How often should you fast?

The frequency of fasting can vary based on individual health status and lifestyle. For time-restricted eating, Dr. Rhonda Patrick suggests consuming all food within a 10-hour window for a daily 14-hour fast, as it helps activate beneficial pathways like autophagy and insulin suppression. This daily rhythm seems to work well for maintaining general health 1.

For more intense approaches like the fasting-mimicking diet, Dr. Valter Longo mentions that average individuals may need to do it once every four months. However, individuals with obesity or multiple health risks might require it monthly until significant improvements are observed 2.

Furthermore, Dr. Satchin Panda recommends adopting a time-restricted eating pattern as a lifestyle, limiting food intake to 8-12 hours daily. This method can be maintained lifelong, unlike longer fasts that require medical supervision and are suited for specific health conditions 3.