18–24 hours: BDNF, brain clarity, and synaptogenesis

In this episode, Dr. David Jockers joins Ben Azadi to break down what really happens inside your body during a 72-hour fast — from burning stored fat to reducing inflammation in the brain. Together, they explore how fasting resets dopamine, boosts mental clarity, and strengthens emotional resilience while tapping into your body's innate healing power.

You'll hear Dr. Jockers and Ben discuss how autophagy clears out old, damaged cells and replaces them with stronger, more stress-resilient ones. They also dive into how fasting triggers the creation of new mitochondria — your body's energy factories — helping you burn fat more efficiently and age more gracefully.

Finally, discover how fasting boosts growth hormone and resets your immune system, leading to greater energy, sharper focus, and improved longevity. Whether you're new to fasting or ready to take it to the next level, this episode reveals the science and strategy behind one of nature's most powerful healing tools.

In This Episode:

00:00 Introduction to Sacrifice and Dopamine

04:45 The Science of Fasting: 12 to 24 Hours

14:27 Autophagy and Metabolic Health

16:41 Air Quality and Autophagy Explained

28:29 Preparing for a Successful Fast

34:19 Understanding Cravings During Fasting

34:30 Timing Fasting with Menstrual Cycles

34:53 Managing Hunger and Ghrelin

36:03 Benefits of Extended Fasting

36:37 Fat Burning and Liver Health

38:41 Fasting and Intestinal Health

42:00 Dopamine Reset and Fasting

48:15 Supplements and Liquids During Fasting

54:59 Breaking the Fast and Refeeding

58:03 Gratitude and Final Thoughts

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"By tapping into body fat and producing ketones, your brain can function more clearly and reduce inflammation."

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Connect with Ben Azadi:

• Website: https://www.benazadi.com/

• Book: https://amzn.to/41O02jk

Connect with Dr. Jockers:

• Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/drjockers/

• Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/DrDavidJockers

• YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/user/djockers

• Website – https://drjockers.com/

If you are interested in being a guest on the show, we would love to hear from you! Please contact us here! - https://drjockers.com/join-us-dr-jockers-functional-nutrition-podcast/