Every day, more evidence emerges about fasting's potential to transform health and well-being. From treating autoimmune disorders and reducing blood pressure to aiding in addiction treatment, support for this practice continues to grow.   Today, we are joined by Dr. Alan Goldhamer, a leading advocate of medically supervised water-only fasting. As the founder of TrueNorth Health Center, he has expertly guided thousands of patients through this process. His work has profoundly influenced integrative medicine, promoting natural, non-invasive methods for achieving optimal wellness.   Dr. Goldhamer is the co-author of "The Pleasure Trap," offering groundbreaking solutions for overcoming self-destructive habits and making positive lifestyle choices. His latest book, "Can Fasting Save Your Life," co-authored with Toshia Myers, provides a comprehensive exploration of the benefits and science of fasting. He has also been featured in documentaries like "Fasting" and "What the Health."   Stay with us as we delve into his insights on fasting and discuss the vital role of whole plant foods in disease prevention, exploring key strategies to restore optimal health!   “Salt oil and sugar aren't food, they're hyper-concentrated food byproducts we add back to food to stimulate dopamine in our brain so it tastes better. That's what tasting better actually means, is that whatever you're eating it results in more dopamine stimulation in your brain. It tastes better because that's what it is – more dopamine stimulation. And those chemicals, the salt, oil, and sugar, do a better job of stimulating dopamine than whole foods themselves. So if you just eat a whole food diet, it becomes very difficult to achieve and maintain obesity because you eat a certain amount and you feel full. But when you salt the food, you add sugar and oil to the food, it's impossible not to overeat the food if you eat to satiation.” - Dr. Alan Goldhamer   What we discuss in this episode: - How fasting works and helps reverse the effects of dietary excess. - What visceral fat is and how it affects your health. Obesity and fasting. - Your brain on salt, oil, and sugar. How fasting eases the transition to an SOS-free diet. - Fasting and the microbiome. - Results patients have experienced from fasting and whole food plant-based eating. - The optimal approach to intermittent fasting. - How fasting aids in detoxifying the body. - Dr. Goldhamer's dietary habits and fasting regimen. - Fasting and addiction.   Resources: - TrueNorth Health Center - https://www.healthpromoting.com/ - Instagram: TrueNorth Health Center (@thetruenorthhealthcenter) • Instagram photos and videos - https://www.instagram.com/thetruenorthhealthcenter/?hl=en - Facebook: TrueNorth Health | Santa Rosa CA - https://www.facebook.com/truenorthhealth/ - The Pleasure Trap: The Pleasure Trap | TrueNorth Health Center - https://www.healthpromoting.com/store/book/pleasure-trap - Can Fasting Save Your Life?: Can Fasting Save Your Life? | TrueNorth Health Center - https://www.healthpromoting.com/can-fasting-save-your-life   ★☆★ Help us remove dairy from the Dietary Guidelines for Americans! ★☆★ https://switch4good.org/dietary-guidelines-for-americans-2025/ ★☆★ Click the link below to support the ADD SOY Act! ★☆★ https://switch4good.org/add-soy-act/ ★☆★ Share the website and get your resources here ★☆★ https://kidsandmilk.org/ ★☆★ Send us a voice message and ask a question. We want to hear from you! ★☆★ https://switch4good.org/podcast/ ★☆★ Dairy-Free Swaps Guide: Easy Anti-Inflammatory Meals, Recipes, and Tips ★☆★ https://switch4good.org/dairy-free-swaps-guide ★☆★SUPPORT SWITCH4GOOD★☆★ https://switch4good.org/support-us/ ★☆★ JOIN OUR PRIVATE FACEBOOK GROUP ★☆★  https://www.facebook.com/groups/podcastchat ★☆★ SWITCH4GOOD WEBSITE ★☆★ https://switch4good.org/ ★☆★ ONLINE STORE ★☆★ https://shop.switch4good.org/shop/ ★☆★ FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM ★☆★ https://www.instagram.com/Switch4Good/ ★☆★ LIKE US ON FACEBOOK ★☆★ https://www.fac