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Intermittent fasting has gained popularity as a method for weight loss and potentially as a supportive strategy for individuals with cancer. Cancer cells primarily consume glucose, and intermittent fasting can limit glucose availability, potentially weakening these cells. However, the timing of initiating intermittent fasting is crucial for its success and overall health.
With extensive experience in helping people lose weight, having worked with over 200,000 individuals across multiple countries, valuable insights have been gained into what works and what doesn’t. A common observation is that some people attempt intermittent fasting without properly preparing their bodies, leading to weight regain and potentially ending up heavier than before.
The body is a complex organism with eleven interconnected systems. All these systems—nervous, respiratory, digestive, detoxification, etc.—must function optimally for overall health. If any system is compromised, weight loss may be temporary, leading to rebound.
Therefore, it’s crucial to first focus on metabolic health and energy production. A healthy metabolism ensures proper system function, hormonal balance, good sleep, and sustainable weight loss without hunger.
Before starting intermittent fasting, the body may benefit from preparation which can involve detoxification to address sugar and food addictions, education on body function and food choices (understanding which foods promote weight gain or loss, affect blood sugar, and align with individual nervous system types), and addressing issues like candida overgrowth and thyroid function. Optimizing thyroid function through diet and supplements is important, as many overweight individuals experience hypothyroidism. Providing the body with essential vitamins and minerals (such as selenium, magnesium, and potassium) ensures cells can function effectively.
Once the body is detoxified, hydrated, and free from addictions, energy levels improve, cravings diminish, sleep patterns regulate, and mood stabilizes. At this point, if weight loss plateaus despite these efforts, intermittent fasting may be considered.
Intermittent fasting is not a diet but rather an eating pattern that establishes specific eating windows. It aims to encourage the body to burn fat. It can be particularly beneficial for overcoming insulin resistance. Insulin resistance occurs when cells become less responsive to insulin due to chronic overexposure.
Intermittent fasting can help break this resistance by creating extended periods without food intake (e.g., 12-18 hours). During these fasting periods, the body eliminates waste, including excess fat, which is then converted into ketones. Studies suggest that intermittent fasting can lead to significantly increased ketone excretion through urine and exhalation.
Importantly, the ketones produced during intermittent fasting can be used as an energy source and to build muscle. This is why a holistic approach that includes metabolic optimization followed by strategic intermittent fasting can result in a leaner, more muscular physique and improved overall health.
