3 Reasons I do NOT do Intermittent Fasting

Summary

Dr. Story, a chiropractor with over 28 years of experience, shares why he personally avoids intermittent fasting, despite its popularity. He highlights three key reasons: weight loss benefits may plateau, intermittent fasting doesn't effectively reduce inflammation as many claim, and it can lead to malnutrition and dehydration, especially in older adults. Dr. Story emphasizes that instead of fasting, focusing on nutrient-dense foods and proper supplementation (like magnesium) is a healthier approach to wellness. He also offers a product recommendation to support better health through magnesium supplementation.

Takeaways

• 😀 Intermittent fasting may help some people lose weight, but it is not a magic solution for everyone. Weight loss can often be achieved by simply reducing calorie intake and cutting out unhealthy foods.
• 😀 Skipping meals, like breakfast, can be considered a form of intermittent fasting, but it's simply skipping meals rather than a structured fasting plan.
• 😀 Intermittent fasting can lead to weight loss, but it can also lead to nutrient deficiencies if people are not consuming enough nutrient-dense foods during eating windows.
• 😀 Intermittent fasting does not necessarily reduce inflammation, as inflammation is a natural response to stress, toxins, and poor food choices, not just food intake.
• 😀 Many people mistakenly believe that intermittent fasting will help reduce inflammation, but if they continue eating unhealthy foods, the inflammation may persist.
• 😀 Stress, in addition to food, can cause inflammation in the body due to the release of cortisol, which makes inflammation chronic.
• 😀 Some people are using intermittent fasting to manage conditions like Alzheimer’s, dementia, or strokes, but it can make matters worse by causing malnutrition and dehydration.
• 😀 For older adults or those with neurological conditions, intermittent fasting can lead to worsened health outcomes due to inadequate nutrient intake.
• 😀 Magnesium supplementation can be beneficial for those who experience fatigue, dehydration, or electrolyte imbalances, which can occur with intermittent fasting.
• 😀 The speaker recommends magnesium supplements, specifically Magnesium Breakthrough by BuOptimizers, to help address magnesium deficiencies, improve sleep, and support overall health.

Q & A

Why doesn't Dr. Story do intermittent fasting?

Dr. Story does not practice intermittent fasting because he doesn't want to lose weight, and he believes there are better approaches to achieving a healthy weight without restricting eating time.

What are the three main reasons Dr. Story doesn't recommend intermittent fasting?

Dr. Story lists three reasons: 1) he doesn't want to lose weight, 2) intermittent fasting does not necessarily reduce inflammation, and 3) it can lead to malnutrition, especially in older adults.

How does intermittent fasting affect weight loss?

Intermittent fasting can lead to weight loss by reducing the number of meals a person eats, which limits their food intake. However, Dr. Story notes that the weight loss might plateau over time, and more extreme fasting methods, like eating once every 2-3 days, can be unhealthy.

Why does Dr. Story believe skipping breakfast isn't truly intermittent fasting?

Dr. Story argues that skipping breakfast is just skipping a meal, not truly intermittent fasting. He suggests that intermittent fasting usually refers to more extreme forms of food restriction, like only eating within a limited time window each day.

What is Dr. Story's approach to weight loss instead of intermittent fasting?

Dr. Story suggests focusing on eating nutrient-dense foods that taste good and developing a healthy relationship with food, rather than relying on fasting as a method to lose weight.

Can intermittent fasting reduce inflammation according to Dr. Story?

No, Dr. Story explains that while intermittent fasting may reduce the opportunities to eat unhealthy food, it does not directly reduce inflammation. Inflammation is a natural body response to stressors, and fasting does not necessarily impact that process.

What causes inflammation according to Dr. Story?

Inflammation is caused by environmental stressors like wildfires, air pollution, and the food we eat. Certain foods, like high fructose corn syrup, can trigger inflammatory responses in the body.

How does stress contribute to inflammation?

Stress increases cortisol production, which can lead to chronic inflammation. Dr. Story explains that reducing food intake alone, as in intermittent fasting, does not address the stress-induced inflammation in the body.

Why is intermittent fasting risky for elderly people with conditions like Alzheimer's or dementia?

Dr. Story believes intermittent fasting is risky for older adults with neurological conditions like Alzheimer's because it can lead to malnutrition, dehydration, and electrolyte imbalances, which can worsen their health problems.

What is the importance of magnesium supplementation, according to Dr. Story?

Magnesium is essential for many bodily functions, and a deficiency can cause fatigue, sleep issues, and electrolyte imbalances. Dr. Story recommends magnesium supplements, especially for people who may not be getting enough magnesium from their diet.

What is Dr. Story's recommended magnesium supplement?

Dr. Story recommends 'Magnesium Breakthrough' by Bu Optimizers, which contains seven types of magnesium to support various bodily functions. He believes this supplement can help those who are magnesium deficient and struggling with fatigue or poor sleep.

How does intermittent fasting affect elderly people's nutritional intake?

Dr. Story explains that elderly individuals may not consume enough nutrients when practicing intermittent fasting, especially if they are already facing reduced appetite or difficulty eating enough food. This can lead to malnutrition and worsen their health conditions.