Fasting Q&A with Dr Jason Fung: Iron Deficiency, High Histamine Levels, Dry Fasting, Mitophagy, Benefits of Vinegar, and More

Episode #189

In this Fasting Q&A episode, hosted by Coach Lisa Chance, Dr. Jason Fung answers questions from the TFM Community:

1. I've been fasting for six months and was surprised to discover on my annual screening that I am in the early stages of iron deficiency. I am post-menopausal, typically eat red meat twice a week, and fast twice a week. I have been restricting my protein intake but have been taking iron supplements. Should I take iron supplements when I am fasting and are there other things I should consider with fasting as a way of life? [02:03]
2. I recently found out I have high histamine, either from diet and/or not being able to process it. I was wondering if longer fasts, say over 24 hours, would help to get rid of high histamine and settle my body down? [05:37]
3. I can physically feel when I am losing weight. I feel a mild tingling on the back of my thighs and glutes. It doesn't really bother me and I look forward to the sensation as I know I am headed in the right direction. Is there a name for this sensation and is it a cellular, biochemical function? I like to think of it as fat cells dissolving! [09:41]
4. What are your thoughts on dry fasting? [12:58]
5. What is the allowable ketone level while fasting for two to three days (on a strict ketogenic/carnivore diet), and at what level should you break your fast? [15:36]
6. If you have a lot of weight to lose and a lot of extra skin, how much dietary protein do you *really* need to eat during your meals? Don't you want your body to scavenge that extra protein? Does it make a difference to fast with water, salt, and magnesium only, as opposed to using fasting aids such as bone broth? [17:47]
7. How does fasting affect blood circulation? [20:16]
8. Please can you explain the difference between autophagy and chaperone autophagy? [21:30]
9. Can you please explain what is happening when you take vinegar to reduce the impact of blood sugar spikes after eating? [23:02]
10. I don't seem to be able to get beyond 50 hours when doing longer fasts. Is there a reason for this or is it just that 50 hours is my sweet spot when it comes to fasting? [27:43]

LINKS:

Fasting for Kidney Disease - Surprising Benefits

https://youtu.be/Uyjg5S_ef9k?si=6700whbBLEv8ouML

#106 Bitesize: Is ADF Fasting Better?

https://www.thefastingmethod.com/bitesize-is-adf-fasting-better/

Please note that you need to be a member of the TFM Community to submit questions to the Q&A webinars with Dr. Fung but you can submit questions to our regular Q&A episodes here: https://bit.ly/TFMPodcastQs

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This podcast is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional care by a doctor or other qualified medical professional. You should always speak with your physician or other healthcare professional before doing any fasting, changing your diet, taking or adjusting any medication or supplements, or adopting any treatment for a health problem. The use of any other products or services purchased by you as a result of this podcast does not create a healthcare provider-patient relationship between you and any of the experts affiliated with this podcast. Information and statements regarding dietary supplements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.