The podcast discusses the positive effects of fasting such as biased system towards adrenaline release and towards cortisol release but low enough to avoid negative health effects, as well as the negative effects such as low testosterone, estrogen, gray hair and chronic stress caused by chronically fasting while experiencing stressors.
The speaker presents the idea of avoiding caffeine during heightened and anxious periods, as caffeine can increase stress levels and lead to addiction. Instead, the speaker suggests opting for decaf and trying other methods to manage anxiety such as therapy, exercise, meditation, and medication.
Dr. Sandra Cabot discusses the physical addiction to coffee, and the range of symptoms associated with drinking it including hand tremors, irregular heartbeats, bladder problems, GI problems and stomach problems. Additionally, she recounts having been able to help patients overcome these issues by eliminating coffee from their diets.
The speaker suggests occasional breaks from caffeinated coffee to resensitize the brain and break dependency. Coffee can activate the body's detoxifying pathway Nrf2, which is also stimulated by cruciferous vegetables.
Rhodiola Rosea is an adaptogen that has potential benefits such as reducing physical and perceived fatigue, enhancing memory and cognition and reducing negative side effects to caffeine withdrawal. Research however, is still in the initial stages and more high quality studies are needed.