The Antidepressant Effects of Intermittent Fasting - How and Why it Works 

so if someone was cutting themselves, harming their bodies for the sake of emotional regulation issues, at what point are we going to start saying that cutting and burning yourself is as equally beneficial to regulate your emotions, if we seem to do with starving yourself? I mean, people take that to great depths with eating disorders for that very same neurophysiology. Religious groups can go so far as to starve for extremely long periods of time, practicing asceticism. At what point does it become self harm? With obesity, you have the clear harmful aspects related to being over weight, yet you'll have the rising popularity of body positivity... With anorexia you have malnutrition and starvation...which once again is inundated with plea for body positivity. Why does it seem like the more we entrust interpreting human behavior to clinicians who articulate it with very specific view of the world, objectively, scientifically, the more detached we seem to become as a species with our own understanding of wellness...? We have changed our environments so fast over such a short period of time, it's like we're trying to trick our brain into thinking its still 25,000 BCE and we're hunter gatherers going through periods of starvation, yet we live in constant access to endless amounts of food, shelter and entertainment. The irony. Its like getting so good at a game you invented, that you no longer enough playing because there's no challenge. Like an emergency fail safe switch for life. Doing too well? Inward collapse, like a neuron star. Imagine any other species refusing to eat food, because they don't emotionally feel good. The only example I can think of that happening is with caged animals. Humans built our own cages and now we have to suffer to enjoy them.

If hungry eat packeted soups Nuts Dry fruit Tin fish Berries Fruit Water 2 coffees To get you through from morning to 12 hours. It’s more realistic and has the same effect just have way more energy. Trust me

@@michaeljdt9235 tried the packeted soaps but now I feel weird and the bubbles in my mouth are annoying

Ty, Doctor..a Med School dropout

​@@michaeljdt9235 Nutritional psychology is like 1/100th of the picture. Not the whole thing.

I want to try this, but I'm nervous. I'm afraid my anxiety will get triggered because I'll start thinking about how I think I need to eat/get nutrients in my body, if that makes sense. Did you have any struggles following through mentally? Thank you and that's awesome that you've had both physical and mental benefits from it!

did you change ur diet as well?

@@lucyfurr777 Hi Sarah, please don't worry about that. I had the same fear until I took the time first to learn everything I could about intermittent fasting (IF). I was afraid I would faint or have some scary reaction, but I didn't. I educated myself through learning from doctors who promote and practice IF themselves in their own lives For starters, I highly recommend Dr. Jason Fung. Search his name on RU-vid. He explains IF in very basic terms that everyone can understand. He is a well-known and respected nephrologist from Toronto and has written books on PCOS, obesity, diabetes, etc. You will love his speaking style and be comforted in knowing that IF is a natural and beneficial practice. Good luck!

​@@lucyfurr777 For me it works. You don't have to do anything drastic and can always stop the intermittent fasting. If I try to only eat one meal a day, but I find myself getting really hungry I will have a snack or small meal. No guilt! On holidays I may overdo it, but I just scale back in the following days. Since I'm not a big breakfast person, I skip breakfast. My eating window is 2 hours after I wake up to 2 hours before I go to bed. If you're not used to skipping meals start with portion control, just eating smaller amounts. If you're concerned about getting nutrients make sure you include them in the meals and snacks you do eat. Mental struggles? Sometimes, especially around the holidays. That's a hard time for me. Sometimes I will include chocolate in my menu on some days... I just don't overdo. I think when we totally deprive ourselves is when we binge. Take your time, don't beat yourself up if you "cheat". Losing weight is a process. You should to talk to your doctor before you start. Mindy Pelz's videos are a great reference for fasting advice. I stepped on the scale yesterday...I'm down 18 lbs total! That's another thing...when you start this process, DON'T weigh yourself everyday! It can be discouraging. Maybe once a week I will weigh in. Being able to feel my clothes are looser and fit better is a motivator for me! Good luck!

@@josimarie8759 No, just cutting way down on the bad stuff!

I feel the same about her 🥺

She has a you tube channel. She’s not in your life. But I am happy you don’t feel judged.

