Fasting - how it works and what you need to know if you are considering it

Fasting is a hot but contentious topic. 

It has been practised for thousands of years and is now 

purported to be a way of tackling or preventing certain metabolic diseases. 

In this episode I look at the pros, cons and mechanisms of fasting. 

Links: 

Historical perspectives of fasting: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8838777/

Time restricted feeding in mice (Sachin Panda): https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3491655/

Further study (see first image for feeding habits): https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1550413114004987

5:2 diet summary: https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/the-5-2-diet-guide

Prolonged fasting: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37377031/

Fasting and autophagy: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/24058-autophagy

The flip side - analysis of a study that found a increased link to heart disease from fasting: https://www.bhf.org.uk/informationsupport/heart-matters-magazine/news/behind-the-headlines/intermittent-fasting#

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Dr Ayan Panja puts health into context. A lifestyle medicine expert, author and family physician with 25 years of experience, his unique blend of candour, perspective and knowledge make for a mind-expanding essential weekly bite-sized listen.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

• No. of episodes: 172
• Latest episode: 2025-06-05
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