Thrive State Podcast

EPISODE 65: To Eat or Not to Eat – Hacking the Amazing Benefits of Fasting

Episode 65: William Hsu, MD

Ever wondered why some religions practice fasting?

They say it’s a form of sacrifice, a way to prepare oneself for introspection…a way of getting closer to God.

There’s science that’s backing that process, actually.

Many studies have shown improved mental clarity and cognitive benefits from fasting. It affects every cell in the body. Without those calories coming into the body, it needs an alternative source of energy. And when that pressure of no food is applied over a period of time, it affects the flexibility of the brain, the plasticity of how memories are organized.

Periodic practice of prolonged fasting gives you a sense of calmness that changes the way your brain is wired.

But this whole concept is not just about religion, cultural tradition or mental clarity. It is a practice that’s really been a part of life for thousands of years.

Yes, we know that our ancestors probably fasted because they just didn’t have access to food.

But the truth is that this practice is ingrained within the dynamic existence of all living forms with its environment. Every organism ever survived had to somehow deal with environments where food isn’t around.

Unpack this fascinating intersection between nutrition, fasting, and longevity with endocrinologist and L-Nutra chief medical officer, who has been beyond the amazing research of the company that birthed ProLon–Dr. William Hsu!

Such an enlightening conversation about one of the most common (and commonly mistaken) practices for weight loss, diet and nutrition.

Only here at the Thrive State podcast, let us help you decide: To Eat or Not to Eat – Hacking the Amazing Benefits of Fasting with Dr. William Hsu!

You can also grab a very special discount when you use the coupon code: thrivestate on this link.

Learn more from l-nutra.com!

Show notes

8:28

Why do people fast: Religion. For mental clarity and cognitive benefits. Sense of calmness.

10:50

Forms of Fasting: Intermittent fasting, Periodic fasting or cleanse.

14:40

Resting helps every cell in the body. Your digestion is like you sleeping your gut.

Fasting is so ingrained into the biology of every living organism. It is actually one of those miracles of life. Our bodies’ ability to adapt to the absence of calories helped us survive.

16:59

Cellular stress-resistant mechanisms get activated through constant recycling, degradation of the least optimal parts during a fast and making new ones after the fast.

19:55

Autophagy, or self-eating, is a fundamental process for every cell in the body which makes for the mechanism of recycling. Its the cleanup process that improves the health and efficiency of a cell.

21:38

Fasting vs Low calorie diet: Low calorie diet does not trigger the fasting responses – just a mathematical manipulation of calories coming in and out. Fasting is a stress event that causes the cells to do that auto process and cell cleanup.

24:21

Longevity Pathways: Difficult discipline of recycling leads to expansion of stronger cells.

27:56

Fasting is really not about low calories but stress. When you’re stressed, your stress hormone goes up fast but will maintain your muscle integrityand mass. What you’re burning are the fats starting on your belly. Muscle strength is an important aspect of longevity.

30:09

Fasting and Inflammation: The body is using the fasting period to recalibrate and lower the level of stimulation onto the immune system. The down-regulation lets your body sense nutrients that somehow changes it in a totally different trajectory.

34:54

If you’re not in the right health condition, prolonged water fasting could cause dehydration, low blood sugar and electrolyte imbalance. It’s not a one size fits all.

38:31

Things to consider when going for prolonged water fasting: Overall health condition. Age. BMI. Go gradually.

41:38

Fasting mimicking diet: If we’re able to provide nutrients below the detection threshold of cells’ nutrient sensors, you can technically provide nutrients while achieving fat-driven weight loss. Sparing the muscle weight loss, we’re able to achieve the spiritual and the emotional benefits of fasting.

48:47

Try ProLon by L-Nutra to reset your body: Get a special discount with coupon code: thrivestate from this link.

52:49

Dr. Hsu’s best medicine: Don’t wait, start today.

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