Episode 138: Taking Prescription Medications, Fasting to Heal Insulin Resistance, When to See Your Doctor, and More
Digest
This podcast episode features a variety of listener stories and questions related to intermittent fasting (IF). Success stories include Lori's 50-pound weight loss and improved self-attitude, and Susie's 35-pound loss. The hosts address concerns about COVID-related weight gain, the impact of spike proteins, and the importance of internal health over just scale results. They also discuss specific issues like taking osteoporosis medication during fasting, managing coffee with cream, healing insulin resistance without prolonged fasts, leg pain during fasting, and unexplained high Vitamin B12 levels. The episode promotes the Fast Feast Repeat app and its "Eat Like a Grownup" program, offering a community and tools for building a healthy relationship with food. A "Tweak of the Week" focuses on managing app notifications, and an inspirational quote encourages listeners to embrace their journey.
Outlines
Introduction to Fast Feast Repeat and Listener Successes
Welcome to Fast Feast Repeat, focusing on intermittent fasting for life. Sherry shares her 16-pound weight loss, and listeners like Lori (50 lbs lost) and Susie (35 lbs lost) share their transformative journeys, highlighting improved self-attitude and overcoming challenges.
COVID-19, Spike Proteins, and Weight Gain Concerns
The hosts discuss unexplained weight gain post-COVID or vaccination, suggesting a potential link to spike proteins and inflammation, and caution against prioritizing weight loss over overall internal health.
Navigating Fasting with Medical Conditions and Dietary Choices
Listeners inquire about fasting protocols with medical conditions. Marsha asks about osteoporosis medication (Fosamax), and Andrea questions the necessity of long fasts for insulin resistance.
Fasting Challenges: Coffee, Leg Pain, and Weight Plateaus
Susie asks about coffee with cream on a down day. Flourishing in Florida reports leg pain during fasting, possibly related to past Lyme disease. Sue faces a weight loss plateau and high Vitamin B12 levels.
Motivation and Overcoming Setbacks in Intermittent Fasting
Sandy shares her "why" for IF – health for her grandchildren. Kathy, 81, seeks advice on regaining motivation after weight regain following relationship changes.
Fast Feast Repeat App and Community Support
The Fast Feast Repeat app and its "Eat Like a Grownup" 52-week program are promoted for building a healthy relationship with food. A "Tweak of the Week" suggests managing app notifications, and an inspirational quote encourages listeners to join the community.
Keywords
Intermittent Fasting
A dietary pattern that cycles between periods of voluntary fasting and non-fasting. It's not about *what* you eat, but *when* you eat. Popular methods include 16/8, 5:2, and Eat Stop Eat.
COVID-19 Weight Gain
Unexplained weight gain experienced by some individuals after contracting COVID-19 or receiving COVID-19 vaccinations. Theories suggest a link to spike proteins, inflammation, or metabolic changes.
Spike Protein
A protein found on the surface of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Some theories propose that the body's production or presence of spike proteins, either from infection or vaccination, may contribute to inflammation and weight gain.
Osteoporosis
A medical condition characterized by weakened bones, making them fragile and more likely to break. It is often treated with medications like Fosamax (alendronate sodium) and requires careful consideration regarding fasting protocols.
Insulin Resistance
A condition where cells in the body don't respond well to insulin, leading to higher blood sugar levels. It's a precursor to type 2 diabetes and can often be improved through diet, lifestyle changes, and intermittent fasting.
Lyme Disease
An infectious disease caused by Borrelia bacteria, transmitted through tick bites. Symptoms can be diverse and may include joint pain, fatigue, and neurological issues. Some research suggests Lyme bacteria can be stored in fat tissues.
Vitamin B12 Deficiency/Excess
Vitamin B12 is crucial for nerve function and red blood cell formation. Both deficiency and excess levels can cause fatigue and other health issues, requiring medical investigation.
Cellular Cleanup (Autophagy)
The body's natural process of cleaning out damaged cells and regenerating newer, healthier cells. Intermittent fasting is known to stimulate autophagy, contributing to cellular health and repair.
Fast Feast Repeat App
A mobile application designed to support users in their intermittent fasting journey, offering programs like "Eat Like a Grownup" for building a healthy relationship with food.
Down Day
In intermittent fasting, a "down day" refers to a day with either a full fast (around 36 hours) or a very low-calorie intake (approximately 500 calories), distinct from regular eating window days.
Q&A
What is the connection between COVID-19, spike proteins, and weight gain?
