Podcast Review: “Fasting – A Follow Up” by Activating Wellness
Recently, I listened to an excellent podcast by “Activating Wellness” with Laura Hahn and Annette Ford titled “Fasting – A Follow Up.” Some of the key takeaways for me were the importance of personalisation and the flexibility required when incorporating fasting into one’s lifestyle, especially for women navigating post-menopausal health concerns.
Key Takeaways:
Personalisation in Fasting Regimens:
Laura Hahn initially planned to follow a prescribed fasting protocol inspired by Dr. Mindy Pelz’s approach, tailored for post-menopausal women. However, she adapted her strategy to a more flexible intermittent fasting (IF) regimen, primarily involving a time-restricted eating window. This adaptation was influenced by her unique health history, including her journey through breast cancer treatment and subsequent hormone therapy.
Impact of Hormone Therapy:
Laura’s experience highlights the critical role of personal health context in determining the suitability of a fasting approach. She had concerns about the potential effects of extended fasting on her hormone levels, particularly estrogen, given her history with estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer. She discovered that while intermittent fasting might reduce cancer recurrence rates, the impact of longer fasts on post-menopausal women remains under-researched. Consequently, she opted for a more cautious and personalised approach.
Individual Differences in Fasting:
The podcast emphasises the variability in fasting’s effectiveness. Factors such as stress, health history, and individual metabolic responses significantly influence the success of fasting regimens. While some individuals might thrive on longer fasts, others, like Laura, find shorter, more consistent fasting periods more beneficial. This variability underscores the importance of tailoring fasting practices to individual needs.
Consulting Healthcare Professionals:
Both Laura and Annette stress the importance of consulting healthcare professionals before making significant dietary changes. This is especially crucial for individuals with existing health conditions. Laura plans to discuss her fasting routine with her oncologist to ensure it aligns with her ongoing health needs and to gain further insights into its potential benefits and risks.
General Recommendations:
The podcast also offers general recommendations, such as starting with a manageable fasting window, like a 12-hour fast between the last meal of the day and the first meal of the next day. This approach seems to suit most people and can be a good starting point before exploring longer fasting periods.
Wrap Up
“Fasting – A Follow Up” by Activating Wellness provides valuable insights into the personalised nature of fasting practices. It highlights Laura Hahn’s journey and her careful adaptation of intermittent fasting to suit her health needs. The key message is that fasting, like any health intervention, should be tailored to individual circumstances, with professional medical advice ensuring that the chosen regimen supports overall well-being.
For those interested in exploring fasting, this podcast is an excellent resource, offering practical advice and personal experiences that underscore the importance of flexibility and personalisation in achieving optimal health outcomes.