those with hidden disability following prostate surgery. I began searching for ways to restore my health or, at the very least, achieve partial relief from the symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia, including urinary dysfunction. I had reached such a point that I was ready to accept any extreme measure, as long as it remained within the bounds of reason and basic physiological understanding.

Decision Made: To Fast!

I spoke with acquaintances. Two main opinions emerged: treatment with folk remedies — none of which had ever worked for me in managing BPH — and strict fasting, often discussed as a method of systemic cleansing. I concluded that multi-day fasting seemed the most realistic option, particularly in the context of alternative approaches to prostate treatment.

I had no reliable knowledge to draw on; at that time, I barely knew how to use the Internet, and there was no one nearby with relevant experience. Consultations were out of the question — there was simply no one from whom I could get even a single piece of advice on whether fasting was compatible with an unhealthy prostate or how prolonged food deprivation might affect prostate function.

Nevertheless, I went through with the trial and therefore believe I have full moral right to share my experience. Moreover, this is not an enthusiastic glorification of fasting as a cure-all, but an objective account of what I went through, viewed from a physiological standpoint.

I believe that reading this article will help others realistically assess not only the initial effects of prolonged fasting but also its later consequences for the male body. I hope that after careful reading, many will gain a clear understanding of fasting as a method of prostate treatment — and how effective it truly is in cases of benign prostatic hyperplasia.

“Therapeutic” (not my word, I emphasize this) fasting is commonly understood as a complete abstention from food for an extended period — anywhere from 10 days to 30–40 days, or even longer, depending on the chosen fasting protocol. After completing such a cycle, it is absolutely necessary to follow a well-reasoned, restrictive diet for roughly the same duration, often referred to as a proper fasting exit or recovery phase. In short, enduring this period is, to put it mildly, no easy task, especially when considering the overall strain on the body.

Absurdity: Visiting a Urology Clinic for Advice

There’s no point in hiding it — out of naïveté, foolishness, or most likely both — I decided to visit a private clinic for a consultation with a urology specialist. At that time, I still believed that doctors, by virtue of their profession, should be able to offer something useful regarding non-surgical BPH treatment. Naturally, I was mistaken.

I was greeted warmly, with smiles and friendliness — but that lasted no more than thirty or forty seconds, a typical feature of paid medical services. I was directed to see a urologist, which seemed logical since my upcoming fast was directly related to the prostate and its condition.

While waiting, I noticed a restless man constantly pacing the hallway, wearing an unbuttoned medical coat. He was trying to hide a peculiar habit — touching every door handle only through the fabric of his coat, which looked strange even in a clinical environment. He went in and out so frequently that it became amusing to watch. The red tip of his nose suggested a temperature at the upper limit of normal, and I instantly, involuntarily nicknamed him “Thermometer.” The thought lightened my mood slightly.

My visit with the urologist was brief. With a feigned look of concern, he declared that treating BPH through prolonged fasting was outside his area of expertise. His focus, he said, was the medicinal treatment and prevention of prostatitis, benign prostatic hyperplasia, and prostate cancer. Then, smoothly and with a sympathetic smile, he guided me by the elbow to the cash desk, officially called “Reception.”

He explained that I absolutely had to see another doctor — and that I was in luck, since such a specialist was available on their staff. Without refunding my consultation fee, he asked me to pay for a dietitian’s services. I didn’t understand at first why this consultation cost three times more than the previous one. After payment — having confirmed the thinness of my wallet — the urologist instantly turned cold, pointed to a door labeled “Doctor of the Highest Category,” quickly put on a concerned expression again, and hurried back to his office.

The Dietitian and the “Kefir Consultation”

There was no line for the next office. Behind the door, I was greeted by none other than the same “Thermometer.”

After a brief exchange of greetings, I tried to explain that I wanted to attempt treating BPH through fasting. For some reason, the doctor seemed to hear only the last word, even though my speech was clear and my voice steady. Abruptly interrupting me, he declared that fasting was harmful and that the best way to lose weight was to study the rules of food combining and apply them daily. Then, with a well-practiced gesture, he pulled a sheet of paper from a stack — an article by some professor on the subject — and thrust it into my hand.

