When Your Doctor Says No to Fasting

It happens. You get all excited about fasting, finally you’ve found something that might work for you.

You check in with your doctor, because that’s what you’re supposed to do.

And your doctor gives you this disapproving look and shakes his or her head, and says, “No.” Much to your dismay. 

I’ve seen this happen with my own clients more times than I can count.

Even though therapeutic fasting has been practiced for ages, there are still some in the medical field who don’t support it. 

So what now? Let’s discuss. 

Why might your doctor say no?

Understanding the reasoning behind the negative response is your first step. 

There are several reasons we can think of why your doctor might not want you to fast. 

And you should ask so you can be clear about it. 

They don’t understand fasting 

Sadly, most doctors get very little education on nutrition in medical school. 

They might just not know any better. 

If you feel like this is the case with your doctor, you can try sharing some information. 

If you have a favourite fasting book, you could bring it along and ask your doctor to look it over. 

Or you could point them to a video or podcast on fasting. Dr Fung would be a good one. 

Ask your doctor to look at the material before they make up their mind about whether you should fast or not. 

Your medical condition

Maybe you currently have a medical condition or you’re on medications that concern your doctor when it comes to fasting. 

For example, if you have diabetes, they might worry that fasting will cause issues with low blood sugar. 

Or maybe you’re on medications that will need to be adjusted.

You should assure your doctor that you intend to do this safely, and that you would like them to monitor you during your fast. 

And remind your doctor that fasting can help reverse those medical conditions and get you off of the medications. 

Which your doctor should be advocating for. 

There are reasons that you actually should not be fasting 

If any of the following are true for you, we agree with your doctor that you should not be fasting:

• You are not an adult yet 

• You are pregnant or breastfeeding 

• You have a history of eating disorders

• You have a low BMI (under 20)

What next?

So now you’re clear on why your doctor has said no, and you’ve had a good discussion about fasting and they still say no.

What now?

Assuming you do not fall into the “should not be fasting” category that we mentioned, you have some decisions to make. 

Should you get a new doctor?

If your doctor is not willing to learn about fasting and support you, then it might be worth looking for a new doctor. 

Thankfully, there are many doctors now who do support fasting. 

Should you fast anyway?

We cannot tell you to go against your doctor’s advice. 

All we can tell you is what we know - that fasting is good for fat loss and for your metabolic health. 

You are the one who has to decide what is best for you. 

Are there other options?

If you decide not to fast, the next best thing is the ketogenic or carnivore diet. 

Ask your doctor if those would be better for you. 

And work on cutting out processed foods and seed oils, being more active, and getting your sleep. 

It’s your life

Ultimately, whether you fast or not is up to you. 

You should of course always check in with your doctor, but you get the final say.