Some individuals report unexplained weight gain after COVID-19 infection or vaccination. Theories suggest that spike proteins might cause the body to retain inflammation or weight, potentially affecting blood sugar regulation and insulin levels.
Can intermittent fasting help with osteoporosis?
While intermittent fasting can offer numerous health benefits, it's crucial to consult a doctor regarding osteoporosis. Medications like Fosamax must be taken as prescribed, often on an empty stomach, and any fasting adjustments should be discussed with a healthcare professional.
Does drinking coffee with cream break a fast?
Technically, adding cream to coffee can break a clean fast as it introduces calories and can trigger an insulin response. While some may not experience negative effects immediately, it's generally advised to fast clean for optimal benefits, especially for healing insulin resistance.
Is it necessary to do 24-36 hour fasts to heal insulin resistance?
No, it is not necessary. Insulin resistance can be healed through various dietary and lifestyle changes, including shorter fasting windows like a 19-5, or even without intermittent fasting at all, by focusing on food choices and overall health.
What could cause leg pain specifically during fasting?
Leg pain during fasting can be complex. It might be related to electrolyte imbalances, nutrient deficiencies, or potentially a "healing crisis" where the body releases stored toxins or reactivates past conditions like Lyme disease from fat cells. Consulting a doctor is recommended.
Why might someone have very high Vitamin B12 levels without supplementation?
High Vitamin B12 levels, especially when not taking supplements, warrant medical investigation. It could be a lab error, or it might indicate underlying health conditions. It's not typically caused by intermittent fasting itself.
How does the Fast Feast Repeat app help with food-related challenges?
The app offers the "Eat Like a Grownup" program, a 52-week journey to build a peaceful relationship with food. It provides video lessons, practical missions, and community support to overcome emotional eating, understand hunger signals, and make satisfying meals.
What defines a "down day" in intermittent fasting?
A "down day" is typically characterized by either a full fast spanning two overnight periods (around 36 hours) or consuming approximately 500 calories. It's distinct from a regular fasting day where the eating window is followed as usual.
Show Notes
To make a submission for the podcast, go to fastfeastrepeat.com/submit. We are a community-driven podcast, and we look forward to sharing your questions, success stories, non-scale victories, IF tweaks, motivational quotes (and more!) on each episode of the podcast.
Resources used in today’s episode:
Join Gin in the new Fast Feast Repeat app for The Grown-Up Year: 52 Weeks to Listen, Play, and Nourish, as well as a growing collection of intermittent fasting resources. Go to app.fastfeastrepeat.com to join us or go to the App Store and download the Fast Feast Repeat app, available for both iPhone and Android.
To get the books, go to https://www.ginstephens.com/get-the-books.html. The second edition of Delay, Don’t Deny is now available in ebook, paperback, hardback, and audIo book. This is the book that you’ll want to start with or share with others, as it is a simple introduction to IF. It’s been updated to include the clean fast, a thorough description of ADF and all of your ADF options, and an all new success stories section. When shopping, make sure to get the second edition, which has a 2024 publication date. The audiobook for the second edition is also available now!
Gin has a new YouTube Channel! Visit https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_frGNiTEoJ88rZOwvuG2CA and subscribe today so you never miss an intermittent fasting tip, a support session, or an interview with a past IF Stories guest or expert.
Want to learn more about BiOptimizer’s Magnesium Breakthrough? Visit www.bioptimizers.com/fastfeastrepeat and use code FFR15 to save 15% off any order.
Go to fastfeastrepeat.com to see Gin’s and Sheri’s favorite things, and to shop with us. Every purchase you make through links on our website help to support this podcast so we can keep bringing you episodes each week.
Are you ready to take your intermittent fasting lifestyle to the next level? There’s nothing better than community to help with that. In the Delay, Don’t Deny community we all embrace the clean fast, and there’s just the right support for you as you live your intermittent fasting lifestyle.
Connect with both Gin and Sheri in the community, as well as thousands of other intermittent fasters who are there to support you along your journey. If you’re new to intermittent fasting or recommitting to the IF lifestyle, join the 28-Day FAST Start group. After your fast start, join us for support in The 1st Year group. Need tips for long term maintenance? We have a place for that! There are many more useful spaces beyond these, and you can interact in as many as you like.
Visit ginstephens.com/community to join us. An annual membership costs just over a dollar a week when you do the math. If you aren’t ready to fully commit for a year, join for a month and you can cancel at any time. If you know you’ll want to stay forever, we also have a lifetime membership option available.
IF is free. You don’t need to join our community to fast. But if you’re looking for support from a community of like-minded IFers, we are here for you at ginstephens.com/community.
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