intermittent fasting and Polycythemia Vera

[Dan73]

I was wondering what effect time restricted intermittent fasting (only eating during an eight hour period) has on Polycythemia Vera. Does it affect blood counts or JAK2 mutant allele frequency? Does it boost the immune system?

[EPguy]

The standard for MPN, and any disease, is to live a healthful life. It won't necessarily fix the disease, but it gives the body more margin to work with when the effects of the disease make trouble.

The fasting diet you are taking has been shown to improve health, assuming of course what's eaten during the 8 hours is the good stuff.

[Nikon7]

I’ve been doing intermittent fasting since 2017. Eating only between 8:00a and 6:00p. I was diagnosed with PV in 12/20 so in my case I’d say “no effect.” However, I have low-normal BP, normal blood sugar, good energy to bike, hike and do what I want so I continue to eat organic, low sugar, high fiber (vegies!). See what works for you as we’re all different. 😊

[SomersetMark]

Hi, I also follow an intermittent fasting 16:8 regimen and have done so for a couple of years my window is between 1300 and 2100 which works for my work life balance. Whilst I definitely feel better, it does not appear to have made any difference to my PV blood results good or bad. I also follow a largely vegetarian diet, drink lots of water and CrossFit 3 times a week and now have more energy than I had in my 30s.

Fasting does however freak out the phlebotomists when they find out I’ve not eaten pre-blood let. But again eating or not eating makes no difference to me 🩸

[Buddhability in reply to SomersetMark]

Cross Fit x3 a week? Somerset Mark that is incredible! Gobsmacking and deeply inspiring!! I've intermittent fasted for many years also water fast one day a week, again for many years. But recently I've struggled hugely with my fitness. Attributed it to bereavements (2 close ones), job loss, a shoulder injury, occasional back problems and my ET. I'm 62 and used to be extremely fit. 45g of Pegasus Interferon every 3 weeks. Whatever the cause for my stalling you have really encouraged me to not give up when it comes to my fitness. Extremely grateful!!🙏

[SomersetMark in reply to Buddhability]

Buddhability I think life shocks can disrupt our routine and it’s usually the exercise that takes the hit.

When I was first diagnosed, and started the fortnightly and sometimes weekly venesections, I did feel a bit sorry for myself and noticed I was spending increasing amounts of time “resting” - I even stopped yoga (I qualified as a teacher pre-covid). It took a bit of effort to reverse my resting mindset and get back into some exercise.

I just needed to find something enjoyable, manageable and consistent. I’m not going to lie, there’s times when I struggle but that’s when it’s time to put away the ego, scale the exercise to match ability and do what I can.

When I’m feeling stalled, for me, the key is to stop and recognise the feeling (mental or physical), put a label on it, accept it and move on.

I’ve also found volunteering helps. I use my spare time to help at a local museum and at a dog rescue centre. Volunteering seems to add to my energy bucket and allows me to meet new people (and dogs). Hope your stall will turn into a climb this year ✈️

[Buddhability in reply to SomersetMark]

Great reply! Thanks Mark!

Appreciated deeply.

Yours

John

[Elizka]

I've done about 7 ProLon fasting mimicking plans (5 days) and also don't eat after 8pm or before 9am. I have not noticed a big difference in blood counts, but I did see a trouble in WBC after a Prolon fast. That was before I was on Besremi. I suggest reading the research on lower inflammation and boosting immune function: prolonfast.com

[william-Indo]

I did IF and keto diet for almost 2 years.

It doesn't make any change to the blood count, but improve for blood pressure, Hba1c and body weight