Fasting is gaining serious traction in health and longevity circles—but is it right for you?
In this week’s video, Dr. Jeff Cumro breaks down the real pros and cons of fasting, especially intermittent fasting, and outlines what you need to know before jumping in.
At Better Life Chiropractic & Wellness, we approach fasting with one goal in mind: supporting your brain and body function safely, sustainably, and in alignment with your metabolic health.
âś… What You’ll Learn:
- What intermittent fasting really does to your metabolism
- Why fasting helps with energy flexibility (sugar vs. fat as fuel)
- How fasting impacts brain function and ADHD
- The science of autophagy and cell regeneration
- The danger of losing muscle mass during longer fasts
- Why strength is the #1 predictor of longevity
- Which groups should be cautious with fasting (e.g., thyroid, diabetes)
đź’ˇ What Is Autophagy and Why Does It Matter?
During longer fasts, your body breaks down and recycles old, less functional cells. This process, called autophagy, is associated with:
- Lower inflammation
- Better protein synthesis
- Reduced cancer risk
- Slower cellular aging
- Potential Alzheimer’s prevention
But—and it’s a big BUT—you may lose muscle mass, too. And that can impact your strength, balance, and long-term health outcomes.
⚠️ Fasting Isn’t for Everyone
While intermittent fasting (like 12:12 (12 hours fasting, 12 hours allowing for food) or 16:8) can be beneficial for many people, certain populations need to proceed with caution:
- Individuals with thyroid disorders
- Those with diabetes or blood sugar instability
- Anyone with a history of eating disorders
- People over 40 who are already experiencing muscle loss
“Strength loss is one of the biggest predictors of reduced longevity. If you fast and lose too much muscle, it might do more harm than good.”
– Dr. Jeff Cumro
🧠So, Should You Fast?
The takeaway? Fasting can be a great tool—but it’s not magic, and it’s not for everyone. If you’re going to explore fasting:
- Start with shorter durations (12- or 14-hour fasts)
- Maintain strength training and eat enough protein
- Talk to a doctor who understands your functional health
Need help creating a safe, personalized approach to fasting and healing?
Send us a message
đź“© Have questions?
Drop them in the comments below—or connect with our team directly.
đź‘Ť If this article helped you, share it with a friend.
📲 Follow us on Instagram and Facebook for more weekly brain-body strategies.