The Healing Power of Dry Fasting: Insights from Dr. Sergey Filonov’s Research

National Discount Nutrition April 15, 2025

In the world of natural healing, one method has sparked both curiosity and controversy: dry fasting. Unlike traditional fasting that permits water, dry fasting involves abstaining from both food and liquid for a set period. While it may sound extreme, this approach has been extensively studied and practiced in Russia, particularly by Dr. Sergey Filonov—a medical doctor, researcher, and one of the foremost authorities on therapeutic dry fasting.

Dr. Filonov has supervised over 10,000 patients in his clinic in the Altai Mountains, applying strict medical dry fasts to treat a wide variety of chronic illnesses. His approach, grounded in clinical observation and decades of experience, reveals dry fasting as a powerful tool for cellular regeneration and healing—if done correctly.

What is Dry Fasting?

Dry fasting (also known as absolute fasting) is the most intense form of fasting. It comes in two types:

Soft dry fast: No food or water, but limited hygiene practices are allowed, like brushing teeth or washing hands.
Hard dry fast: No food, no water, and no external contact with water—no showers, no brushing teeth, not even handwashing.

While this may seem drastic, Dr. Filonov emphasizes that dry fasting isn’t about punishment—it's about precision. According to him, short-term dry fasts (typically 3–5 days under supervision) can activate deep healing mechanisms that are not triggered by water fasting alone.

How Dry Fasting Heals the Body

Dr. Filonov describes dry fasting as a “surgical intervention without a scalpel.” Here’s why:

1. Autolysis and Autophagy

During a dry fast, the body enters a heightened state of autolysis—the breakdown of damaged cells and tissues. Paired with autophagy, the self-cleaning process for cellular debris, dry fasting helps the body target and eliminate dysfunctional cells, viruses, bacteria, and even cancerous growths.

2. Inflammation Reduction

Filonov’s patients have reported rapid relief from inflammatory conditions, including arthritis, skin issues, and autoimmune disorders. Without water intake, inflammation can’t persist in the same way, leading to accelerated healing.

3. Immune System Reset

Dry fasting forces the body to enter a “survival mode” that rapidly recycles white blood cells. This immune system “reset” may explain the success of dry fasting in treating chronic immune conditions, according to Filonov.

4. Hormonal and Metabolic Balance

Filonov observed significant improvements in hormone regulation, particularly insulin sensitivity and thyroid function. Fasting induces a metabolic switch that forces the body to burn fat stores, improving metabolic health.

Scientific Support and Clinical Results

While Western research on dry fasting is limited, Russian clinical literature—led by Dr. Filonov—documents impressive outcomes:

Psoriasis and eczema: Full remission after a 5-7 day dry fast, followed by a refeeding program.
Diabetes type 2: Significant improvement in insulin sensitivity.
Digestive disorders: Healing of ulcers, IBS, and even Crohn’s symptoms.
Cardiovascular health: Reduction in blood pressure and cholesterol levels.

These results were not achieved through prolonged fasts, but through cyclical, supervised dry fasts—a method Filonov refined over decades.

How to Practice Dry Fasting Safely

Dr. Filonov strongly advises against attempting long dry fasts without medical supervision. However, he does recommend short, preparatory fasts for those in good health:

Start with intermittent fasting (16–18 hours)
Progress to 24-hour dry fasts, once a week
Practice inner cleansing: colon cleansing and liver detox before fasts
Prepare your body by reducing animal protein, sugar, and stimulants days before fasting

He emphasizes rest and mental calmness during the fasting period—no exercise, stress, or overexertion. The healing occurs when the body is still.

The Refeeding Process is Key

Perhaps the most overlooked part of dry fasting is what comes after. According to Dr. Filonov, the refeeding phase is half the therapy. Nutrient-rich, hydrating foods (like fresh juices and light broths) must be reintroduced slowly. Jumping back into heavy meals can reverse the benefits—or even harm the body.

Conclusion: A Powerful, Ancient Healing Method

Dry fasting, as practiced and taught by Dr. Sergey Filonov, is not a trend—it’s a deeply researched, time-honored healing art. While it requires discipline and careful supervision, the results speak for themselves. Whether you’re seeking healing from chronic illness or a deep cellular reset, dry fasting offers an intriguing, powerful path worth exploring—with wisdom, caution, and respect for the body’s innate intelligence.

Note: This article is for informational purposes only. Consult a medical professional before attempting any form of dry fasting.