The SHOCKING Benefits of Not Eating for 72 Hours

The SHOCKING Benefits of Not Eating for 72 Hours

Author: Dr. Jockers August 25, 2026 Duration: 1:04:28

In this episode, Dr. David Jockers sits down with fasting expert Ben Azadi, host of the Metabolic Freedom Podcast and author of the book Metabolic Freedom, for a detailed, hour-by-hour walk through exactly what happens inside your body during a 72-hour water fast.

 

You will learn what's really going on at each stage of a fast, from the first 12 hours of digestive rest all the way through ketone production, autophagy, mitochondrial biogenesis, and a dramatic spike in growth hormone, plus why your body targets visceral fat and old, damaged proteins before anything else.

 

Dr. Jockers and Ben also cover how to prepare your body before a long fast, what to eat (and avoid) once you break it, which liquids and supplements actually support a fast, and the specific dopamine and immune system resets that happen at the 48 and 72 hour marks.

 


In This Episode: 

00:00 Fasting Supplements Debate

00:27 Podcast Intro and 72 Hour Fast

04:06 12 to 16 Hours Fat Burning

05:51 Ketones and Brain Clarity

08:48 BDNF and Stress Resilience

11:07 Spiritual and Dopamine Reset

13:51 24 Hours Autophagy Begins

16:53 Visceral Fat and Mitochondria

25:12 Growth Hormone and Muscle Loss

29:06 Preparing for a Long Fast

34:20 Push Past Dinner Cravings

35:08 Ghrelin Waves and Herbal Tea

36:43 Deeper Fat Burning Benefits

37:23 Fatty Liver Fuel Explained

38:43 No Such Thing Failed

39:54 Gut Stem Cells and Leaky

44:15 Dopamine Reset at 48

46:38 Immune Reset at 72

47:12 Water Fast vs ProLon

49:29 Discipline and Addiction Break

50:21 What to Drink While

51:59 Supplements Binders and Gut

56:56 Breaking Fast Safely

58:18 Where to Find Jockers

01:00:23 Gratitude Closing Thoughts

 

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"Visceral fat is literally choking out blood supply from getting into your vital organs."

 

Subscribe to the podcast on:

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Resources: 

  • Visit paleovalley.com/jockers to get 15% off Paleo Valley grass-fed meat sticks and other products

  • Visit butcherbox.com/drjockers to get $20 off your first box, plus a free item choice and free shipping

  • Visit aquatrushower.com and use promo code SHNUTRITION to get 20% off Aquatru Shower

 

 

Connect with Ben Azadi:

 

Connect with Dr. Jockers:

 


If you are interested in being a guest on the show, we would love to hear from you! Please contact us here! - https://drjockers.com/join-us-dr-jockers-functional-nutrition-podcast/


Tune into Dr. Jockers Functional Nutrition for conversations that bridge the gap between complex science and practical, daily health choices. Hosted by Dr. David Jockers, a Doctor of Natural Medicine and Functional Nutritionist, this podcast delves into the underlying causes of health challenges rather than just treating symptoms. You’ll hear detailed discussions on metabolic flexibility, the intricacies of gut health, and sustainable methods for reducing systemic inflammation. Dr. Jockers draws from his clinical experience and research, which has been featured in media like ABC and The Dr. Oz Show, to break down strategies for improving brain function, supporting the immune system, and achieving natural detoxification. Each episode is built on a foundation of evidence, yet presented in a way that feels accessible, whether you're deeply invested in fitness or simply seeking a more vibrant life. The focus here is on providing actionable knowledge-the kind that empowers you to make informed decisions about nutrition and lifestyle. This isn't about quick fixes; it's about understanding how your body works and learning the principles that can help it thrive for the long term.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

Dr. Jockers Functional Nutrition
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