Ep. 322 | Autophagy, Hormones, and Lifespan: A Deep Dive into Fasting with Dr. Krista Varady

Jun 28

This is the second episode on the science of fasting with Dr. Krista Varady, a leading researcher in intermittent fasting and a Professor of Nutrition at the University of Illinois, Chicago. With over 15 years of experience in studying fasting, Dr. Varady shares her insights on autophagy, the impact of fasting on hormones, and the potential lifespan benefits of intermittent fasting.

In this episode, you'll discover:

• The science behind autophagy and its occurrence in humans during fasting. • The impact of caloric restriction on hormones, specifically androgens. • The potential effects of intermittent fasting on lifespan. • The challenges in interpreting scientific literature and the importance of responsible science communication. • The truth about fasting products and their claims.

ABOUT Dr. Krista Varady

Krista Varady, PhD, is a Professor of Nutrition at the University of Illinois, Chicago. Her research focuses on the efficacy of intermittent fasting for weight management and metabolic disease risk reduction in adults with obesity. She has been studying fasting for over 15 years and is one of the top researchers in this field. Her work is funded by the NIH, American Heart Association, and the University of Illinois. She has published over 100 publications on this topic, and is also the author of a book for the general public, entitled the "Every Other Day Diet.”

ABOUT THE BLUEPRINT PODCAST

The Blueprint Podcast is for busy professionals and Household CEOs who care deeply about their families, career, and health. Host Dr. Erik Korem distills cutting edge-science, leadership, and life skills into simple tactics optimized for your busy lifestyle and goals. Dr. Korem interviews scientists, coaches, elite athletes, entrepreneurs, entertainers, and exceptional people to discuss science and practical skills you can implement to become the most healthy, resilient, and impactful version of yourself.

On a mission to equip people to pursue audacious goals, thrive in uncertainty, and live a healthy and fulfilled life, Dr. Erik Korem is a High-Performance pioneer. He introduced sports science and athlete-tracking technologies to collegiate and professional (NFL) football over a decade ago. He has worked with the National Football League, Power-5 NCAA programs, gold-medal Olympians, Nike, and the United States Department of Defense.

Erik is an expert in sleep and stress resilience. He is the Founder and CEO of AIM7, a health and fitness app that unlocks the power of wearables by providing you with daily personalized recommendations to enhance your mind, body, and recovery.