Business Details
42 Years
experience
Medically Supervised Water-Only Fasting in Santa Rosa, CA
Founded in 1984 by Drs. Alan Goldhamer and Jennifer Marano, TrueNorth Health Center is the world's largest facility specializing in medically supervised water-only fasting. Located in Santa Rosa, California, the center combines evidence-based practices with a whole-plant-food diet to promote optimal health. Our team of medical professionals, including doctors, naturopaths, and health educators, has guided over 25,000 patients through personalized fasting programs. We emphasize scientific research, offering clinical studies on fasting's benefits for conditions like hypertension and diabetes. Our residential program provides a restful environment with daily medical supervision, educational presentations, and chef-curated meals.We also offer remote health coaching for individuals seeking guidance on fasting and lifestyle changes. Our commitment to transparency includes detailed pre-stay preparation resources and flexible accommodation options. Through the TrueNorth Health Foundation, we advance public knowledge about fasting's therapeutic potential. Our approach prioritizes patient safety, with strict protocols for medical management and daily monitoring. We aim to empower individuals to achieve long-term health improvements through education and holistic care.
Services
On-Site Fasting
Remote Health Coaching
Medical Evaluations
Naturopathic Care
Chiropractic Services
Therapeutic Massage
Acupuncture
Fitness Instruction
Craniosacral Therapy
Reflexology
Details
- Year established: 1984
Highlights and features
- Pioneers in water-only fasting since 1984 with 40+ years of clinical experience
- Scientific approach combining fasting with whole-plant-food nutrition
- 25,000+ patients guided through personalized health transformation programs
- Board-certified medical team with multidisciplinary expertise in naturopathy and nutrition
- Ongoing clinical research published in peer-reviewed medical journals
What people say
Life-changing results
Expert medical team
Scientific approach
Comprehensive care
Supportive environment
Services
On-Site Fasting
Our residential fasting program provides medically supervised water-only fasting in a controlled environment. Patients receive daily medical monitoring, nutritional guidance, and educational resources to support cellular healing. Ideal for individuals seeking comprehensive health restoration through structured fasting protocols.
Remote Health Coaching
Access board-certified health professionals for personalized fasting guidance through virtual consultations. Services include dietary planning, lifestyle modifications, and post-fast support tailored to individual health goals. Designed for patients requiring expert advice without residential admission.
Medical Evaluations
Comprehensive medical assessments determine fasting suitability and monitor patient progress. Services include initial consultations, bloodwork analysis, and weekly evaluations by licensed physicians. Ensures safe implementation of fasting protocols for patients with complex health conditions.
Naturopathic Care
Integrates natural therapies with evidence-based medicine for chronic disease management. Services include nutritional counseling, herbal medicine, and lifestyle interventions to complement fasting programs. Focuses on addressing root causes of health conditions through non-invasive approaches.
Chiropractic Services
Certified chiropractors provide spinal adjustments and musculoskeletal treatments to enhance nervous system function. Complements fasting programs by improving structural alignment and reducing physical stress. Utilizes manual techniques and physiotherapy for pain management and mobility restoration.
People
Alan Goldhamer
Founder & Director
Dr. Goldhamer established TrueNorth Health Center in 1984 and pioneered water-only fasting protocols. He has supervised over 25,000 patient fasts and co-authored clinical research on fasting's therapeutic applications. His work focuses on integrating fasting with plant-based nutrition for chronic disease reversal.
Jennifer Marano
Co-Founder
Dr. Marano collaborates on clinical research and program development at TrueNorth Health Center. Her expertise in naturopathic medicine contributes to the center's holistic approach combining fasting with nutritional therapy for metabolic health improvement.
Ramses Bravo
Executive Chef
Chef Bravo creates SOS-free (salt, oil, sugar) plant-based meals that support the center's therapeutic protocols. His culinary expertise ensures patients receive nutritionally balanced meals during pre- and post-fast periods, enhancing the overall healing process.
Douglas Lisle
Clinical Psychologist
Dr. Lisle specializes in behavioral health strategies for sustainable lifestyle changes. He developed the 'Pleasure Trap' theory on modern health challenges and provides psychological support for patients undergoing fasting programs.
Peter Sultana
Attending Physician
Dr. Sultana offers 20+ years of experience in family medicine and nutritional approaches to chronic disease. He supervises patient care and contributes to clinical research on fasting's effects for metabolic syndrome and autoimmune conditions.
Questions
What medical conditions benefit from your fasting program?
Our program addresses hypertension, diabetes, autoimmune disorders, and metabolic syndrome through medically supervised fasting and nutritional therapy.
How long should I stay for optimal results?
Minimum stay recommendations depend on individual health status, but patients typically require 21+ days including re-feeding periods for lasting benefits.
Are accommodations included in treatment costs?
Daily room rates include meals, fasting supervision, and educational programs but are separate from medical management fees.
Do you accept health insurance?
Medical management fees may be partially reimbursed by PPO insurance, but residential program costs are self-pay expenses.
What research supports your methods?
We've published clinical studies on fasting's effects for hypertension, lymphoma, and cardiometabolic health in peer-reviewed journals.
Can I bring a companion?
Non-participating companions are welcome at additional costs, with special arrangements required for service animals.
Videos
Reviews (7)
John N.
Nov 03, 2021
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I cannot rate TrueNorth Health because they don't answer my calls or e-mails. I was scheduled to go on a water fast beginning November 4th. I haven't found any recent reviews. Are they closed? Should I cancel my trip?
More Shungite
Oct 14, 2021
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Scheduling is impossible to get ahold got back to me after several weeks and by then everything available was way too far out. Asked about online help they where rude about it, didn't offer much help and it kind of just rubbed me the wrong way
Mimi Porter
Jun 21, 2021
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I stayed here in Jan 2019. water-fasted for 9 days before re-feeding there. was a wonderful experience! id really like to go back again.
De-Stress Chiropractic
May 29, 2021
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Great facility, great staff, and a overall great experience. What a eye opening journey this has been. I am in awe of the powers of fasting. Dr Goldhammer, his colleagues, the staff, and others are passionate about their mission to help others. I highly recommend this place to well. almost everyone.
Michelle L.
May 27, 2021
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Tried to get info about the programs but the nasty boy who answers the phone is beyond rude. Maybe it's how they screen the desperate from the curious?
Seth Harris
Feb 11, 2021
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This is the healthiest place you can be. Major life changes happen here. Amazing caring staff. Supportive. Nurturing environment. Medically supervised fasting is the fast lane to transformation, facing your addictions.
Jose Lucero
Nov 20, 2020
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One of the most transformative programs in my life. I was able to go whole plant based for a whole year, reverse diabetes if that sounds even possible but it was possible through nutrition and although I did not get to fast I was able to see other folks who are photo'd here fast and completely transform their lives. I recommend to north to anybody who really wants to make a serious difference in her life.
