In the latest episode of “Mind My Age,” hosted by Neelam Brar, listeners were treated to an enlightening discussion with Dr. Alan Goldhammer, a trailblazer in nutritional medicine and fasting. As the founder of the True North Health Center, Dr. Goldhammer has dedicated his career to helping individuals achieve optimal health through medically supervised fasting and a healthful lifestyle. His approach has empowered many to make the later years of their lives the most vibrant and fulfilling, enabling them to, as he puts it, “be functional, have a good life, and ultimately have a good death.”
The Journey to True North
Dr. Goldhammer’s interest in health and fasting began at a young age. It was sparked by his teenage reading of a book by Herbert Shelton, which proclaimed that health is the result of healthy living through diet, sleep, exercise, and fasting. This revelation motivated Dr. Goldhammer to dedicate his career to promoting health through these principles. He established the True North Health Center, where, for over 40 years, he has supported thousands of patients seeking to rejuvenate their lives.
Fasting: Not Just a Fad
Fasting has emerged as a popular topic in health circles, but Dr. Goldhammer explains that it is far from just another fad. “Health results from healthful living,” he asserts, emphasizing that the practice of fasting can reset the body’s systems, helping to eliminate excess visceral fat and inflammation. The proof is in the results: “We’ve had over 25,000 people come through and do this protocol, and the results speak for themselves.”
Western medicine is increasingly recognizing the transformative power of fasting, thanks to research studies that have shown its benefits, such as Walter Longo’s work linking fasting with enhanced cancer treatment outcomes. This has shifted perception significantly, making fasting a subject of cutting-edge research. 
Real-life Impact
During the podcast, Dr. Goldhammer shared stories of patients who have seen life-changing results through fasting. One notable case published in the British Medical Journal detailed a woman with follicular lymphoma who achieved cancer-free status after a 21-day water-only fast. “For a change, her oncologist got to see somebody get well,” he remarked, highlighting the often-overlooked efficacy of natural treatment methods.
The Fasting Process
Dr. Goldhammer provides a comprehensive overview of what happens to the body during fasting. Weight loss and the reduction of visceral fat are among the immediate effects, but fasting also facilitates the detoxification of harmful substances from the body and recalibrates the gut microbiome. “It’s like a reboot for the body,” says Dr. Goldhammer, drawing a parallel to restarting a malfunctioning computer.
However, he emphasizes that fasting is not suitable for everyone and requires supervision to ensure safety. The key is to determine whether an individual is a good candidate and to follow a meticulous post-fast recovery process.
Changing Tastes and Lifestyle
For those considering fasting, Dr. Goldhammer offers practical advice: stop eating three to four hours before bed and adopt a whole plant-food diet free of salt, oil, and sugar. He also warns against the lure of diet drugs that promise quick fixes without addressing underlying lifestyle issues. “It’s about long-term health, not just short-term weight loss,” he advises.
Fasting can also lead to taste neuroadaptation, where individuals find that wholesome foods taste better post-fast. As Dr. Goldhammer notes, “Good food tastes good” after fasting, making healthier choices more straightforward to maintain in the long run.
In Conclusion
Dr. Alan Goldhammer’s insights into fasting offer a compelling case for rethinking how we approach nutrition and health. His dedication to advancing the science of fasting and nutritional medicine challenges us to live with intention and purpose, ensuring that our later years are not just lived but lived well.
Visit the True North Health Center to learn more about Dr. Goldhammer’s work or to explore the possibilities of fasting for yourself. As Neelam Brar reminds us, “We age with purpose and intention. Your best years are ahead.”
