Résumé
The aim of this thesis is to explain what fasting is, its practice, its place in the health field, its benefits and limitations. In this way, healthcare professionals, especially pharmacists, will be able to answer their patients' question: can fasting improve my health?In this study, the different types of therapeutic fasting will be defined, each with its own particularities depending on the patient's objectives. The history of fasting will be traced, from its origins in the Hippocratic tradition to its current use in naturopathy and even as a therapy in Germany and Russia. The physiological mechanisms of fasting will be discussed, to help us better understand how the body adapts without external nourishment, as well as its beneficial effects on health. Fasting appears to be a powerful ally in the fight against the diseases of civilization: cardiovascular, autoimmune, inflammatory, depression, obesity and cancer. It is increasingly considered as a therapy in the medical sector. Studies focus mainly on fasting as a complement to allopathic treatments, such as chemotherapy. However, fasting also has its limitations, and requires warnings that healthcare professionals should be aware of. While therapeutic fasting still affects a relatively small number of patients, as it is not yet fully recognized in France, domestic fasting is permitted. It is practised as a preventive measure by people in good health who wish to maintain their health. In recent years, intermittent fasting in particular has become so popular that we can imagine a day when fasting might be as natural as eating!