Fasting For Survival Lecture by Dr Pradip Jamnadas

The Galen Foundation66 minutes read

Fasting has numerous benefits, including lowering insulin levels, promoting fat burning, improving metabolism, and triggering processes like autophagy and stem cell production. Different fasting programs can help with weight loss, insulin resistance, autoimmune conditions, cancer risk, Alzheimer's, and overall health improvement.

Insights

  • 1. Fasting triggers a cascade of physiological responses in the body, from utilizing stored glycogen to entering ketosis, leading to benefits such as increased growth hormone levels, autophagy, and stem cell production, all crucial for health and disease prevention.
  • 2. The impact of fasting extends beyond weight loss, influencing gene expression, antioxidant properties, and disease management, highlighting the importance of a holistic approach to health that includes dietary changes, monitoring health parameters, and seeking professional guidance for optimal outcomes.

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Recent questions

  • What are the benefits of fasting?

    Fasting triggers various physiological responses in the body that can lead to numerous health benefits. It can help lower insulin levels, improve insulin sensitivity, aid in fat burning, boost metabolic rate, increase growth hormone levels, promote the production of brain-derived neurotropic factor, and enhance autophagy. Fasting also leads to the production of stem cells from the bone marrow, which aids in cell repair and rejuvenation. Additionally, fasting has been documented to reduce cancer risk, improve tolerance to chemotherapy, benefit autoimmune diseases, diabetes, Alzheimer's patients, and promote longevity.

  • How does fasting affect insulin levels?

    Fasting plays a crucial role in lowering insulin levels in the body. By abstaining from food for a certain period, the body's insulin levels decrease, which is essential for utilizing fat stores and improving insulin sensitivity. Different fasting programs, such as alternate fasting or 18-hour fasts, can help lower insulin levels effectively. High insulin levels can hinder weight loss and lead to increased mortality, especially in individuals with type 2 diabetes. Therefore, fasting is essential for regulating insulin levels and promoting overall health.

  • What is ketosis during fasting?

    Ketosis is a metabolic state that the body enters during fasting, typically after around 12 hours of not consuming food. In ketosis, the body starts breaking down stored fats into ketones, which serve as an alternative energy source, especially beneficial for the brain. Ketones can be utilized by all cells in the body, providing a cleaner energy source during fasting. As fasting continues, ketone levels increase, reaching significant levels by the fifth day. This process of ketosis during fasting has various health benefits, including improved energy levels, fat burning, and cognitive function.

  • How does fasting impact cellular processes?

    Fasting triggers several cellular processes in the body that contribute to overall health and well-being. One of the key processes is autophagy, a cellular recycling mechanism that is maximized during fasting. Autophagy helps rejuvenate cells, enhance resilience to disease, and target cancer cells for elimination, reducing cancer risk. Fasting also triggers the production of stem cells from the bone marrow, aiding in cell repair and rejuvenation. These cellular processes activated by fasting play a crucial role in promoting longevity, improving health, and managing chronic conditions.

  • What dietary changes are recommended for fasting?

    When starting a fasting program, it is essential to make specific dietary changes to support the fasting process and overall health. This includes cutting down on carbohydrates and processed foods, focusing on natural, unrefined options. Refeeding after a fast should be done carefully to avoid phosphate deficiency, which can cause muscle weakness and aching. Consuming bone broth can help replenish essential nutrients during refeeding. Additionally, monitoring blood sugar levels, involving a physician, especially for diabetic patients, and following guidance from experts like Jason Fung can help ensure a successful fasting experience with optimal health benefits.

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Summary

00:00

Exploring Fasting: Healing Mechanisms and Benefits

  • Fasting is a controversial topic, especially in the medical field, but exploring new ways to treat diseases is essential.
  • The body has mechanisms that can aid in healing, as seen historically with people getting better through fasting.
  • Initially skeptical, the speaker delved into the biochemistry behind fasting to understand its effects.
  • Due to a surgery delay, the presentation lacked slides but will be uploaded later for reference.
  • Fasting has been practiced historically for mental clarity, contrary to the belief that it leads to fatigue.
  • Consuming energy bars or drinks for a quick boost is akin to being a "sugar junkie" due to the brain's dopamine response.
  • Our bodies have evolved over millions of years, but modern diets have drastically changed in the last few centuries.
  • Fasting triggers the body to utilize stored glycogen initially, followed by gluconeogenesis to maintain glucose levels.
  • After 12 hours, the body enters ketosis, where fats are broken down into ketones for energy, even benefiting the brain.
  • Ketones can be utilized by all cells, including the brain, providing a cleaner energy source during fasting.

