Fasting: Hype Or Ultimate Health Hack?

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 is the founder and Chairman of Bulletproof 360, a high-performance coffee and food company, and creator of the widely-popular Bulletproof Coffee. He is a three-time New York Times bestselling author, host of the Webby award-winning podcast Bulletproof Radio, and has been featured on the Today show, Fox News, Nightline, CNN, and dozens more. Over the last two decades Dave, the “Father of Biohacking”, has worked with world-renowned doctors, researchers, scientist,s and global mavericks to uncover the latest, most innovative methods, techniques, and products for enhancing mental and physical performance.
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[@TerriblePerfection]

I fast 17 hours each day. It's not difficult after a short adjustment period, and food has never tasted so wonderful. Good health to all! 🥩 🍳 🧀 🥓

[@charliehobson33]

Yeah, i do about 15hr fast. Did u go straight to a 17hr fast or did you do it in steps? Would i find any benefit doing an extra 2 hrs?

[@TerriblePerfection]

@@charliehobson33 I started with 17 hours and quickly adapted. Frankly, I kind of like that empty belly feeling. You probably know that many people practice OMAD (one meal a day), but I'm quite thin and fear losing any more weight. The people who do it swear by it though, so it's definitely good for some, and certainly simplifies food shopping and prep! I believe in finding what works for you, through personal experience. I listen to my body. My current diet is mostly carnivore, and that's after decades as a vegetarian. Good luck finding your sweet spot!

[@charliehobson33]

@@TerriblePerfection thanks. I am thin also! I am on two or three meals a day. I also like the empty feeling, I'm more focused! I fasted till 4pm.on Sunday and i got so many desk jobs done.

[@TerriblePerfection]

@Mr. Dog I'm too wimpy to take cold showers. I've heard good things about it, and certainly our ancestors had no hot running water, but I just can't do it. Try it and report back! 😊

[@TerriblePerfection]

@Mr. Dog I don't understand what one would have to do with the other. Intermittent fasting happens internally and gives the body time to regenerate at the cellular level. If you also follow a low carb, high fat diet, you can enter ketosis and amplify the benefits. I don't know anything about the contrast showers, but I can't imagine that they'd be mutually exclusive. Maybe we'll hear from someone who does both.

[@irmgardcolle4098]

I am 73 and I have been fasting for 10 days recently. I felt day for day better. And now I took the challenge to get rid of dairy products, sugar, wheat. I got rid of a neuritis (caused of herpes zoster on my head) of about 20 %. The progrès is going on slowly but constantly.

[@robtleroux]

Without great solitude, no serious work is possible.” ~ Pablo Picasso

[@jakereese79]

I have been intermittent fasting (16/8) almost daily for 7 years now and it's been the best thing I have ever done for my health. At 41 I'm in better physical shape and health than I was at 31. I tell everyone I know about IF and encourage everyone to at least try it.

[@gazels11]

"If you have to snack, your last meal was broken". Or it's an "emotional event" as Dr. Cywes say. Love these. So true.

[@cindydemanche3839]

I do intermittent fasting most every day, 16 hours minimum. Recently I did 41 hours, felt great too!!

[@mamaeesh]

This is one of your most fantastic pod casts yet! Excellent truth and nutritional education as well as guidance on how to live life well. Thank you for your work!

[@lornahowerton1379]

You guys are a great balance to one another and a wealth of information together. It is so refreshing to see two powerhouse men put their egos aside and relate to one another in appreciation. Dave, I like who you've become as a human. The fact that you chose who you'd be and then became it, is admirable.

[@LisaCapron]

Thanks for the reminder to get Dave’s book. I absolutely believe that 100% of the population needs to fast from hate and from “othering”. I homeschool my kids so they can have as much of a “normal” life as possible... playing and reading books and being unplugged from the vitriol. I want their brains to be allowed to develop normally. We went to pick up some printing from Staples for my son’s birthday (he will be seven on Friday) and the girl who brought them out to the car was super nice and told him she hoped he has a happy birthday. As we drove away he said in such a happy and content voice... “Mom, isn’t it great? Everyone is so nice and is always so happy and kind to us!” I was just hit by the difference between what is being pushed on the MSM and what my child instinctively knows about community. I told him that people generally reflect back the energy we put out into the world... that when we smile and are kind and thoughtful to others, the vast majority of people respond the same way.