The man clearly lacked experience with genuine communication. Without giving me a moment to respond, he launched into a tirade against local kefir producers and, once finished, calmly and confidentially informed me that he could make the drink himself — better than anyone else.

Apparently, the doctor considered the money for this brief encounter well earned. He tried to take me by the elbow again (a touch I had already experienced) and began insistently offering his personal kefir recipe. His flushed, red face made it obvious that, besides food combining, he also had a strong interest in alcoholic beverages. The smell of fusel alcohol left no doubt that he was not selective in his preferences — mixing rather than separating.

His culinary recommendation seemed aimed either at boosting his sluggish business or at enhancing his image in my eyes. Kefir clearly meant a great deal to the dietitian — especially in the morning — while I hurried to free my elbow from his insincere grasp and leave the office. I wasn’t sure whether his “recipe” was included in the consultation fee.

The handout on nutrition, featuring fruits and vegetables arranged around a large piece of fatty meat, stayed with me only until the nearest trash bin. It was clear I wasn’t the first to discard such a leaflet. Behind me, the “Thermometer” slammed the door in his usual way — touching the handle through the fabric of his coat. Now I understood the reason for his frequent hallway walks: the source of his inspiration lay outside the office walls.

I had never witnessed such a performance in my life. The vices of society are instantly transmitted into its cells. First, through luck or misfortune, incompetence somehow acquires the title of doctor. Then, an unknown but “important” official, after completing mysterious and likely expensive advanced training, grants this inept individual the obscure title of “Highest Category.” And for the patient, only one meaningless right remains — to silently evaluate the doctor’s work during the first visit and, next time, to remain constantly alert, keeping every possible form of deceit in mind.

After visiting the clinic, I had little choice left. BPH was progressing, and I could describe my condition only in two words: bad or very bad. My prostate had shown no sign of remission.

“Therapeutic” Fasting: Advice, Condition, Mood, and Self-Control

Fear and Determination

So — fasting. After a brief period of reflection, I decided to go through with it.

Where it is thin, it tears. I was afraid. Only fools feel no fear. What if prolonged fasting triggered other illnesses or complications? From the very beginning, I understood that I alone was responsible for my health — and that I must not only refrain from eating but also think carefully.

I admit that I did not plan to fast for long. I thought ten days would be enough; fifteen days seemed unimaginable. I pictured myself with a gaunt face, an unsteady gait, and frequent fainting spells. Yet I managed to endure twenty-four days. Yes, it was hard — sometimes very hard — but still manageable.

During this time, I continued working and helped my wife with daily household tasks, all of which required effort. What serves as rest for many organs of the body became a serious test of the spirit.

Even in normal life, I never suffered from lack of appetite, and during fasting I felt hunger both on the first and the last day (for some reason, the opposite is often confidently asserted). I had no time for preparation. Now I am convinced — and I recommend — that anyone deciding to take such a step should gradually adjust over a few weeks, practicing short fasts of one or two days beforehand.

I categorically do not advise people with insufficient body weight to seek truth through this method.

What Is Forbidden

Now, about what is strictly forbidden.
Fasting should not be undertaken in ecologically polluted areas. One must not swim in salt water, stay in the open sun during heat, or freeze in cold weather. Only clean, boiled water should be consumed; otherwise, side effects are possible.

In my case, my intestines began to react, and my liver enlarged. Brushing teeth is prohibited, although rinsing the mouth with a decoction of oak bark or St. John’s wort is acceptable. One should avoid any contact with food as much as possible.

It is best not to watch television commercials, visit supermarkets, or enter grocery stores. It is crucial to clearly explain your goal to your family and loved ones. After some time, they will inevitably begin urging you to stop. Arguments and confrontations can seriously undermine an already fragile psychological state.

You should not meet friends or acquaintances during this period. Seeing your physical changes, many will start asking questions or insistently offer advice (since then, I have never given advice unless asked).

