Content Library Podcasts Episode 154

Fasting: Hype Or Ultimate Health Hack?

January 20, 2021 Episode 154 1h 9m

Topics Resources Overview

Overview

There’s been a lot of buzz about fasting in recent years, but sometimes it can be hard to tell a true health-promoting practice from a trend that lacks any real science behind it. Well, I’m here to tell you today that fasting falls into the first category, with plenty of proven benefits to optimize health and slow the symptoms of aging. Fasting also does more than change the physical body. It’s estimated that 30% of our thoughts are about our next meal. That’s a lot of time and energy wrapped up in food, and fasting can help us regain control of ourselves, our minds, and so much more. On today’s episode of The Doctor’s Farmacy, I’m thrilled to sit down with my good friend and an expert on fasting, Dave Asprey. Dave and I jump into the research behind his latest book, Fast This Way: Burn Fat, Reverse Inflammation, and Become the High-Performing Human You Were Meant to Be. Fasting doesn’t have to mean feeling stressed, tired, or even hungry—Dave tells us how to remove the fear and pain some people feel about fasting to make the process easier. Fasting helps us switch into a fat-burning mode that utilizes ketones instead of glucose. Dave shares some of his favorite hacks to increase ketone production, balance hunger hormones, and feed good gut bacteria to help us feel satiated and energized even while fasting. Dave and I talk about the topic of mitochondrial function, why it matters for healthy aging, and how fasting supports stronger mitochondria. We also look at why fasting is different for women than it is for men and how they can fast in a way that compliments their natural hormonal cycle. Fasting doesn’t only have to apply to our relationship to food. We can also fast mentally and emotionally, from things like news, sex, etc.—really anything we think we need to survive but don’t. Fasting helps us create security out of uncertainty. Dave shares so many revolutionary insights on fasting, longevity, optimizing diet, and so much more. I hope you’ll tune in. This episode is brought to you by Paleovalley, Athletic Greens, and Cozy Earth. Paleovalley is offering 15% off your entire first order. Just go to paleovalley.com/hyman to check out all their clean Paleo products and take advantage of this deal. Athletic Greens is offering Doctor’s Farmacy listeners a full year supply of their Vitamin D3/K2 Liquid Formula free with your first purchase, plus 5 free travel packs. Just go to athleticgreens.com/hyman to take advantage of this great offer. Cozy Earth is offering Doctor’s Farmacy listeners an incredible 50%, and as part of their special holiday campaign. Just go to cozyearth.com and use the code HYMANPODCAST50 at checkout.

Topics Covered

The first fast Dave ever did to confront his fears of being alone and being hungry

(3:26 - 7:50)
The three F-words that take up a bulk of our time and energy

(8:40 - 13:04)
How fasting works and how to eliminate the pain of fasting

(11:26 - 15:50)
How time-restricted eating and other types of fasting support healthy aging and full-body rejuvenation

(17:28 - 21:52)
Supporting your body with supplements and electrolytes while fasting

(21:52 - 26:16)
Special considerations for women regarding fasting

(29:03 - 33:48)
Creating a sense of emotional safety while fasting

(37:32 - 42:14)
How our diet drives our emotions and societal divisiveness

(41:53 - 46:38)
Fasting as an entry point into self-awareness and spirituality

(46:15 - 51:00)
Breaking the cycle of overconsumption

(53:45 - 58:30)