Optimal Health Uncovered

E27: How can fasting help me lose weight?

November 24, 2020
Optimal Health Uncovered
E27: How can fasting help me lose weight?
Show Notes Transcript

In this episode, Todd and Mike review all the benefits of fasting, including weight loss, energy gain and generally feeling more clear-headed.   

Introduction

Fasting

Top wellness questions we get in clinic

Benefits of fasting = changes in how cell respond, heart health, weight regulation 

Positive effects of fasting = lose weight, low blood sugar levels

Fasting improves immunity, longetivety, higher levels of energy, decrease risk of alzheimers and dementia

Weight loss component = reduction in calories 

Gender differences 

In females, fasting can slow metabolism and stores fat

Damaged proteins and damaged cells which comes from oxidative stress

Atophages

12-16 hours fast aren’t long enough to get atophage benefits

24-48 hour period

We recommend 16 – 8; eat in an 8 hour window and fast for 16 hours

Shortening down the window of when you eat

Get your eating into an 8 hour window and expand those hours from there

Restricted caloric diet 

5-2 diet means eating restricted diet in the 8 hour window for 5 days a week and complete fasting for 2 days a week.

Reduced calorie diet for women

Dr. Volter Longo – USC professor

Complete water fasting is tough 

Cardiovascular benefits for fasting means longer fasts are medically supervised

Significant reduction in blood pressure during long fasts

Cardiovascular disease can be reduced by lowering heart workload by slowing metabolic processes and lowering blood glucose levels

Lower risk of diabetes through fasting

If you want to try fasting, understand your goals. Why do you want to do it?

Reasons why you want to try fasting

Your body needs fuel so start slow and gradually progress

Distract yourself and stay busy during the fast to maintain and make it easier

Types of foods you’re selecting are important

A few carbohydrates can go a long way