[@tjveach]

Great job guys, 2 of my favorite people, thanks for your insights, and wisdom.

[@tracycahill1214]

This episode was just fantastic. Thank you so much for sharing this information with us. Your appreciation for each other professionally and personally is just touching and nice to see. Downloading the book now!!!

[@ilonarita7396]

I love learning from you ☺️ you made me feel so much better already, thank you! ❤️

[@mikelipschitz7281]

Thanks guys ,a phenomenal watch .I have asked on 7 different very well know and established podcasts about supplements with fasting and lo and behold Dave evens says he couldn’t fined the answers until he researched .So a total wow and thanks Mike

[@colemctarmach2397]

Dave Asprey is amazing. Glad to see him back on the podcast.

[@AngelicaCapeloto]

This is so powerful stuff! Thank you 🙏 for sharing

[@angietaylor5256]

No news! Be in nature! Love it! ... thank you SOO MUCH GUYS♥️☺️ January has been my “fasting” month and listening to your message on “fasting” is helping me to finish STRONG!!!!

[@the12288]

Its amazing how much admiration and kindness these two people have for each other ! I am so happy I listened to this video

[@marythomas880]

This is so great. Thank you to you both!

[@eclectictomboy6873]

Mark, you are so cute and adorable when you laugh and are honest with your human side. Very humble man. Love your spirit and contribution.

[@dorisdepinar21]

I fast about 20 hours daily. I absolutely love fasting! I feel better than ever!

[@blessedat309]

So much info here! Brain overload! Thank you for sharing...

[@ligiasommers]

I learned to love Dave Asprey in each interview. 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻🙏🏻💖🌷

[@gazels11]

Just made a bullet proof coffee for the first time. I did not expect to like it. Love it! Love your channel Dr. Hyman. Thanks! I always learn something new.

[@tammib27]

Thank you for all of this awesome information! Going to buy Dave's book today. A few years ago I read A Hunger for God and that book helped me tremendously and I was able to water fast for 26 days. I'm about to start another extended fast but this time going to incorporate BPC, salt and minerals. Fasting from your TV (fake news) will make you so much happier and kinder. The majority of people just want to get along and thank God we're reconnecting again. ❤️

[@manuelojeda9144]

My Grandparents lived to be over 103 years old in Cuba. They didn't have all these products we have here.

[@aprildolan223]

Thank you both for not only sharing your knowledge, but your wisdom spreading love, kindness, and ultimately peace. God bless!

[@robtleroux]

“Then stirs the feeling infinite, so felt in solitude, where we are least alone.” ~ Lord Byron

[@elisaaguilarmacias1618]

Great podcast thank you both. Greetings from Mexico 🇲🇽

[@zkmarija]

I learned so much from watching this. Thank you both for unselfishly dedicating your life to humanity. I had to watch this twice to get all the notes right. :)

[@gabict8866]

check #robertmorsend YT channel and thank me after, if you like him too

[@blessedat309]

Please share those notes!

[@parmbirdhaliwal6311]

Everyone in this world need to hear this podcast. You are right doctor.

[@mikelipschitz7281]

Not everyone in this world ,even those who have passes away 👍👍👍🙏🙏

[@AngelicaCapeloto]

Remember, we do not “need”anything! But we “get” to! It’s a choice!

[@parmbirdhaliwal6311]

@@AngelicaCapeloto Or addiction

[@birgitmeulepas4899]

I absolute love this episode! 🍀

[@buttercup3ish]

two generous gentleman.... great sages

[@jeffboetig]

Thank you, great podcast - I ordered Dave's book

[@alisonholmes7965]

I’ve listened to this on a run - am committed to fasting from - news - media - stress - processed food - toxicity of all types. Thanks - I have learned much.

[@AnnaPinguin]

this has been the best podcast that I have seen , Thanks....

