Dr. Jockers Functional Nutrition The Science of Protein Cycling, Autophagy and Fat Loss with Vanessa Spina
In this episode, Dr. Jockers and Vanessa Spina break down new human research showing why high protein doesn't block autophagy when calories are low. You'll learn how this changes everything we've believed about protein timing, fasting, and cellular repair. The conversation also reveals why prioritizing protein can accelerate fat loss without sacrificing muscle.
You'll hear how protein impacts appetite, hormones, and metabolic flexibility—and why many people overeat simply because they're under-consuming essential amino acids. Vanessa explains the protein leverage effect and how it naturally reduces cravings, stabilizes blood sugar, and makes eating "effortlessly" satisfying. These insights can help you rethink how you build your daily meals.
You'll discover why certain fasting styles can increase visceral fat loss, support hormonal balance, and boost performance. Expect a mix of science, real-world application, and surprising findings you may not have heard before.
In This Episode:
00:00 Introduction and Exciting New Study
00:21 Welcome and Guest Introduction
00:30 Deep Dive into the New Study
01:52 Vanessa Spina's Expertise and Background
05:47 Interview with Vanessa Spina Begins
06:15 Discussion on Protein Absorption Study
14:04 Personal Experiences with Protein and Fasting
16:55 Debunking Protein Myths
18:10 Nutrition Principles and Protein Prioritization
22:23 Ketones, Satiety, and Inflammation
27:07 Balancing Hormones and Stress
31:17 Understanding Autophagy and Protein Intake
32:35 The Importance of Human Trials in Research
35:11 Study on High Protein Fasting Mimicking Diet
38:38 Results and Implications of the Study
42:18 Personal Experiences with Protein-Sparing Modified Fasting
45:32 Practical Tips for Implementing Protein-Sparing Modified Fasting
57:54 Comparing Different Fasting Approaches
01:01:13 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
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"Most people don't overeat because they lack willpower — they lack protein."
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Resources:
- Study Referenced: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/394359134_Effects_of_fasting-mimicking_diets_with_low_and_high_protein_content_on_cardiometabolic_health_and_autophagy_A_randomized_parallel_group_study
- Get 15% off Paleovalley Electrolites: paleovalley.com/jockers – Use code JOCKERS
Connect with Vanessa Spina:
- Website: ketogenicgirl.com
Connect with Dr. Jockers:
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Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/drjockers/
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Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/DrDavidJockers
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YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/user/djockers
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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/