@@MsCafecito no 1 actually asked you though.. stuff like this is the reason why this comment was made.. wow imagine trying to be a gatekeeper for what people feel.

@@MsCafecito I’m just thinking about the purpose of your comment. She is in my life if I’m watching her videos. If you don’t think so then don’t comment. No one asked about your vibe-ruining opinion under my comment

@@MsCafecito think about your comment a bit more. MZ said that she is the first person in their life that doesn’t judge MZ. That must mean MZ doesn’t have the right support system around them yet, but why point that out? Who does that help? I think all MZ was doing was expressing gratitude to the doctor for making these videos for people.

I can relate to this to. Predictable times or set times I eat around has helped some I think depression makes me intermediate fast anyways

I can relate 😅

Same

I have tried and appreciated the effects, now rescheduling everything

Oh boy have I been there. I recommend the Panic Attacks Workbook by David Carbonnel, it saved my ass

Quran says, fast it is better for you, if only you knew.

¹

@@KAhmed-wp5ui qqqqqq

@@KAhmed-wp5ui áááááaqááaa🏠🏠

nope it didnt help me , thirst makes me angry and depressed

Wow! Thx 4 sharing.❤️

Maybe you haven't "cracked" or "fallen off the wagon" for a day when scheduling went all to hell and you just stopped and grabbed a fast-food meal on the way home instead of trudging through the extra hours of un-intended fasting to have to make your own meal under terms of exhaustion (or bordering it)... Maybe, certain days like holidays or special events can be scratched into the calendar (with an allowance for the odd days when schedules get "hopelessly screwed up") and become "treat days" when the usual fasting takes a back-seat... Maybe it's even okay from time to time, to allow yourself a snickety snack, or just a "day off" because most things are okay in moderation. ...and the greater point isn't about "when you've failed". We're all human, so even the occasional indulgence in horrifically over-processed foods and a MONUMENTAL helping of dessert can be worth it... so long as we don't make a regular habit of big desserts and processed meals ALL the time. They're treats, and should be respected that way. There's no good to come of "abandoning the lifestyle" simply because something came up, or because it's right next to impossible to be sociable or remotely friendly during Christmas time and NOT eat yourself nearly sick at least once... Try to keep "indiscretions" to a minimum, but it can be perfectly alright when they happen. You just recover, and keep on going. ;o)

Me too!! I have PMDD and my husband said he didn’t even notice any bad mood at all. We usually get into a huge battle the day before my period.

Me too. Intermittent fasting has many benefits

I too could wait to click on this video insightful

Amazing to hear! Happy for you!

Reducing sugar and flour drastically reduced my period cramps. I almost have none at all.

i find this to be true for me also on top of eating satiating foods.

So true.. No more grazing.

Wow this might make me try it

What is your eating window ?

what do you eat during your eating window and how long is it? 8 hours?

Do you get lightheaded?

@@tammyg8031 If that happens, you're probably doing it wrong

@@tammyg8031 I actually get foggy brained when I do the "eat 5 small meals a day" etc. I do not get hungry or light headed doing intermittent fasting

@ how do you do it?

Same and increased water intake.

That's awesome! Thanks for sharing your experience. Congrats on cutting out sugar. That's a monumental hurdle for me. It's so hard because so many things have added sugar it trains our pallets to prefer things sweet. All the best to you.

@@DrTraceyMarks Lest you think I’ve got this sugar thing mastered, oh I definitely do not. I don’t have soda or desserts anymore, but I do have my secret sugar (carbs) fairly often. I also allow myself fruit. You are so right about the taste of sweetness we’re used to, but I am also amazed at how often formerly just savory things now sometimes have a sweetness. Like P.F. Chang’s deep fried green beans. Lol.

This is amazing! I’ve quit everything so as to work on my mind, body and soul (relationships, alcohol any mind altering substances) except sugar! It’s like all I have left. But it’s next on the list. It’s gotten very bad.

@@Starburst75 Funny you mention that. Starting today I’m fasting from added sugars for the next 30 days. I mentioned it on Instagram and will be posting updates from time to time. Join me if you like. But I understand if you need some time to get ready for such a big change 😀

@@DrTraceyMarks I will have to check that out! Can’t hurt to listen and learn! Gather info 😊

Yes it’s not for everyone

@@DrTraceyMarks What if someone has both ADHD and Depression?