[@debriley9366]

Excellent interview! Great info.

[@SamuelGegen]

Great info here! Awesome stuff!

[@claudiapangan1676]

Thank you for great information!!!

[@daughterofTheLion]

I have been considering buying the new book Fast This Way. After listening to this, I will order it. Thanks for a great video.

[@Tarotone1111]

Very awesome. I just bought the book. Looking forward to my new fast for 48 hours!

[@kimthomas8870]

I just clicked this before watching!! Hehe great guys

[@AngelicaCapeloto]

Thank you 🙏 Dave!

[@bethmercado684]

Thanks for this excellent video.

[@marinafoglietti9351]

I fast 19 hours (from dinner 18 p.m. lunch 13 p.m.) and I am not worried about food. I feel ok and this morning I walked for 11 km. Thanks to bullet proof coffee, thank you Dave Asprey.

[@AngelicaCapeloto]

This is marvelous!!!

[@stephaniereneclaiborne6104]

This is such a great video! I’ve been fasting in various forms since mid June and have seen amazing results. I recently added the prebiotic powder to my bulletproof coffee and that has totally changed the game! Thank you for the knowledge and for sharing this message!!!

[@suzyq8328]

Mark,I think you are wonderful human being......keep talking and believing about love........I honor you my friend

[@tjgrafiks]

I’ve been dealing with an illness that seemed to suddenly explode on me last August. My bloodwork work was always good for the first 3 months except for positive RF or inflammation markers. But then around November my bloodwork came back with a lowered platelet count by 100 and my fibrinogen levels were really low. I used to be a fast healer and during this period and even now I heal very slow. A tiny scratch that would heal up in a few days would now take weeks to a month to heal and leaves a big scar. I’ve also been experiencing muscle and joint pain throughout my entire body and even swelling at times. Also end of November I started losing weight and discs have no idea why. No loss of appetite, no vomiting or fever, night sweats etc. had diarrhea maybe four times max in 8-9 months. But my bowel movements have a weird chemical smell and also my urine has a strong smell. No dark or red urine, sometimes it’s almost like water. It becomes an orange color when I take supplements especially b vitamins. CT and ultrasound scans of my organs have shown no blockages, lesions, swelling or abnormalities but I have a lot of burning around liver, gallbladder and pancreas area even sometimes kidney area. The pain is what I suddenly presented with back in August and then it manifested into all the other stuff progressing every week. I literally felt it moving through my body. Lots of nerve pain and numbness and tingling in arms and hands that would come and go with lots of pain that seems to radiate from my neck. Also experiencing sudden muscle wasting and loss of function in arms and hands that come and go. The strangest part of all of this since the beginning is that it always intensifies as soon as it’s nighttime or after the sun goes down terrorizing me all night and then ease in the morning and during the swelling and pain lasts longer into the day now. It seems my body just stopped absorbing nutrients and most foods I was eating I seem to be intolerant to like tomatoes, rice, potatoes, corn, wheat bread which I hardly ate and chicken. I’m still good with fish and liver. Even some nuts like cashews seem to cause more pain and inflammation!

[@marthakieffer9868]

Just ordered the book! I am excited!

[@AngelicaCapeloto]

Dr. Hyman you just inspired me!

[@rva]

Wisdom gems 💎

[@marycecelia7386]

i do 16/8 and I love it. Thanks for the great information.

[@banzobeans]

21:16 This is the most profound health related lesson for me in quite a while. Don't waste your body’s catabolic enzyme production only on food breakdown by always having new food (especially hard to digest food) in your gut. Make sure the body has regular extended windows of opportunity to direct these resources towards systemic tissue maintenance.

[@gabriellacocco8362]

Great podcast, thank you

[@InspirationParadise]

Someone else posted this but it's important: "Without great solitude, no serious work is possible.” ~ Pablo Picasso

[@laurautley8937]

Incredible podcast.....

[@relydbrowning2570]

Outstanding 💙 luv, luv You both! However, how do you fast if you're diabetic!? I'm not, thankfully tho runs in my family.

