My inbox and DM’s have been flooded with people asking me for my thoughts on intermittent fasting during the current COVID-19 pandemic. As I preach all the time, some of the benefits of intermittent fasting include decreased inflammation and increased immune response. While intermittent fasting is NOT a cure for COVID-19, if you intermittent fast regularly and eat a healthy diet that is low in processed foods, then your baseline health response and immunity will give your body a better chance at fighting viruses like COVID-19. I explain these points in further detail on my latest episode of Fasting and Beyond (originally aired on April 14, 2020).
It’s important to note that I was talking about intermittent fasting — in other words, protocols where a person’s fasting window is generally around 12-18 hours. I do not think that now is a good time to partake in extended fasting. My definition of extended fasting is a protocol where the fasting window is over 48 hours, but given the current pandemic, I would probably modify that number to anything over 36 hours. Extended fasting puts too much stress on the body and might make it more difficult to fight off viruses like COVID-19.
I spent the second half of the chat answering follower questions. Some of the questions I answered include:
- What is the best way to start a fast?
- I was asked to go into more detail on how fasting can impact immune response.
- Can I add raw honey to my tea when I am fasting?
- What can you do if you hit a weightloss plateau?
- Can fasting lower your blood sugars when if you are borderline diabetic?
- Can you take supplements while you are fasting? If so, then which supplements are OK to take and which ones aren’t?
- I was asked for my thoughts on fasting during Ramadan.
DISCLAIMER: The advice on this page is not meant to replace or represent medical advice. This is nutritional advice, which is NOT the same as medical advice. Before any weight loss endeavor, the consultation of an experienced health care provider is a must. As a general rule, the following individuals should not participate in fasting:
- Diabetics-particularly those on insulin
- Lactating women
- Pregnant women
- Individuals with a history of eating disorders
- Children under the age of 18
This list is not
Interaction through this blog’s associated social media accounts, podcasts, and other venues associated with The Fasting Doctor does not constitute a patient-physician relationship. Likewise, it does not constitute medical advice. By continuing to access this blog or related resources, you acknowledge and agree that the content and contributors are not liable for your personal use of dietary and wellness advice found in our contents. You acknowledge our recommendation to consult your care provider before utilizing our nutritional information.
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