TMHS 832: Why Fasting for Women Is DIFFERENT & How To Eat RIGHT During Your Cycle | Dr. Mindy Pelz
Oct 7, 2024
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In this engaging conversation, Dr. Mindy Pelz, a bestselling author and a leading authority on women's health and hormones, discusses the unique challenges women face with fasting. She highlights how fasting differs for women compared to men and offers tailored approaches. Dr. Pelz reveals the impact of obesogens on weight gain and the importance of whole foods. The episode also delves into dietary recommendations that align with the menstrual cycle, protein's role in hormone balance, and the significance of mindful eating for women's empowerment.
Fasting protocols for women must account for hormonal cycles, as their physiological responses differ significantly from those of men.
Obesogens in processed foods contribute to weight gain and hormonal imbalances by reprogramming stem cells to create fat cells.
Educating women about nutrition and the effects of different foods empowers them to make healthier choices and improve health outcomes.
Deep dives
Benefits of Fasting
Fasting has numerous health benefits, including improved insulin sensitivity, enhanced immune system function, and increased cognitive function due to the production of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). Research indicates that fasting can also promote autophagy, a process that helps the body clean out damaged cells, and slow down the aging process. Notably, intermittent fasting has been found to be more effective than daily calorie restriction in helping individuals retain muscle mass while losing weight. This makes fasting an appealing option for those looking to lose weight without sacrificing lean muscle.
Individual Differences in Fasting
Fasting protocols are not one-size-fits-all; they vary significantly between men and women due to biological differences. Women may experience distinct benefits from fasting, particularly relating to their hormonal cycles, which affect their response to fasting. It is essential to consider these individual differences when creating a fasting plan to maximize its benefits, particularly for weight loss. Acknowledging the unique physiological responses of women can lead to a better understanding and more effective use of fasting as a health strategy.
The Role of Pu-erh Tea
Pu-erh tea has been highlighted as a beneficial complement to intermittent fasting due to its ability to support fat loss while preserving muscle mass. Studies show that this traditional fermented tea influences fat metabolism by affecting an enzyme called hormone-sensitive lipase, which helps unlock fat from fat cells. The tea's purity is crucial; it should be sourced from wild-crafted materials free from pesticides and herbicides to ensure health benefits. Consuming high-quality Pu-erh tea can enhance the positive effects of fasting and support overall health.
Obesogens and Weight Gain
The food we consume today is often laden with chemicals known as obesogens, which can disrupt normal metabolism and promote fat storage. These chemicals reprogram stem cells to create fat cells instead of healthy tissues, contributing significantly to weight gain and hormonal imbalances. This issue highlights the importance of consuming whole, unprocessed foods instead of chemical-laden options commonly found in supermarkets. Addressing this problem through dietary changes helps women regain control of their weight and overall health.
The Importance of Nutritional Education for Women
Women face unique challenges regarding health and nutrition, especially in relation to hormonal health and weight. The conversation around weight loss often centers on willpower and discipline, but many women may be hindered by the toxic nature of ultra-processed foods. Nutrition education is vital for helping women understand their bodies and the distinct effects different foods can have. Empowering women with knowledge about their nutritional needs fosters healthier choices and improved health outcomes.
Over the last several years, intermittent fasting has been widely regarded as a powerful method to shed unwanted fat, improve insulin sensitivity, and even take advantage of the benefits of autophagy. But what’s often missing from the conversation on fasting is that most, if not all, of the research on fasting has been conducted exclusively on men.
So today on The Model Health Show, I’m bringing in a world-renowned women’s health expert to discuss fasting for women. Dr. Mindy Pelz is a bestselling author, physician, and coach who is a top expert in all things hormones, menstrual cycles, and women’s health. She’s back on the show to share how fasting is different for women, and how to eat and train in accordance with your body’s natural rhythms.
This conversation contains important discussions on how obesogens are making us fat, how to eat for hormonal health, and the role that ultra-processed foods are playing in our epidemics of health. Dr. Mindy is also sharing some of her top principles for nutrition, the truth about weight loss drugs, and so much more. I hope you enjoy this interview with the one and only, Dr. Mindy Pelz!
In this episode you’ll discover:
The biggest misconception about weight gain.
How obesogens are creating an epidemic of obesity.
The effect that obesogens have on your stem cells.
How fasting can help your body reset.
What is stored inside fat cells, and why fat gain is an adaptation.
Why fasting is different for women.
The critical relationship between progesterone and glucose.
How cortisol can impact the menstrual cycle.
The two times during the month that women should not be fasting.
What the manifestation phase is.
How ultra-processed food contributes to weight problems.
The importance of reducing exposure to endocrine disrupting chemicals.
Why controlling blood sugar is critical for overall health.
How fasting changes your microbiome & how to eat for your microbes.
The role of protein in hormone production.
Why weight loss drugs create a bigger disconnect between us and our bodies.
This episode of The Model Health Show is brought to you by Pique and Paleovalley.
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