[@jauneeveleigh1377]

Two of my favourite people 🙏🏻

[@AngelicaCapeloto]

This is a great 👍 talk ...

[@brucemah609]

What a Lovely Introduction 😭❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@kencarey3477]

This was very good 👍 thank you

[@Gingerinthesouth]

Love this episode ❤

[@adanechassefa8156]

Thank You Very Much I Like It Your Teachinga Alot !!!!!!!!

[@AngelicaCapeloto]

That’s so true, I also felt fear of hunger ...

[@michaeljames6970]

I came across a bear in the woods. I showed the bear my copy of fast this way and lived.

[@evanfirebrand]

Great conversation.

[@kathleenritchie8216]

Fantastic! Thank you so much! I fast 16/8 or 18/6. I have lost 1 lb a week. Am happy with that! Today I had a McDonalds. But I am back on fast n did notice the chips made me a little hungry later on but I have resisted eating. Enjoyed your prog. Great guys!

[@Inismoon]

Seriously life changing on many levels. Three years ago my fasting journey along eating no processed foods lost all 80lbs then went on learning benefits achieved longer fasts. My lower leg knots looked like rope thought wearing shorts or swimsuit over incredibly once after 72hr fast noticed my leg no more bumps. 🥳🎆

[@lisamazzola3631]

I would also love a reference for the liquid electrolytes.

[@tee39]

Superb love it

[@221yg]

Great content!! Thank you 😊 How can I fast if I excersie every day? Can I excersie and fast?

[@kalobpierson9753]

You guys are awesome All this information is helping me so much I use a 16/8 all whole foods and all proteins low carb no sugar Lost 44 lbs so far 👍 Thanks Guys

[@kookoo4mike]

‘Lots of fake news channels’. 😂 Love it! So true!

[@hafunland894]

Dr. Hyman please, please make sure you get enough rest. Thank you for everything you do but we want you around for a long, long, long life!

[@easypeasy1216]

I would choose feeling a little hungry, over feeling stuffed, bloated and brain fog, any day. Being ketovore for 3 years has healed my body of numerous health issues, but mainly, reversed kidney failure.

[@roblovegreen]

What health conditions did eating that way heal?

[@easypeasy1216]

@@roblovegreen I reversed kidney failure, lowered high BP, cured insomnia, got rid of inflammation, healed migraine, I haven't had a cold, flu or sinus infection in 3 years, no more brain fog, and energy out the wazoo! And, my blue eyes got bluer!

[@roblovegreen]

@@easypeasy1216 That’s awesome. I just started keto. Looking to increase energy and heal some health issues including insomnia. Thanks for your reply.

[@easypeasy1216]

@@roblovegreen once you start eating the proper human diet, you will never go back. Nothing tastes as good as healthy feels.

[@harrykohli6811]

What is ketovore ? Please

[@Mandy-cn5cl]

Thank you

[@AngelicaCapeloto]

Black coffee, bulletproof coffee (coffee, Ghee, MCT oil), prebiotic fiber!

[@chantaldoguet6863]

I love you guys. Kisses and hugs from France

[@sarahr7425]

It's like your reading my mind, I was actually thinking about intermittent fasting last night. Questions: 1: Can I do some gentle fasting while pregnant? 2: Can you burn glucose of faster if you do some slow exercise, while fasting, like for example walking?

[@maryhoffman9551]

For pregnancy, definitely no fasting.

[@RoseMary-gl4ee]

Feeling hungry is better than feeling deprived. With intermittent fasting you don’t need to feel deprived! My 3rd World grandfather used to say “hunger that is expecting food is NOT hunger” This thought allows for a great fasting mindset. Thank you both!

[@johnnalea2]

YES! EVERYONE needs to watch the "Social Dilemma", i agree. THIS is such a good message! Feeling the love and kindness and in 100% agreement...finally found other people who are in the same headspace as myself. Ive been on this same journey for quite some time. I feel my best during my fastings. Its a must. Keep it going!❤ SHARING BIG TIME!!!

[@AngelicaCapeloto]

No coffee, no alcohol, no e-mail, no news!

