Fasting Q&A with Dr Jason Fung: Fasting and Gout, Creatine, TOFIs, Hypothyroidism, and More

Episode #208

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

1. Do you think healthy individuals should take a daily multivitamin? [04:40]
2. I am a 300-pound male and usually have about 20g of protein a day when I fat fast. If I have more, I can't stick with it. I've found that before I do a 66 (two per week), I need about 140-200g of protein the day before in order to complete the fast. In other words, doing a fat fast right before my fast doesn't hold me and I binge. Is there anything wrong with doing this? [05:50]
3. What is the best way to extend a fast when someone has a history of gout? [11:40]
4. What is your opinion on Dr. Roy Taylor's work about the pancreas not really being burned out but clogged with fat so the beta cells cannot function properly? [12:51]
5. If someone has a high LP(a) of over 200, but their Trigs:HDL ratio is 1:1, then don't worry, but what about plasmapheresis for Lp(a)? [14:19]
6. Will younger people respond quicker to IF than older people? [15:45]
7. I've read the science behind creatine and the many benefits to your muscles (I weight train) and your brain, and recently purchased a high quality brand. Creatine doesn't contain protein, it's a naturally occurring compound made from amino acids arginine, glycine, and methionine, so will it prevent autophagy? [17:15]
8. If instead of adding MCT oil to the morning coffee we would take an omega pill instead, which of these might have less of an insulin release? [19:49]
9. TFM's Book Club is reading Dr. Christopher Palmer's "Brain Energy" this month. He covers the metabolic theory of mental health, specifically with regards to mitochondrial health and optimal brain-energy metabolism impacting our prefrontal cortex function. Can you talk about this 'hidden in plain sight' mental metabolic disorder of the brain, showing the progressive degeneration of the prefrontal cortex seen so rampant in our culture today? [21:21]
10. What kind of fasting protocol can be done for someone considered to be a TOFI and doesn't want to lose too much weight? [25:34]
11. There's some conflicting research on how keto and fasting affects T3 levels. For individuals with low T3 production, do you recommend a specific keto or fasting approach and are there any important considerations? [27:26]

LINKS

Dr. Fung's Livestream on YouTube (April 30, 2025)

https://www.youtube.com/live/bZCS-trzJWM?si=BzzR0EgHpwiSZU5A

Dr. Fung's Medium article (free to access for TFM Community members)

The (Lack of) Benefits of Supplements

https://drjasonfung.medium.com/the-lack-of-benefits-of-supplements-65bc09eb9774

Low carbohydrate and psychoeducational programs show promise for the treatment of ultra-processed food addiction. Jen Unwin et al

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36245868/

Yale Food Addiction Scale

https://sites.lsa.umich.edu/fastlab/yale-food-addiction-scale/

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Summary Timestamps

00:00 Intro

04:40 Multivitamins

05:50 Too Much Protein?

11:40 Fasting with Gout

12:51 Fatty Pancreas

14:19 Lp(a) and Plasmapheresis

15:45 Age Response to IF

17:15 Creatine and Autophagy

19:49 MCT Oil/Omega 3 and Insulin Realease

21:21 Mitochondrial Health

25:34 Fasting for TOFIs

27:26 Keto and Fasting for Thyroid Health

Disclaimer

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.