Fasting for longevity

Of all the lifestyle interventions that could help us live longer and better, fasting has been hailed by some as the holy grail of health. It comes in many – and somewhat confusing – forms. From time restricted eating to intermittent fasting and longer term food deprivation, fasting has a long and fascinating history. Steve Hendricks is a freelance journalist and the author of The Oldest Cure in the World, Adventures in the Art and Science of Fasting. The book attempts to put into perspective what we know about fasting, how realistic a “cure” it is for some conditions and whether it is a practical option to fight disease and live longer. In this interview we cover: Discovering fasting through an exploration of caloric restriction and ways to live longer To what extent could fasting be considered a cure for certain diseases? Repair mechanisms and how fasting can fix problems in cells How fasting can be considered an adventure in art as well as science Entering a “contemplative state” through fasting and the physiological reasons for it What does self-experimentation involve? Weight loss and fasting What it means to go into a ketogenic state Dealing with depression and idiopathic hypersomnia A cautious approach to whether fasting is beneficial to people with some forms of cancer Are some people better able than others to cope with fasting over a number of days? What is a fasting mimicking diet and why choose it over a complete water fast? Why people are motivated to fast and stick with the regime Fasting and mindset and how it changes our attitude towards food Time restricted eating and what happens when we stick to a narrower eating window during the day The science behind the old adage, ‘eat breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince and dinner like a pauper’ Steve’s motivation to live as long and as healthy a life as possible.