86. Is Intermittent Fasting Right for You? A Nuanced Look at Hormones, Stress, and Metabolism Artwork

The Holistic Life with Jess Martinez, CHN | For Women in Their 30s & 40s Who Want To Balance Their Hormones, Live Holistically, Build Resilience, & Develop A More Loving Self-Image

Do you desire to repair your female cycle, regain your energy, develop a healthier relationship with yourself and body while dropping extra weight, build stress resilience, and grow into the best version of yourself? Welcome to the Holistic Life podcast. I am your host, Jessica Martinez, a Certified Holistic Nutritionist who focuses on women's wellness.

In each episode, I explore the topics that matter most to you—hormone health, low-toxic living, stress management, mindset & well-being, and holistic wellness practices. My mission is to provide you with the tools, knowledge, and inspiration you need to lead a more balanced and healthy life.

Connect with me:
On Instagram @holistically_by_jess
holisticallybyjess.com

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The Holistic Life with Jess Martinez, CHN | For Women in Their 30s & 40s Who Want To Balance Their Hormones, Live Holistically, Build Resilience, & Develop A More Loving Self-Image

86. Is Intermittent Fasting Right for You? A Nuanced Look at Hormones, Stress, and Metabolism

February 02, 2026 • Jess Martinez, CHN • Episode 86

0:00 | 27:36

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Intermittent fasting works well for some people and not at all for others.

In this episode, I discuss how intermittent fasting interacts with women’s hormones, energy, and stress levels, and why the same strategy can feel regulating in one season and destabilizing in another.

The goal of this episode is to help you make informed choices instead of following trends.

Enjoy!

Jess

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References:

▪︎ Circadian Rhythm Fasting
Sleep Foundation.
https://www.sleepfoundation.org/nutrition/circadian-rhythm-fasting

▪︎ Time-Restricted Eating and Metabolic Health
Sutton EF et al., Cell Metabolism (2018).
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29951594/

▪︎ Intermittent Fasting and Stress Hormones
Carlson O et al., Journal of Nutrition (2007).
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17921383/

▪︎ Energy Availability, Cortisol, and Reproductive Function
Loucks AB et al., Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism.
https://academic.oup.com/jcem/article/88/1/297/2845084

▪︎ Chronic Stress, HPA Axis, and Metabolic Dysregulation
McEwen BS, Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17003125/

▪︎ Sex Differences in Fasting and Metabolic Response
Clayton DJ et al., Nutrition & Metabolism (2015).
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25775639/

Medical Disclaimer:

This podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and solely as a self-help tool for your own use. I am not providing medical, psychological, or nutrition therapy advice. You should not use this information to diagnose or treat any health problems or illnesses without consulting your own medical practitioner. Always seek the advice of your own medical practitioner and/or mental health provider about your specific health situation.