Anyone tried intermittent fasting?

[lynnhbtb]

I've been reading up on intermittent fasting and it seems there's some research out there that it helps with immune system function and has been recommended for us cancer diagnosed peeps. Would be interested to hear thoughts and/or experiences. Thanks.

Lynn

[Hidden]

Hi Lynn,

I have read a bit about intermittent fasting and a friend of mine does it from time to time, but I haven't fasted in years. I used to fast for 24 hours as a child for charity, but I have never done it for health reasons. I would also be interested to learn more about it. I am not sure how I would do it though, as I work Monday-Friday and I wouldn't want my blood sugar levels to drop too low.

Sophie x

[Oliveoyle]

Hi my oncologic naturopath told me that daily overnight fasting of 14 hours is a good idea and as effective as intermittent fasting. I lost about 20 pounds this way and have kept it off. I can’t say what it has done for the disease process but I feel better! ❤️

[Sammie76 in reply to Oliveoyle]

If you just have a vitamin juice drink ( Bing ) in the morning, is it still considered fasting? No solids.

[Julie2233]

Have you read any of the books written by dr Michael Moseley? He's written one called Fast 800 which discusses intermittent fasting. If you haven't it's worth looking at. I have type 2 diabetes in the family - grandfather, father and brother - none of whom were particularly overweight - but this is the reason I started reading his books. He also looks at the effect of diet on other diseases which makes for interesting reading.

[lynnhbtb in reply to Julie2233]

Thanks, I'll look it up.

[GollyG]

Hi,

I do the 14 hour overnight fast and also feel better for it - it feels like a manageable thing to do that just might have a positive impact on my disease. And it's free which is a big plus when you're buying supplements, FIR heating pads and the rest! Before diagnosis I used to do 5/2 fasting and felt reassured by Moseley's statements about its disease prevention ability ... so much for that! Haven't lost faith in fasting, we know there are various contributing factors that left us with cancer.

[lynnhbtb in reply to GollyG]

Thanks, GG. I also have a FIR heating pad. You sound like me -- did all the "right" things and still ended up diagnosed with cancer. No rhyme or reason sometimes. Just keep on plugging along. Do you do any other complimentary/alternative treatments?

I do acupuncture, meditation, reiki, and massage to name a few.

[GollyG]

Me too on meditation, acupuncture and massage! Started Tai chi a few months ago which I love. I take loads of supplements, Amla powder and dried cranberry powder with breakfast, daily juice with matcha powder and dried mushrooms... Had CT scan on Friday and will hear on Wednesday whether it's all helping. You're right, doesn't help to try to solve puzzles of why me, just aim for brilliant health from now on!

[lynnhbtb in reply to GollyG]

Will be thinking good thoughts for your scans!!

[tmoews]

I intermittent fast regularly. Recently did a 3 day water fast. It was amazing!!

[GollyG]

Thanks for that - trying not to stress! 🙂

[Kimr2081]

I started seeing a Naturopath and she recommends intermittent fasting. I eat between 11 and 7 most days. It's not to hard to do for me anyway during the week, but I cut myself some slack on the weekends. I work out at 8 on Saturday mornings and have to have something small in my stomach and then we all go out for breakfast. I have a listing of things its supposed to help with. Here are some of them - I picked the ones that are probably good for us:

Lowers blood sugar levels

Increases insulin sensitivity

increases energy

decreases inflammation

It is supposed to decrease insulin and burn stored sugar which is good as they say cancer feeds off of sugar. My oncologist doesn't necessarily buy off on that but I figure it can't hurt.

Hope you find this useful.

Kim

[lynnhbtb]

Thanks Kim!