On Proper Diet and Fasting

Part 1 - Introduction

Fasting and eating a diet lower in carbohydrates are both quite popular. Fasting can be beneficial when done correctly. I also believe that low-carb diets, very-low-carb diets, and even no-carb diets (if you are following a no-carb diet, I recommend you read Alex Fergus’s blog on carnivorism) do have their place in improving the health of many people, but ketogenic diets must be followed correctly. Fasting and low-carb dieting can have profound positive mitochondrial effects when done correctly. Jason Hooper has blogged[1] on Fix Your Gut about the impact of low-carb dieting and our gut, and I agree that it creates shifts in our gastrointestinal microbiome. For some, the microbiome shift might improve their digestive health; for others, it may cause digestive health issues including, Bacteroidetes dysbiosis, which can lead to fermentable carbohydrate intolerance, bloating, and digestive issues. Lower carb diets for some people can also cause health issues for our endocrine system and nervous system, leading to hypothyroidism, hormonal imbalances, poor sleep quality, adrenal fatigue, and an overactive parasympathetic nervous system. What are some recommendations I can give for people who choose to fast or follow a lower carbohydrate diet to do both properly?