The Anti-Aging & Regeneration Capacity of Fasting

Stem cell genesis.

Stem cells are special human cells that are able to develop into many different cell types. (University of Rochester Medical Center)

Genesis: The origin or coming into being of something. 

Fasting can initiate the creation of human cells that can develop into almost any type of cell needed in the body.

The idea and potential is limitless. This is ultimately why I practice and teach functional fasting.

Like any apparent, “too good to be true” story, this one has some very overlooked fine print. The gift of eternal youth in these new stem cells comes to us through a process that is hard to come by, and when we can make them, they are hard to keep and put to work…. Like many youths, teenagers come to mind for some reason.

The key to “locking in” these cells into our tissues and organs for good is possible during the fourth phase of the complete fasting cycle. I call this the reinforcement phase because it won’t happen unless the first 3 phases happen first.

Phase 1 is the planning and prep phase building up to the targeted extended, multi-day fast. The plan starts with insulin-friendly eating and entry level modified fasting strategies like meal timing, spacing, alternate day variables, and specific eating windows. Once the metabolic ball is rolling calming the hormonal gatekeepers for hunger, the stress response, and sleep, we can move on.

Cutting caffeine well before the extended fast and loading up mineral stores are important, as are resilience practices and regular exercise before, during, and after the fast.

The second phase is the fast itself, lasting anywhere from 3-7 days. When the first phase is successfully executed, the fast is surprisingly comfortable and easy to manage.

The third phase is the refeeding phase reintroducing food a little at a time and is best tolerated by low digestive residue foods (fats and protein) and minimal plant foods or astringent spices and oils. 

Stem cell production is highest at this point and maintaining a “repair” metabolic state is crucial. A “fed” state triggered by insulin spikes from eating processed foods, grains, and starchy carbs can stop the process. 

Continuing your functional lifestyle is important because sleep and exercise are two of the biggest promoters of stem cell differentiation, integration, and reinforcement. 

Rotating fasts and maintaining an insulin friendly lifestyle enhances the effectiveness of this process and will reduce concerns of losing muscle by increasing amino acid recycling efficiency during protein turnover. 

Bypassing or “hacking” this 4 phase cycle reduces the benefits and healing potential that all the effort was for in the first place. Why fast at all then? Just buy a T-shirt and go home. 

For my friends who are in this process now, here’s to your stem cell reveal party after your next extended fast!

We can do better!

Dr. Don