 The first modern study of fasting as a treatment for epilepsy was in France in 1911 . Twenty epilepsy patients of all ages were " detoxified " by consuming a low @-@ calorie vegetarian diet , combined with periods of fasting and purging . Two benefited enormously , but most failed to maintain compliance with the imposed restrictions . The diet improved the patients ' mental capabilities , in contrast to their medication , potassium bromide , which dulled the mind . 
