Blog Category: fasting

In this episode of the Holistic Health Bites podcast, best selling author Gin Stephens discusses the benefits and best practices of intermittent fasting. She emphasizes that intermittent fasting goes beyond weight loss and can improve blood sugar, inflammation, cardiovascular health, and brain health. Gin recommends fasting clean, avoiding anything that spikes insulin, and giving your body at least four weeks to adapt before assessing progress. She also advises against overly restricting calories and overfasting, listening to your body's signals instead. During eating windows, she suggests focusing on nourishing, satiating meals and avoiding ultra-processed foods. Stephens has written several books on intermittent fasting, including her latest release, "28 Day Fast Start," which provides a simple day-by-day plan for incorporating intermittent fasting into your life. Preorders for the book are available, and she will also be hosting a 28 Day Fast Start challenge starting on January 4th.

The blog post highlights the benefits and uses of nutritional ketosis in prediabetes, type 2 diabetes, and insulin resistance conditions. It points out that diabetes and prediabetes are prevalent, with many people unaware they have the condition. These conditions come with significant costs, increased risk of early mortality, and complications such as blindness and heart disease. The post discusses the limitations of low-calorie diets, which may help reduce blood sugar and insulin levels but are unsustainable and can result in nutrient deficiencies and rebound syndrome.

On the other hand, very low carbohydrate diets that induce nutritional ketosis have been proven to be effective and sustainable long-term. By running on fat and ketone bodies instead of glucose, the body can lower blood sugars, insulin, inflammation, and oxidative stress. The post explains that ketones are a nutrient created by the liver from fat, providing energy and serving as cell signaling molecules. Research has shown that many cell types in the body prefer to run on ketones, even in the presence of glucose. The post also discusses the testing of ketone levels using a blood ketone meter and the importance of individualized guidance and medical supervision when starting a nutritional ketosis plan.

Overall, the blog post emphasizes that a well-formulated nutritional ketosis plan can be a long-term strategy for managing blood sugars, restoring insulin sensitivity, reducing inflammation, and improving overall health outcomes in people with prediabetes, type 2 diabetes, and insulin resistance conditions. It cautions against attempting any changes in medication without consulting with a healthcare professional and offers a solution-oriented approach through the Insulin Resistance Solved System®️ for personalized support and guidance.

Carb cycling is a strategy that can help with weight and fat loss without cutting calories or permanently eliminating carbs. It allows for a wide variety of foods while still benefiting metabolic health. Carbs are often thought of as our primary fuel source, but our bodies can also run on fat under the right conditions. Studies have shown that our body's preferred fuel is fat, as it provides stable energy for longer periods of time compared to glucose. Cycling through higher and lower carb days can help lower overall glucose and insulin levels, making you less hungry and aiding in weight and fat loss.

Implementing a carb cycling plan depends on your current health status and goals. Working with a well-trained practitioner is recommended to determine the ideal plan for you. A sample 6-week plan includes consuming adequate protein and natural fats with each meal, as well as 1-2 servings of non-starchy vegetables. The amount of starchier or higher sugar carbohydrates consumed will vary throughout the weeks. It is important to adjust the plan based on individual needs and health conditions.

Functional Nutritionist Andrea Nicholson explores the topic of fasting, providing definitions, debunking myths, and discussing the benefits and risks associated with it. The author emphasizes that fasting is not the same as starvation, as it is a voluntary abstinence from food for a certain period of time. They explain different fasting protocols, such as time-restricted eating and intermittent fasting, and highlight the various benefits of fasting, including improved mental clarity, weight loss, regulation of appetite, and reduced inflammation. However, the author also cautions that fasting should be done properly and not be undertaken by certain individuals, such as those who are pregnant, breastfeeding, malnourished, or underweight. They recommend working with a professional for guidance and support during the fasting journey.