What if you have ocd, taking antidep and adhd?

@@nathantan1635 I have both and I will just try! I‘m also autistic so that side of me will probably love it 😅 I think it could help to set a daily automatic reminder in your calendar of the eating window starting and the eating window ending.

Yes it definitely does not work for me. It stresses me out to think whether I should eat or not.

There is a lot of wisdom in these practices!

Amazing

no but the way us muslims fast is different. IF usually has a TON of tea/coffe and water, we dry fast in ramadan

You weren't allowed to drink water too during Ramadan which only makes you dehydrated. I didn't count Ramadan as intermittent fasting because of that fact alone. Being dehydrated doesn't do you any good, it's just dumb.

@@roguenarok don’t do it then Mr. smart

Same here I'm not crazy for breakfast. Every once in while. Even then it is simple like a scramble egg

i started "intermittent fasting" when I was in college - except that was no official name for it until many decades later. Like you, when I wake up, I simply am not hungry - so why ingest a bunch of calories I don't want? I actually did not get hungry until about 5 or 6 pm - so I also skipped lunch - and never missed it. I was able to notice years later, when I started drinking flavored coffee in the morning while working from home - that around 2 hours later I became very groggy and tired - and it was miserable. I noticed I also became more irritable when these slumps hit. I eventually figured out that that 9 am flavored coffee calorie spike and subsequent low blood sugar plummet took about 2 hours to hit - and the cause of my low blood sugar grogginess - - - so I went back to black coffee - and the those miserable slumps - disappeared. Back then people knew little about how miserable those carb/blood sugar and subsequent insulin swings could make us - but I was able to figure it out, especially once the book "The Zone" came out declaring how unhealthy having insulin/blood sugar spikes were to our overall health. It validated my choice to not eat during the day - and why I seemed to feel better than those who ate breakfast, lunch and snacked in between. As long as I didn't eat during the day - I never experienced those afternoon "energy slumps" that whole industries developed caffeine and sugar products on. During most of my life the primary reason for not eating - was primarily because I felt better and my energy levels were more constant. Once these "INTERMITTENT FASTING" studies came out about 5 years ago - - FINALLY validated that not eating for long stretches was not only safe - BUT HEALTHY .... I felt vindicated after decades of people looking at me like was a nutcase for choosing not to eat during the day primarily because I felt better. For me, it was easy as I almost never felt hungry during the day. As an added benefit, bypassing those 2 meals, also saved a lot of time and money. Also, I chose to have my eating window in the Evening - for 2 reasons ... Most people look forward to sharing their evening meal with family members ...etc. - or if friends want to meet up and grab a meal - when using this time frame, most people around you - don't even notice your limited eating window - and you are less tempted to cheat - just so you can share a pizza ..etc with others in the evening. Another Bonus - when the "post meal sleepiness" sets in, the evening 'eating window" is near bedtime ... providing the added benefit of falling into a nice deep sleep with a full stomach ... because trying to fall asleep on an empty stomach - is difficult - which can interfere with the quality of sleep - and a lack of sleep contributes to cravings and tiredness the next day.

Oh that’s awesome Doc Robby! Thanks for letting me know. All the best to you! 😊

​@Dr. Tracey Marks how are you doing beautiful 😍

That’s great! I’m so glad it’s working so we’ll for you. I might have to try your schedule 😊

you mean your eating window is 8 hours and fasting window is 14 hours, right?

@@jimskeuh no I eat then fast for 8h then eat and then fast for 16 minus the times of the meals ofcourse It's very important to give the body the time to digest the food properly. 6-8hours of not eating is recommended after having a meal. Snacks like fruits are okay

So you have literally gone 48 hours without eating anything? And that makes you feel great? Also what is Dino?

So true, anyone that’s raw vegan will tell you just how MAGICAL ✨ fasting is in every way!

