Today, I am lucky to have here with me, the CEO and co-founder of the Fasting Method Program, clinical educator, and researcher, Megan Ramos. Megan’s major role in the The Fasting Method is to facilitate the patient’s education on the Fasting Method dietary principles and counsel them on their fasting regimens.
Megan, along with her colleague Dr. Jason Fung, believe that both what you eat and when you eat matter. The Fasting Method utilizes therapeutic fasting and time restricted eating protocols with their patients to help them reverse their type 2 diabetes and achieve sustainable weight-loss. They encourage their patients to eat real foods and adopt a low-carb lifestyle in addition to the fasting.
Megan was diagnosed with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NALFD) at age 12, polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) at age 14, and type 2 diabetes (DMII) at age 27. She reversed these metabolic conditions and achieve an 86-pound weight loss by incorporating intermittent fasting with a low carb diet, and is now passionate about helping others do the same.
Megan lives in Toronto, Canada. She is a director of the nonprofit organization Public Health Collaboration Canada (PHC Canada), works on the editorial board of the Journal of Insulin Resistance and Team Diet Doctor.
In this episode, Megan Ramos opens the show explaining her various health problems growing up. She started working with Dr. Jason Fung at the age of fifteen, and together, they realized the importance of fasting. Plus, Megan explains how essential it is to be proactive when it comes to your health. Not many people understand that we need to get to the root cause of a disease rather than treating the symptoms. Stay tuned as Megan gives fasting advice, and she reveals the most surprising benefits the practice can offer.
🎓Want to become a keto and fasting pro? Join the BRAND NEW Keto Kamp Academy today: http://www.ketokampacademy.com (FREE 7 DAY TRIAL)
[05:00] About Megan Ramos
- Megan comes from a horrendous gene pool. She was diagnosed with fatty liver disease, polycystic ovarian syndrome, and type 2 diabetes. She was skinny, but all of her weight was fat. Her doctor couldn’t tell why she had diseases of obesity. Megan didn’t stress about it.
- “Your genes aren’t your destiny.” –Megan Ramos
- Megan started working with Dr. Jason Fung at age 15. Her research patients were trying to live life right; however, they were just gaining more weight. Megan also was gaining weight despite hiring a nutritionist and personal trainer.
- When Dr. Fung would introduce fasting to his patients, they would feel better. It was the missing piece of the puzzle. Megan started fasting, and it finally all made sense.
[13:10] Symptoms for Kidney Dysfunction
- Patients who are leaking a lot of protein in their urine, yet they don’t have high blood pressure are most likely suffering from kidney dysfunction. Protein in the urine usually means something diabetic is going on.
- “In North America, you have insulin resistance until proven otherwise.” –Megan Ramos
- Even though your labs say normal, a conventional doctor will not be able to read the labs as an expert would.
[17:30] Being Proactive Rather Than Reactive
- Megan wants to help patients be proactive. The healthcare system is broken beyond repair.
- When Megan and Jason first started talking about fasting, people thought they were lunatics. However, the benefits of fasting have been well known for hundreds of years.
- Fasting makes a significant change in the lives of their patients.
[23:40] Fasting the Wrong Way
- Fasting the wrong way will result in electrolyte imbalance. Most people are petrified of salt. However, salt is critical to our survival and wellbeing.
- Insulin levels will be high when you first start fasting. Eventually, the insulin levels will tank. It could cause diarrhea if not rehydrating correctly.
- Megan does consultations online. Most of the time, the person’s issues are resolved by salt or magnesium.
- Pickle juice and bone broth will also assist with hydration.
- Sometimes people carb up before a fast. It will wreak havoc on your body and mind. Plus, you won’t get autophagy as efficiently. Do a fast through your ketogenic diet.
- Fasting shouldn’t make you feel bad; it should make you feel more energetic.
[31:40] The Most Surprising Benefit of Fasting
- Megan loves when older women get their libido back.
- The most surprising thing is anti-aging in women. Women who have gone grey are now getting their hair color again.
- A 76-year-old woman got her regular menstrual period back for two years.
[33:50] Should Women Practice Fasting Differently Than Men?
- Women need to be more diligent with sodium. Salt is critical in middle-aged women. Not necessarily for feeling good, but for making sure that weight loss is happening at an efficient rate.
- Women need to fast more than men to get the same results.
- A 24 hour fast will give women tremendous results. They will lose water weight and body fat.
- Women are more compliant doing a three day fast. Once they wake up on the second day, there should be no hunger. Staying in a fast can be more manageable for women.
[37:55] Advice for Someone Who is Getting Stuck at a Certain Weight
- Make sure there are no problem foods or snacking in the diet. People on keto will eat a lot of nuts and cheese outside of eating windows. What do your eating days look like?
- Add fat and protein to your meals to make them more satiating. That alone can break a person through a plateau.
[42:55] Megan’s Favorite Benefit of Fasting
- Megan gets an insane amount of energy while fasting. She gets to train doctors and speak at medical conferences. After a trip, Megan does a fat fast. It gives her an energy reboot and mental clarity.
AND MUCH MORE!
Resources from this episode:
// F O L L O W B E N A Z A D I
▸ instagram | @thebenazadi | http://bit.ly/2B1NXKW
▸ facebook | /thebenazadi | http://bit.ly/2BVvvW6
▸ twitter | @thebenazadi http://bit.ly/2USE0so
▸ linkedin | http://bit.ly/2PNRh40
▸ email | ben@ketokamp.com
Disclaimer: This podcast is for information purposes only. Statements and views expressed on this podcast are not medical advice. This podcast including Ben Azadi disclaim responsibility from any possible adverse effects from the use of information contained herein. Opinions of guests are their own, and this podcast does not accept responsibility of statements made by guests. This podcast does not make any representations or warranties about guests qualifications or credibility. Individuals on this podcast may have a direct or non-direct interest in products or services referred to herein. If you think you have a medical problem, consult a licensed physician.