The downsides of fasting

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Paul Saladino13m · 2023-04-13

Claims Made

27

Claims Supported

16

Support Rate

59%

Support rate

16 of 27 claims supported

16 supported11 partial / not

Claims from this content

26

Not SupportedChronic elevations of cortisol, which can occur with fasting, are detrimental, especially for older individuals.Limited ResearchWhile fasting can induce autophagy by consuming sick cells, the long-term effects and potential detriment of continuous fasting on autophagy rates are not well-studied.Well SupportedCortisol to DHEA sulfate ratio is a good measure for assessing long-term DHEA production.Well SupportedYounger individuals seeking fasting benefits could achieve similar results by lowering LPS or endotoxin through other means, such as reducing resistant starch intake.Well Supported

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A. Volkovreader

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Bookmarking — the dossier-vs-overview split is the right call. Most of the time I want overview; sometimes I want receipts.

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N. Park

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Would love a "what would change this verdict" RSS feed. Sign me up if it exists.

Fasting benefits are primarily due to a reduction in endotoxin released from ruptured gram-negative bacteria.

Not SupportedA cortisol to DHEA ratio higher than 0.5 may indicate that fasting could cause more harm than good.

Partially SupportedAnti-catabolic hormones like DHEA and testosterone have numerous metabolic and mental benefits for both males and females, contributing to overall health and longevity.

Partially SupportedMeasuring cortisol and DHEA in the afternoon may be the best time to assess the ratio for optimal health.

Partially SupportedCortisol production does not decline with age, while DHEA production does, leading to an increased cortisol to DHEA ratio with age.

Partially SupportedCortisol may contribute to the growth of certain cancer cells, including triple-negative breast cancer and pancreatic cancer.

Partially SupportedNon-fasted blood work, including lipid panels, may be a viable alternative to fasted blood work, acknowledging that triglyceride levels will reflect non-fasted status.

Partially SupportedInterventions aimed at tricking the body, such as fasting for autophagy, likely have diminishing returns on investment.

Partially SupportedFasting benefits younger, leaner, and healthier individuals more than older or overweight individuals.

Partially SupportedFor males, a cortisol to testosterone ratio below 10 is considered optimal.

Partially SupportedMales with PTSD often have a cortisol to testosterone ratio of 30 or higher, indicating chronic stress that may resolve with testosterone therapy.

Partially SupportedSteve Jobs' chronic fasting may have contributed to health issues, potentially including pancreatic cancer, due to chronically elevated cortisol.

Partially SupportedMaintaining extra weight may be beneficial for immune system support in some individuals, particularly those who are overweight, compared to fasting.

Partially SupportedFasting may not be ideal for those with limited reserves, and benefits might be achievable by reducing LPS through charcoal or eating more easily digestible carbohydrates.

Partially SupportedDHEA supplementation is being tested for PTSD in males and may help rebalance the endocrine framework.

Not SupportedShort fasts, like skipping breakfast and lunch occasionally, are acceptable, but daily prolonged fasting schedules are not recommended.

Partially SupportedA cortisol to DHEA ratio below 1.5 may be associated with cancer growth.

Partially SupportedNutrients like glucose and sucrose can trigger cellular house cleaning mechanisms, similar to autophagy.

Not SupportedRamadan fasting is not suitable for pregnant women, small children, or the elderly and sick, as religious exemptions exist for these groups.

Partially SupportedA cortisol to DHEA ratio over 0.5 predicts cardiovascular disease, obesity, diabetes, and neurological disease, and higher ratios are associated with cancer.

Partially SupportedTestosterone has a diurnal pattern, being highest in the morning.

Partially SupportedThe ratio of cortisol to DHEA sulfate should not exceed 0.5.