Fasting Explained: Autophagy, Hunger, Hormones and Common Myths | Krystyna Blonski
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Why is fasting so difficult for some people, and can women fast without disrupting their hormones?
In this episode, Kate speaks to certified fasting and functional medicine practitioner Krystyna Blonski about intermittent fasting, extended fasting, autophagy and how to begin without forcing your body into an extreme regime.
After years of debilitating fatigue, brain fog and a diagnosis of Lyme disease, Krystyna completed a supervised 12-day water fast that changed the direction of her health and ultimately her career. She now helps others understand fasting as a flexible practice rather than another rigid wellness rule.
Together, Kate and Krystyna explore what happens inside the body when we stop eating, why juice cleanses may make fasting harder, how women can adapt fasting around their menstrual cycles and why metabolic flexibility needs to be trained gradually.
They also tackle some of the most common questions about fasting:
• What actually breaks a fast?
• When does the body enter ketosis and autophagy?
• Why do some people feel dizzy, irritable or exhausted when they fast?
• Is intermittent fasting different for women?
• Should women fast during every stage of their menstrual cycle?
• Can you drink coffee while fasting?
• Does fasting slow your metabolism?
• Will fasting cause muscle loss?
• Is a longer fast always better?
• How can you distinguish genuine hunger from habitual hunger?
• Who should avoid fasting or seek medical guidance first?
Krystyna also explains why fasting should be approached like training for a marathon. You begin with a manageable overnight fast, learn how your body responds and gradually build your capacity, rather than jumping immediately into a 24-hour or multi-day fast.
The conversation moves beyond food and explores the psychology of fasting too. What changes when fasting is no longer framed as punishment or deprivation, but as an intentional act of care?
If this conversation helped you understand fasting differently, please share it with someone who has been curious about fasting but does not know where to begin.
The wellness industry has a joy problem, and we’re fixing it.
Subscribe to The Joy Movement so you do not miss our weekly conversations about the science of wellbeing, behaviour change and joyful living.
Please note: This episode shares Krystyna’s personal experience and professional perspective and is intended for general education only. Fasting is not appropriate for everyone. Anyone who is pregnant, breastfeeding, under 18, managing a medical condition, taking medication or considering an extended fast should seek appropriate professional medical guidance.
In this episode, Kate speaks to certified fasting and functional medicine practitioner Krystyna Blonski about intermittent fasting, extended fasting, autophagy and how to begin without forcing your body into an extreme regime.
After years of debilitating fatigue, brain fog and a diagnosis of Lyme disease, Krystyna completed a supervised 12-day water fast that changed the direction of her health and ultimately her career. She now helps others understand fasting as a flexible practice rather than another rigid wellness rule.
Together, Kate and Krystyna explore what happens inside the body when we stop eating, why juice cleanses may make fasting harder, how women can adapt fasting around their menstrual cycles and why metabolic flexibility needs to be trained gradually.
They also tackle some of the most common questions about fasting:
• What actually breaks a fast?
• When does the body enter ketosis and autophagy?
• Why do some people feel dizzy, irritable or exhausted when they fast?
• Is intermittent fasting different for women?
• Should women fast during every stage of their menstrual cycle?
• Can you drink coffee while fasting?
• Does fasting slow your metabolism?
• Will fasting cause muscle loss?
• Is a longer fast always better?
• How can you distinguish genuine hunger from habitual hunger?
• Who should avoid fasting or seek medical guidance first?
Krystyna also explains why fasting should be approached like training for a marathon. You begin with a manageable overnight fast, learn how your body responds and gradually build your capacity, rather than jumping immediately into a 24-hour or multi-day fast.
The conversation moves beyond food and explores the psychology of fasting too. What changes when fasting is no longer framed as punishment or deprivation, but as an intentional act of care?
If this conversation helped you understand fasting differently, please share it with someone who has been curious about fasting but does not know where to begin.
The wellness industry has a joy problem, and we’re fixing it.
Subscribe to The Joy Movement so you do not miss our weekly conversations about the science of wellbeing, behaviour change and joyful living.
Please note: This episode shares Krystyna’s personal experience and professional perspective and is intended for general education only. Fasting is not appropriate for everyone. Anyone who is pregnant, breastfeeding, under 18, managing a medical condition, taking medication or considering an extended fast should seek appropriate professional medical guidance.
