Why I Changed My Mind About Fasting

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Paul Saladino18m · 2025-04-07

Claims Made

50

Claims Supported

26

Support Rate

52%

Support rate

26 of 50 claims supported

26 supported24 partial / not

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46

Well SupportedA cortisol to DHEA ratio below 1.5 was not observed in cancer patients, suggesting a correlation between high cortisol and cancer.Well SupportedMeasuring morning fasted cortisol and DHEA levels can help assess the cortisol to DHEA ratio.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.Not 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.

For individuals in their 60s and older, continuing to fast may negatively impact muscle health, making the first meal of the day important.

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

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 SupportedCortisol to DHEA sulfate ratio is a good measure for assessing long-term DHEA production.

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

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

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

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

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

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 SupportedDHEA supplementation is being tested for PTSD in males.

Well SupportedDirect measurement of DHEA in blood is not as indicative of the total body pool because the majority of DHEA is sulfated.

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

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

Partially SupportedIn extremely frail individuals, cessation of food intake can lead to rapid decline and death within days.

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

Not SupportedStimulating autophagy beyond a baseline level, such as through prolonged fasting or between meals, is not recommended due to potential catabolic processes like cancer.

Not SupportedExtreme fasting schedules, such as eating only between midnight and 6 a.m. daily for extended periods, are not recommended.

Partially SupportedFasting may offer benefits primarily through the reduction of endotoxin, especially for individuals with a high endotoxin response.

Not SupportedExcessive autophagy may lead to negative cardiac remodeling and potentially contribute to precancerous conditions.

Partially SupportedCancer cells can consume mitochondria of healthy cells for fuel.

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 SupportedThe cortisol to DHEA ratio increases naturally with age.

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

Partially SupportedOlder individuals are prone to rapid frailty, even from skipping a single meal, indicating a vulnerability to fasting.

Partially SupportedThe body may downregulate autophagy response during prolonged fasting to preserve tissue and prolong survival.

Not SupportedConsuming only fruit and avoiding protein can accelerate tumor growth and the consumption of the patient's body.

Partially SupportedDrugs that block autophagy are being used in trials to prevent the development of gastrointestinal cancers.

Partially SupportedAutophagy is highly expressed in most solid tumors and is a catabolic process.

Not SupportedFasting can initially increase chemotherapy sensitivity in patients with established tumors but may eventually lead to more aggressive, metastatic, and treatment-resistant tumors.

Partially SupportedInterventions to stimulate biological processes like autophagy have diminishing returns.

Partially SupportedAutophagy can be induced by sugars like sucrose, talose, fructose, and maltose, not solely by fasting.

Not SupportedChronic and prolonged fasting may lead to elevated cortisol levels, potentially contributing to health issues like pancreatitis and cancer.

Partially SupportedThe cortisol to DHEA ratio may be more informative when measured non-fasted, as fasting can elevate cortisol.

Not SupportedExcessive autophagy in the gastrointestinal tract may be detrimental, potentially leading cells to consume each other for energy.

Partially SupportedConsuming two meals daily can result in a mild caloric deficit while minimizing basal metabolic rate reduction and eliciting fasting benefits.

Partially SupportedActivated charcoal may mimic some benefits of fasting.

Partially SupportedNon-fasted blood work, including lipids, may provide different insights than traditional fasted blood work.

Limited ResearchAn overnight fast of 8-10 hours may be sufficient to trigger autophagy and endotoxin effects.

Partially SupportedThe cortisol to DHEA ratio is a predictor of overall stress, morbidity, and mortality.

Partially SupportedAshton Kutcher was hospitalized with acute pancreatitis and warned against diets that could lead to pancreatic cancer.