Ideally, during the entire fasting period, it is best to leave home and stay alone.

What Is Necessary and Permissible

In difficult moments, it is advisable to provide yourself with psychological support — that is, to be aware that benign prostatic hyperplasia is decreasing. Therefore, I recommend that everyone undergo a transrectal ultrasound examination of the prostate (TRUS) before the trial to determine its size. Accuracy is essential, so it is best to go to a doctor who specializes exclusively in diagnostics and has no interest in further treatment, and therefore no incentive for deception. Opportunists in white coats from private clinics are not hard to find — they are always ready to acquire a paying patient by any means.

Regarding what helps: general well-being is undoubtedly improved by taking a warm shower. To invigorate yourself, it is possible to finish with a slightly cool rinse. During episodes of strong hunger, one should drink more water (the amount is not limited). Hunger typically occurs in the second half of the day. During these hours, it is beneficial to minimize physical activity as much as possible.

Chronicle of the Process

• 24 days of complete fasting followed by 24 days of breaking the fast, for a total of 48 days. I will continue to follow the chronology of this period and share my experiences and sensations.
• 2nd – 24th day: A stable depressed mood developed, and any interaction became openly irritating. Movement felt consistently heavy in the muscles, with discomfort in the joints, and every step required effort. The body experienced constant dehydration. I experienced rare, brief episodes of dizziness, though this may not apply to everyone. I performed an enema once every five days; in retrospect, it could have been completely avoided. Switching to boiled water left nothing to flush. It is unnecessary to disturb the rectal microflora unnecessarily, although this is strictly individual.
• 2nd – 48th day: It was necessary to monitor pulse and blood pressure, especially after the first meals.
• 2nd – 14th day: The greatest weight loss occurred, up to 16% (21% over the entire period). Attention! This includes both fat and water.
• 4th day: Vision worsened. Recovery occurred almost immediately after resuming eating on the 27th day.
• 13th – 21st day: A turning point. A “second wind” appeared. I became accustomed to the difficulty of movement and internally managed to invigorate myself. More than half of the fasting period had passed.
• 15th day: Gums bled lightly but continuously (imagine the terrible odor with each exhalation; one had to avoid people). Vitamin deficiency began, and I immediately thought of scurvy but was not afraid. At night, I woke 1–2 times involuntarily to rinse my mouth to reduce dryness and discomfort (drinking was not desirable). Bleeding stopped completely by the 34th day.
• 22nd – 24th day: The most difficult. My psyche was unstable, unconscious fear of developing another illness arose, along with a desire to stop. Strong pressure came from family members, who begged me to stop almost hourly.
• 25th day: Fasting ended. Ideally, TRUS should have been repeated to gain the strength to properly complete the procedure. The doctor reported a reduction in prostate size. Nutrition: I was advised to start with fresh juices, but after one day, I realized this diet would quickly become repulsive. On the second day, I moderately tried fruits, vegetables, and porridges. The menu was simple: mashed potatoes with tomatoes, boiled rice with carrots, pumpkin with apples, buckwheat porridge with olives; onion was mandatory. A stomach rested for a long time may not tolerate some foods, resulting in heartburn. Scarce foods are easily identified and eliminated.
• 25th – 32nd day: Water balance recovered well. In seven days, I regained 10% of my previous weight (not fat — accumulating fat in a week is impossible). These points are important for understanding the conclusions.
• 25th – 48th day: Continued abstention from meat, dairy products, and fish.
• 26th day: Well-being noticeably improved. From this point, I forced myself to feel joy for having endured such an incredibly difficult trial, for enjoying food, and for the simple fact that with each hour my body was filled with strength and energy.
• 27th – 32nd day: I added small amounts of salt, baked goods (rye bread), and vegetable oil; later, various nuts and pumpkin seeds. All in very moderate amounts.
• 49th day: The beginning of consuming foods containing animal protein.

