#117: Dom D’Agostino on Fasting, Ketosis, and The End of Cancer

In episode #117 of 'The Tim Ferriss Show,' Tim interviews Dr. Dominic D'Agostino, an assistant professor at the University of South Florida and a senior research scientist at the Institute for Human and Machine Cognition. The conversation delves into the intricacies of fasting, ketosis, and their potential impact on cancer treatment and prevention. Dr. D'Agostino shares his personal experiences with fasting, including a seven-day fast followed by an impressive deadlifting session, demonstrating the physical resilience achievable through ketosis.

Throughout the episode, Dr. D'Agostino discusses the science behind the ketogenic diet and its application in various fields, including military performance, disease therapy, and athletic training. He explains how ketones act as an alternative energy source for the brain and body when glucose is scarce, and how a ketogenic diet can enhance metabolic efficiency, reduce inflammation, and potentially inhibit cancer growth by starving cancer cells of their preferred fuel source, glucose.

Tim and Dr. D'Agostino also explore the practical aspects of implementing a ketogenic diet, such as meal composition, the role of exogenous ketones, and the importance of dietary fats. Dr. D'Agostino emphasizes the significance of food quality, the potential benefits of intermittent fasting, and the use of supplements like MCT oil and branched-chain amino acids to sustain ketosis and support muscle maintenance.

The conversation concludes with a discussion on the broader implications of ketogenic diets for conditions like Lyme disease, highlighting anecdotal evidence of improved symptoms and recovery when patients adopt a ketogenic lifestyle. Dr. D'Agostino touches on the potential of ketogenic diets to support mitochondrial biogenesis and function, which could be particularly beneficial for those with mitochondrial damage from diseases or treatments.