The Science of Fasting

By Published Reviewed by Dr. Tro Kalayjian, DOReviewed

Fasting raises practical questions as well as scientific ones: how schedules differ, what medical considerations matter, and how fasting relates to protein, muscle and exercise. In this full-length presentation, Dr. Laura Buchanan brings those topics together.

This lecture is useful if you want a fuller explanation than a short fasting overview. The outline below can help you identify the parts most relevant to your questions.

The Science of Fasting · Dr. Laura Buchanan · 52:08

In this lecture

  • The science behind fasting
  • Timing, duration and common fasting schedules
  • Medical considerations and electrolytes
  • Muscle, protein timing and exercise
  • Questions and discussion

Use the lecture to frame your questions

As you watch, consider which part needs more discussion with your care team: timing and duration, electrolyte guidance, or how a fasting approach would fit around exercise and protein intake. The presentation provides a starting point for those conversations, while the linked guides below let you revisit common questions in writing.

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