When You SHOULD and SHOULDN'T Fast: A Functional Approach

Fasting has become incredibly popular, and while it definitely has its benefits, it's not a universal solution for everyone, and it's definitely not something to jump into without consideration. I see a lot of people getting excited about fasting and actually hindering their healing process. So, let's break down when fasting can be a powerful tool and when it's best to hold back.

The Body as a Bank Account: A Key Concept

To really understand my approach to fasting, you need to think of your body as a bank account. Your goal when you're trying to heal is to raise that bank balance. What does that mean? It means you need to stop making withdrawals and start making deposits.

• Withdrawals: Things that stress your body and deplete its resources.

• Deposits: Things that support your body and build up its reserves.

Fasting, even with its advantages, is a withdrawal. You're putting your body into a state of breakdown and depriving it of nutrients. And here's the thing: most of us are already deficient and imbalanced. We don't want to dig ourselves into a deeper hole.

Why I Don't Start With Fasting

That's why, when I work with clients, I almost never start with fasting. Instead, I prioritize building a strong foundation. This involves:

• Foundation Labs: I rely heavily on organic acids tests, full blood panels, and genetics testing. These labs give me a roadmap of what your body needs to repair itself.

• Targeted Support: Based on those lab results, we put support in place for key areas:

  • Brain

  • Liver

  • Thyroid

  • Detox Pathways

  • Hormones and Adrenals

We give your body time to actually absorb those nutrients and start functioning better. It's not a quick fix; it's about building resilience.

The Dutch Test: A Crucial Piece

The Dutch test, which assesses adrenal function and hormone levels, is particularly important. If your adrenal function is severely compromised – if you have very low levels of free cortisol and metabolized cortisol – fasting is generally contraindicated, at least initially. Your adrenals are already struggling, and fasting will only add more stress.

When Fasting CAN Be Considered Sooner

There are some exceptions to this rule. In very severe cases of SIBO (small intestinal bacterial overgrowth) that aren't responding to initial supplement support, I might consider incorporating intermittent fasting earlier. SIBO can cause significant issues with the migrating motor complex (MMC), the cleaning wave in your small intestine, and fasting can help reset that.

Also, in some cases of significant autoimmune issues, fasting might be introduced earlier, but it's still rare.

The Balancing Act: Withdrawal vs. Deposit

The key is to constantly ask yourself: Is this a withdrawal or a deposit?

• At the right time, fasting can be a deposit. It can help reset your metabolism, immune system, and MMC.

• At the wrong time, fasting is a withdrawal. It weakens the body and hinders healing.

A Word of Caution

I really want to caution you against jumping into fasting too quickly. It's vital to have your body well-supported first.

A lot of people feel good initially when they fast. That's because fasting triggers catabolism, the breakdown of tissues, which releases energy and increases dopamine and cortisol. It's a survival mechanism. Your body thinks it needs to hunt for food!

But that initial boost is temporary. Your body will eventually run out of those reserves, and you'll end up feeling exhausted. If you're currently fasting and experiencing exhaustion, that's a major red flag to stop and prioritize foundational support.

Conclusion

Fasting can be a powerful tool, but it's not a magic bullet. To use it effectively, you need to understand your body's needs and prepare it properly.