17:12

"Benefits of Fasting: Lower Insulin, Boost Ketones"

  • Ketones increase over time during fasting, reaching significant levels by the fifth day.
  • Ketones can be measured in urine using dipsticks, especially effective for those on low-carb diets.
  • Insulin levels play a crucial role in utilizing fat stores; fasting is key to lowering insulin levels.
  • Different fasting programs, like alternate fasting or 18-hour fasts, can help lower insulin levels.
  • High insulin levels hinder weight loss and can lead to increased mortality, especially in type 2 diabetics.
  • Fasting is essential to lower insulin levels and improve insulin sensitivity, aiding in fat burning.
  • Fasting boosts metabolic rate, increases epinephrine and cortisol levels, and promotes the production of brain-derived neurotropic factor.
  • Fasting leads to a significant increase in growth hormone levels, crucial for muscle growth and anti-aging effects.
  • Autophagy, a cellular recycling process, is maximized during fasting, rejuvenating cells and enhancing resilience to disease.
  • Fasting triggers the production of stem cells from the bone marrow, aiding in cell repair and rejuvenation.

33:03

"Benefits of Fasting for Health and Aging"

  • Fasting triggers a rejuvenation process in the body, documented to make individuals younger, better, and more resilient.
  • Boosting growth hormone and stem cells through fasting is well-documented in humans and animals.
  • Stem cell mobilization occurs during fasting, requiring a significant duration for optimal replacement.
  • Preparation for a three-day fast involves mental and physical readiness, ensuring a supportive environment and adequate hydration.
  • Autophagy from fasting can reduce cancer risk by over 70%, targeting cancer cells for elimination.
  • Fasting for 36 hours before chemotherapy enhances tolerance and reduces side effects, protecting normal cells.
  • Fasting can improve autoimmune diseases like inflammatory bowel disease and rheumatoid arthritis by allowing the body to repair itself.
  • Fasting benefits diabetes by improving insulin resistance.
  • Fasting can benefit Alzheimer's patients by reducing confusion and improving cognitive function.
  • Time-restricted feeding, eating once or twice a day within a 6-8 hour window, can promote health, weight loss, and disease prevention.

48:53

"Gene Activation Enhances Antioxidant Properties Naturally"

  • Activates antioxidant genes naturally, eliminating the need for external supplements like vitamin C and E.
  • Turmeric activates Fox O3, enhancing antioxidant properties through gene activation.
  • Vitamin D crucial for gene expression, deficiency hampers genetic material's normal function.
  • Vitamin D levels need monitoring, deficiency impacts over 300 genetic reactions.
  • Fox O3 gene activation repairs DNA, lengthens telomeres, crucial for longevity.
  • Apoptosis controlled by Fox O3, clearing senescent cells and promoting cell death.
  • Protein structure maintenance vital for Alzheimer's prevention, linked to Fox O3 mechanism.
  • Omega-3 levels essential for gene expression improvement, deficiency common.
  • Meditation lengthens telomeres, while lack of sleep shortens them, impacting DNA.
  • High protein diet increases cancer risk, affects autophagy, optimal intake advised.

01:06:09

"Revolutionizing Diets: Fasting for Health Benefits"

  • The Agricultural Revolution was relatively stable, but the Industrial Revolution brought significant changes in diet and lifestyle over just 10 generations.
  • To adapt to modern diets, it may take up to a thousand generations for genetic changes to occur.
  • Starting a fasting program requires cutting down on carbohydrates and processed foods, focusing on natural, unrefined options.
  • Refeeding after a fast can lead to phosphate deficiency, causing muscle weakness and aching; bone broth can help replenish essential nutrients.
  • Jason Fung's book is recommended for fasting guidance, emphasizing the importance of monitoring blood sugar levels and involving a physician, especially for diabetic patients.
  • Insulin and certain diabetes medications should be carefully managed during fasting, with close monitoring and potential adjustments under medical supervision.
  • High blood pressure, high triglycerides, and low HDL are linked to metabolic syndrome, which can improve with dietary changes and fasting.
  • Caloric restriction studies in monkeys showed significant health benefits, emphasizing the importance of diet quality over simply reducing calories.
  • Seeking guidance for serious fasting, adopting time-restricted eating, and monitoring health parameters independently are key for improving overall health and managing chronic conditions.
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