The Thing No One Tells You About Intermittent Fasting

I’ve tried more than a few traditional approaches to fasting or “cleansing” over the years.

Not a fan!

As a functional medicine doctor and acupuncturist, I’m here to tell you that fasting & intermittent fasting are TOUGH on women's health.

That’s because it messes with our hormones and can disrupt menstrual cycles and mood. 

If you have female reproductive organs and struggle with fasting or intermittent fasting, know that it’s not a problem of willpower; our bodies genuinely struggle with it.

While I’m ranting, I’ll add that the concept of “cleansing” implies our bodies are somehow unclean and in need of aggressive purification - ridiculous.

That said, I’m all in for a good nutritional reset!

Once a year, I do the 21-day MediClear Cleanse nutritional reset:).

Why do it? Honestly, in my case, it’s mostly vanity (I do it when I’m feeling bloated, extra tight in my jeans, and or muscles seem a bit weak).

I know from years past that this reset restores my energy and stamina and generally makes me feel great, so I look forward to it even though it means less of some of my favorite foods for a few weeks.

This approach works for me because it provides a clear meal plan and has zero to do with caloric restriction. I especially like that the list of foods you CAN enjoy is way longer than the avoid list.

The optional liver-supportive Mediclear vegan protein powder is awesome and helps alot with inflammation, but I’ve been skipping it the last few years.

That’s because I usually run functional medicine blood and saliva tests on myself before I do this reset and the last few times, those tests showed what my protein levels were fine and I haven't been dealing with inflammation.

If you’re anything like me, you’re wondering which list coffee is on.

Technically, it’s an “avoid,” but I always keep up with my daily cup because, hey, I’m not a masochist.

If you want to try the MediClear Cleanse nutritional reset, click here for details (here’s my discount link if you want to include the Mediclear vegan protein powder).

Want to look at your health through a detailed functional medicine lens first? Sign up for the Virtual Functional Medicne Program here!

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