Critical Physiological Changes in the Body During Prolonged Fasting

Fasting Is Not a Treatment

Now, the most important part — a reasoned analysis. For several months afterward, I managed to forget most painful symptoms. I initially tried to feel joy but caught myself thinking it was false — that I was trying to convince myself of a sense of delight greater than reality. For a certain period, there was a noticeable lightness in the body (weight had decreased), but it came only after extreme psychological strain.

I have a habit of being honest with myself. No matter what others claim — that fasting is a celebration, that starting this epic journey brings serenity — refusing food is extreme stress and will inevitably have consequences. Well, that is that; it passed, and perhaps for some, the process truly is joyful. I do not argue about that.

From this point on, I relate the state of a person who has undergone fasting to physiology. Once food intake stops, the body begins to rid itself not only of waste but also of everything needed for full vital activity. Fats are burned, minerals expelled, and nothing replenished. This may be acceptable if there is excess weight, but what if there isn’t? Cellular membranes become, I believe, like sieves; the cells dehydrate, and fluids cannot be retained. Even if one drinks more than usual, water will not be properly absorbed or retained. The body enters a state of prolonged fluid deficiency. This is clearly evidenced after fasting ends, when refeeding begins. Despite a limited diet, weight increases actively as biologically significant elements accumulate in the body. This argument is indisputable.

Next, consider vascular tissue after such prolonged changes. Yes, it is cleansed, but water balance is altered. This is a kind of trauma after which full restoration of elasticity is impossible. Most people who have fasted will never know the extent of damage to large and small vessels, lacking access to diagnostics. After a short time, they begin to notice general deterioration in well-being. The vascular system, having become stiffer contrary to expectations, retains cholesterol more actively as plaques. Patients often ignore this, creating a closed loop: partial relief from painful symptoms comes from fasting, reinforcing the cycle. The intervals of feeding must be short or gradually reduced. For serious fasters, continuous fasting is required. Only a tiny percentage can psychologically tolerate complete food restriction. For them, such rules may work. Generally, contraindications far exceed allowances.

To provide a balanced view: fasting can indeed be beneficial for the prostate when painful symptoms occur — but only if short-term (no more than a single day). I have expressed my personal view and justified it logically. Not everyone will agree, given the field’s oversaturation with theories, approaches, names, and strict followers. Some even regard such abstinence as a folk remedy for prostate problems.

After my experience, I remain convinced that long-term fasting should not be promoted. This is not a spiritual fast. No one knows how many lives it may shorten.

One more conclusion: fasting in cases of prostatitis is questionable — its forms must be carefully considered. Therefore, discussions on overcoming prostatitis should not involve prolonged fasting.

Non-Philosophical Conclusions

After every mistake, it is useful to analyze it — and honestly, I have never regretted what I experienced. I did not create new problems or cross the point of no return. Success is not luck; it comes through effort, research, and self-overcoming.

The trial led me to a clear conviction: with accumulated, comprehensive knowledge, BPH can — and must — be fought. One foundation of success is a reasoned diet and moderation. How to defeat the disease completely is described in my method, “Without Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia.”

Finally, I must present a general conclusion that refutes a common belief. I state with full responsibility that BPH cannot be cured by prolonged fasting. Fasting only contributes to temporary symptom reduction. Given serious — and often unpredictable — side effects, long-term fasting cannot be called a treatment. Dry fasting as a method to eliminate BPH, in my opinion, borders on suicide.

Example of a Side Effect and the Ineffectiveness of Repeated Prolonged Fasting

Postscript (added in 2016): Over the years, I have repeatedly heard patients report that prolonged fasting did not reduce prostate size in cases of BPH. On one occasion, a patient admitted that after fasting at a specialized clinic in Russia (the only one of its kind), he experienced urinary retention requiring catheterization upon breaking the fast. The staff at the dietary-therapy center expressed unanimous, predictable shock, claiming such a result was impossible. Yet the evidence supports the opposite, and I no longer doubted the patient’s report.

I have also been informed that for most participants, repeated prolonged fasting (a second, third, or subsequent long fast) did not produce the expected effect compared to the first attempt.

With respect, the website author, Gennadiy Plotyan, Ukraine.

References

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