Can Fasting and Autophagy REVERSE Alzheimer’s? With Dr. David Jockers

In this Episode

01:22 – Meet Dr. David Jockers

03:27 – How intermittent fasting boosts brain health

04:08 – Proper diet for better health

13:15 – Fasting, exercise, and blood sugar stability

17:16 – The mindset for living a healthier life

22:05 – How to get an energy boost while fasting

27:49 – Autophagy and how it benefits the body 

37:30 – Practical fasting tips for your routine

39:06 – Dr. Jockers’ approach to fasting

42:47 – Exciting developments: the natural healing process

45:46 – Key takeaways from today’s episode

Resources:

– Top Supplements for Alzheimer’s Guide 

Connect with Dr. David Jockers, DNM, DC, MS:

– Website 

– Podcast 

Connect with Dr. Josh Helman, MD:

– Instagram 

– Facebook 

– LinkedIn 

– TikTok 

– YouTube 

– Others 

Disclaimer: Please remember that this podcast is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult your doctor or healthcare professional before making any changes to your treatment plan.

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READ THE COMPLETE BLOG POST HERE:

Can Fasting and Autophagy REVERSE Alzheimer’s? Here’s What Dr. David Jockers Says

Struggling to protect your brain as you age? You’re not alone. With Alzheimer’s rates climbing and no magic pill in sight, many are turning to natural solutions. Enter fasting and autophagy—two powerful strategies that might just hold the key to reversing cognitive decline.

In this eye-opening conversation with Dr. David Jockers, a world-renowned expert on metabolic health, we unpack the science behind fasting and how autophagy, the body’s built-in cellular cleanup crew, can support brain health and potentially slow or even reverse Alzheimer’s.

Let’s break down the exact steps to get started, avoid common mistakes, and use your own biology to your advantage.

 

🎯 Key Takeaways From the Episode:

• Start by stabilizing blood sugar with real food and protein-rich meals—this makes fasting easier (03:00).

• Autophagy is triggered when insulin drops—you need fasting and low-carb eating to get there (27:00).

• Walking, strength training, and even saunas support autophagy and brain health (14:00).

• Avoid sweeteners during fasting—even the zero-calorie options—to reset dopamine pathways (18:00).

 

Why Fasting is a Game-Changer for Brain Health

Ditch the Sugar, Fix Your Brain

Most people live in a state of “constant feasting”—snacking on ultra-processed foods that spike insulin, damage mitochondria, and accelerate brain aging. According to Dr. Jockers, the first step is cleaning up your meals, not skipping them.

Here’s how to start:

1. Cut sugar and refined grains.

2. Ditch bad fats like seed oils and trans fats.

3. Upgrade to healthy fats: think avocados, wild fish, and grass-fed butter.

4. Eat 30+ grams of protein per meal to feel full and stabilize blood sugar.

Once your meals are nutrient-dense and blood sugar is stable, fasting becomes way easier.

 

Intermittent Fasting: Not One-Size-Fits-All

You’ve probably heard of the 16:8 fasting window—but did you know when you eat can be just as important?

Dr. Jockers explains two common approaches:

• Late Time-Restricted Feeding: Skip breakfast, eat between 12–8 p.m. (works best for busy lifestyles).

• Early Time-Restricted Feeding: Eat between 8 a.m.–2 p.m. (may offer more physiological benefits, like better sleep).

💡 Pro Tip: Once blood sugar is stable, most people naturally fall into a 6–8 hour eating window without feeling deprived.

 

What Exactly Is Autophagy? And Why You Want More of It

Autophagy literally means “self-eating”—but in a good way. It’s your body’s way of cleaning house: breaking down damaged proteins and rebuilding stronger cells.

But here’s the catch:
Autophagy only kicks in when insulin levels drop low enough. That means if you’re snacking all day, you’re missing out.

The Top Triggers for Autophagy:

1. Fasting (especially 16–24 hours)

2. Low-carb, high-protein eating

3. Exercise—particularly strength training

4. Cold exposure or sauna therapy

5. Certain herbs and compounds (like berberine, curcumin, and resveratrol)

🧠 “Most people never tap into autophagy because they never stop eating long enough.” – Dr. David Jockers

Want to learn more about autophagy? Check out this resource from Dr. Jockers’ site on how to activate it naturally.

 

Crushing Cravings & Boosting Energy While Fasting

Concerned about low energy or hunger while fasting? You’re not alone. Dr. Jockers shares these battle-tested strategies:

• Salt is your friend. Low insulin = low sodium. Add sea salt to water or try pickle juice.

• Hydrate away from meals. Aim for most of your water intake during fasting hours.

• Avoid even “healthy” sweeteners during your fast. Yes, even stevia.

• Move your body. Walking boosts dopamine and curbs hunger.

• Find your dopamine elsewhere. Try laughter, sunlight, and connection instead of reaching for snacks.

And if you’re still struggling? Start small. Three clean meals per day with no snacks is a massive win. You can build from there.

 

Conclusion: Can Fasting and Autophagy Really Reverse Alzheimer’s?

Fasting and autophagy aren’t just trendy health hacks—they’re ancient, science-backed tools that could play a major role in Alzheimer’s prevention and reversal.

Here’s what you need to remember:

• Start with real food to stabilize blood sugar.

• Use intermittent fasting to boost ketones and autophagy naturally.

• Move your body and avoid ultra-processed dopamine bombs.

🧠 Want to go deeper? Listen to the full episode with Dr. David Jockers here or explore more episodes on fasting, brain health, and longevity.

What’s your experience with fasting or autophagy? Have you noticed any brain benefits?
Drop your thoughts in the comments—we’d love to hear from you.