@@salkisresmedicinalwisdom3291 So is there anyway you can elaborate does it help someone if they say they have may be depression or anxiety?just curious if you might know thank you

@@ricka0917 There was a study done when significantly obese man fasted for over a year (under control of a medical doctor, regular blood work, regular supplementation etc.) He lost over 100 kg and regained his health. Fasting 2 days is nothing :)

@@horace6851 I understand that I am a 58 year old man in good health just wondering how it could benefit me I would love to hear your response?

I am in my 50's, too. I have some similar problems. Thanks for your sharing!

@@catherinewylie6959 just like any diet, which i dont really consider this a diet, it takes time getting used too, but you really do feel the benefits right off and i think we all need that instant gratification now!

mushrooms? what do you mean psychedelics or just mushrooms to eat?

@@jimskeuh psychedlic🍄

Thank you for sharing!! I have PMDD as well and was worried that fasting is gonna mess me up further but this sounds good 👍

@@Clara-lq4ev Of course, everyone is different and things affect people differently, but so far so good with me!

I have PMDD as well! Thank you for sharing :)

Haha, I put creamer in my coffee too. I thought it was going to mess up my fasting, but I still get the same effect, and I have PMDD, and fasting helps so happy to see that someone is doing it and has PMDD, and it's working for them as well. I also take primrose oil to relieve night sweats and menstrual pain. It's a supplement you can get over the counter!

@@kemh4087 That’s great to know! I’m still sort of doing IF but I’ve been eating my breakfast a bit earlier and ending dinner earlier. I will have to look into the primrose evening oil 😊

😁 That spaghetti looks good too!

I agree. Most of my adult life I have skipped both breakfast and lunch - primarily because I felt better and my energy levels and mood were more constant and even. Many years ago, I discovered the relationship of daytime grogginess and irritability - that appeared after eating during the day. Whenever I was tempted to eat - all I would have to do - is remember trying to get thru a busy work day - when all I wanted to do, was lay down and take a nap after eating -a miserable feeling. All that disappeared, when I stopped eating during the day. I also discovered - that late in the afternoon IF I started getting really hungry and my evening meal was 2 or 3 hours away - that the BEST way to deal with it, was to grab a cheese stick that I would keep in my frig - it is only 100 calories - and does not trigger blood sugar cravings like a carb loaded snack would ... it was amazing how satiating that one mozzarella cheese stick was - a fast easy low calorie "fix" .. that allowed my to delay eating my larger meal for several hours.

I have an ED and have been diagnosed with depression

IF helps with the brain chemistry too.

Good for you sis!! You did that!

@@TheRAH1 Thank you❣

you only drank water for 10 days?

@@tnt01 Yes. I also do dry fasting, but it's only when Im going through something extremely stressful. Sort of like a filter, but I'm mindful of why I'm doing it. Sort if like a transmutation, I that makes any sense.

@@QueenOmaNwanyi wow, 10 days is a long time.

That's great Ebby. I'm glad you recognize the unhelpful thoughts. They'll still intrude at times, but keep pushing through. 😊

Thanks a lot Denis! 😊❤️

Thanks SO much Dr. Brinster for the super thanks. I really appreciate it. What an honor to be followed by a colleague and thanks for sharing the information. Interestingly enough, I just saw a headlong about a diet for ADHD. I made a note to read it and see if it’s more than “avoid sugar” 😊. I’ll definitely keep your topics in mind for future videos.

I want to start taking it too. When is the best time to take it? And with or without food ?

@@SusanM. oh good question - since magnesium helps with sleep, I take it at night - as for the food question I'm not sure

Did fasting help for you?

@@Mariana-dl4ce It did not help. Turns out I actually had untreated ADHD. That is where all my depression and other symptoms were coming from. Its why depression medication and other attempts at treatment weren't working. I now have medication for ADHD and am doing well for the first time in life.

@@little_lion_heart9850 Great to hear you found something to help!

I hear you. I’m trying to do it more consistently on weekdays. It’s hard eating between patients appointments. But even a few days a week can be helpful

Subjective. Not everyone lives in a fairytale land like you.

Demetrius I agree with you 100 per cent every morning when I wake up I thank the lord for another day of life . That’s the attitude we should always have 🙏🏻👍❤️

You don't feel anything much personally, if you have life long and major depression like myself. Even with medication.