[@AngelicaCapeloto]

I feared being hungry all my life! I ate because I did not want to feel hungry ...

[@suzannahjames526]

Me too. Just started to listen to this and hope my attitude to food will change!

[@tua08366]

I learned that most of the times is better to be hungry than eat

[@NoName-pu5ls]

Same

[@lennartlundholm9453]

Hi Mark .. You do such a great job. But .. I didn´t get which sumplemenets not to take during a fast. Not even if medicine breaks fasting. And..I'm fasting now, but was told that during a fast, your immune system shuts down completely. To come back strengthened afterwards. And it's a little scary now that we have Covid..because I need it now. What do you say?

[@michaeljames6970]

This explains why going around with some baseline level of anxiety could be the reason you're ready for bed at 6pm

[@maryhoffman9551]

For women with hypothyroidism, is intermittent fasting helpful or harmful? What for someone with adrenal dysfunction?

[@marinak2335]

I missed on the continuation about activated charcoal.

[@christicaceres9447]

Mark and Dave, does tea in the morning rather than coffee have the same effect?

[@AngelicaCapeloto]

Yes, tell us!!!

[@charicemesecher9158]

Realized I am way more than 30% thinking about food as a type 1 diabetic. So much wasted time! Time to get smarter about sugar control and learning how to free up some of that time!!

[@kservia2575]

As soon as he mentioned sleep quality I felt validated.

[@faebalina7786]

wondering wether to do it to beat long Covid guessing research is non existent on this I had it mild three weeks ago, tested negative since but feel so unlike myself , like my body and brain are lagging, as if I'm on buffering and get easily overwhelmed by most menial tasks Im grateful to God I am young fit and healthy and had it super mild but the fact it leaves these effects is making me anxious Its affecting everything and research is paltry since it so early in the game.Some people have been feeling this since first wave so over 8 months. I heard a doc say mold is likely a contributor which my small downstairs flat is in constant battle with but its hard to know I'm waiting to know if ivermectin has any impact besides the vitamins

[@fastsavannah7684]

Got the book!

[@depqueen74]

Did a 21 day water only fast, a 16 day fast and a 14 day fast. I do not agree that hunger goes away after 2 days, it was on the 4th day. Also, ketones are not made fully after 2 days, it took 4-7 days to get into full keto in these three fasts.

[@omadoutlaw4868]

Wow, what was your diet like before you started your fasts?

[@marion8085]

I drink a glass of water with some himalayan sea salt and ACV . Is ACV ok on a fast ?

[@latamani262]

My question is for Dr. Hymn , my younger brother has URIC ACID and HIGH BP problem can he do Intermittent Fasting ? As far as I know intermittent fasting is not for all . Could u clear my confusion?

[@kelseyfebos3775]

I was vegan for 6 years in my 20’s trying to heal myself. I think it definitely helped at first but I got blood work done in that 6th year and my doctor told me my B12 was life-threateningly low.

[@MikeLudwick13]

I just finished a 6 day water fast. I feel happy that I was able to kill off those old cells and make way for new healthy ones!

[@Fefe559]

Congrats! going for my FIRST 7 day this week. I can do 24 up to 72, but god damn I want to do a week! just because! lol

[@springteen3743]

flowgo actually all you need is a 72 hours fast for autophogy if you do more than that it’s counterproductive or even harmful. American culture never sees the balance thinking the more the better the bigger the better and do it always the same the better, WRONG. The animal kingdom works in cycle so do we. Use fasting when needed and eat when needed exercise when needed. Use all these only as tools , cheers.

[@KilgoreTroutAsf]

You don't exactly "kill old cells" though. First, all the cells in your body are exactly the same age. And second, you don't "kill them", thanks God. What fasting does is repair mitochondria and digest damaged proteins and organelles inside the cell.

[@ranibucher9902]

We all should miss the time before feeling the need to be online all the time

[@janabarnett7512]

Yes y

[@AngelicaCapeloto]

I love 💕 being alone!!!

[@michaelrockhold7933]

Angelica, easy on the ☕️!