In this episode, I have the great pleasure and honor of speaking with the eminent neuroscientist and renowned expert on Intermittent Fasting: Dr. Mark Mattson. His book “The Intermittent Fasting Revolution: The Science of Optimizing Health and Enhancing Performance” covers his research and findings as well as the background and explanations of the processes in addition to the many health benefits of this practice. In fact, Intermittent Fasting is not only beneficial for anyone suffering from various ailments and chronic illnesses (like I have), but also for anyone who would like to optimize their overall functioning, enhance performance, and live a longer and healthier life!

We talk about how to get started and what to watch out for, the metabolic switch with its different effects on the brain and the body, and how it can not only help alleviate or cure cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, asthma, and sleep apnea but also reduce inflammation and anxiety and lead to weight loss as well. Moreover, engaging in intermittent fasting is a great way of preventing future health issues and complications and boosting one’s overall health. 

Finally, Mark also explains how and why breakfast is not the most important meal and how pharmaceutical companies and the health care system tend to be geared toward profit-making and more interested in treating illnesses as opposed to preventing them in the first place. Finally, we discuss how mild stress or eustress can build resistance and make us more resistant as long as it is followed by enough rest and a recovery mode.