Today, the mushroom compound is being used in clinical trials for end-of-life anxiety, treatment-resistant depression, addiction, eating disorders and other conditions with unprecedented success, and psilocybin-assisted therapy has been given FDA “breakthrough therapy” status as a treatment for depression.

xxr_psychedelic Has the best record of good strains n they will teach you all you need to know before dispensing...you gon be grateful

I think it's more that there are multiple truths. Everyone's body is different so there aren't any one-size-fits-all solutions out there. Maybe intermittent fasting will work for you. Maybe it won't.

I have both.

You can have maybe applesauce or something with your medicine and then that’s it. Even light eating can make a difference!

@@Imtrying_girl the only foods allowed during the fasting time of intermittent fasting are water, plain tea and plain coffee. Applesauce is high in carbs so would break the fast and also its not enough food. I need an actual meal to stop my meds from making me ill

I second this request!

Absolutely. I have ADHD and fasting helped me kick the need for my meds greatly. I feel sooooooo much better.

@@TheRAH1 that’s great to hear how long do you fast for and how often if you don’t mind me asking?

I have anxiety and I do it. Helps me!

I have anxiety and depression also I was wondering if it would help and how often to do it?

I’m wondering the same. I have both ADHD & ASD and back when IF was sustainable for me to maintain I actually felt more focused & attentive. 🤷‍♀️

everyone should practice intermittent fasting. she was just saying certain people may have issues and might need more time to adjust, learn, and incorporate a different schedule into their life.

@@electricmayhem8147 Thank you!

-------------- would think a diabetic/prediabetic would need to be careful w/I.F .....? IDK

I would also appreciate if you can put a link of the videos you mention on the description.

Are you over weight?

I am not a doctor and in my limited knowledge based on what I have read about health in books and information I have reviewed, eating constantly is not the best for the pancreas, because you force it to work constantly and do not allow it to rest and repair. Evolutionarily human beings did not have food so easy to find, so fasting is something that our genetics of thousands of years is adapted to, eating every hour is not. I recommend the book by Dr. Satchin Panda and Dr. Valter Longo who talk about fasting in a profound way, they have been studying its effects and benefits for years. From what I understand, the pancreas is in charge of secreting insulin to regulate blood glucose, so for it to work better, the best thing would be to start with a diet of low to medium glycemic index foods, and avoid eating at night, I remember that Dr. Satchin in his book mentioned that each organ has its own rhythm, and for example the pancreas at night is not as efficient as during the day, so the same food eaten in the morning and in the afternoon or evening have different blood glucose peaks (in the afternoon/evening is much higher). As you mention intermittent fasting should not be taken as a fad of the moment, in fact it should be something done in an optimal and well thought out way. A person who has high levels of stress, if fasting will be very bad, because it will overload your body and will not get all the benefits. Also, fasting is not to stop eating, it is to eat the same amount of calories (nutritious food) in a shorter window, because otherwise you will end up with nutritional deficits, with a slower metabolism and getting sick rather than healing. Fasting is a learning process, very beneficial when done right. I hope you get better from your pancreatitis! unfortunately conventional medicine does not have comprehensive approaches to chronic diseases, so if you can look for other options and what better if they are functional doctors! Maybe you first need to heal a basic stomach, many digestive problems start with a stomach that is not acidic enough, due to a bad diet, stress, bad sleep, sedentary lifestyle, etc... Good Luck!!! And Blessings!

@@noemiromero4729 @Noemí Romero I do not eat constantly. I eat 6 small "meals" each day. Thanks, but I will stick to the advice of my gastroenterologist who is an expert in my medical condition and explained to me how to eat properly so I'm not sick every day. Again, I have zero interest in intermittent fasting. Your overzealous comment just reinforced my belief this is a fad diet.

@@truthexposer2480 are you?

@@willowbeederouaux4750 again, the point is NO PRESCRIPTION…of a diet or anything else…is for EVERYONE. This country is suffering from a plague of reductive, simplistic thinking in many areas and Dr Marks has made clear she agrees. I’m a pwBPD and wouldn’t dream of even trying this but think it’s a great idea for many.