Q: There’s been a lot of talk about the interment fasting, doctor.
What are your thoughts on this?
A: Fasting has no place in bodybuilding.
First of all, bodybuilders require a constant supply of energy source.
Moreover this will load up muscle glycogen stores, literally the muscles fuel.
Second, fasting is a form of stress (both physical and mental).
Food restriction and caloric deprivation is a pain in the ass for everyone; that kicks cortisol, the stress hormone.
Responsible for gluconeogenesis, which is equal to muscle breakdown in the liver;
in order to synthesize glucose from aminos.
Third, from hormonal perception, we know that Testosterone is bound to sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) at 98%.
Free testosterone is the unbound 2%.
SHBG is the main regulator for this; affected by insulin as well.
Fasting lowers insulin and raises SHBG, letting less free testosterone to circulate.
Hence, by eating frequently we keep insulin higher and Free Testosterone higher as well.
Furthermore, more insulin equals higher levels of Insulin like Growth Factor 1 (IGF1).
That’s why Interment Fasting hinders muscle growth.
Because it lowers Free Testosterone and lowers insulin, plus IGF1 too.
The classic bodybuilding diet demands frequent meals and a steady glucose level.