In this episode of Keeping Abreast, Dr. Jenn Simmons talks with Loren Lockman, a longtime health coach and water-only fasting expert who has supervised fasts since 1996. Loren shares how fasting helped him recover from years of chronic illness and explains what the body is doing during a properly supported water fast - especially autophagy, fasting ketosis, and deep cellular repair.

They also dig into why Loren believes most people are chronically dehydrated, why he does not recommend juicing (even at home), how fasting can support healing across many conditions (including breast cancer support), and why the real key is not doing more - it is getting out of the body’s way with rest, simplicity, and a structured refeed.

What You’ll Learn

What water-only fasting is, how it works, and why proper supervision matters
How fasting activates autophagy and supports deep cellular cleanup
The difference between fasting ketosis and the ketogenic diet
How detoxification and immune function are connected to chronic disease
The influence of the pharmaceutical industry on modern nutrition and health narratives
Natural diet and lifestyle strategies that support longevity
Plant-based nutrition, protein myths, and whole-food sourcing
Why hydration, electrolyte balance, and water intake are critical during fasting
Who should not fast (and who typically can)

Episode Timeline:

01:03 Meet Loren Lockman: 38-Year Vegan & Water-Only Fasting Expert
03:13 From Chronic Illness to Radical Healing
09:22 Why Conventional Medicine Failed Him
16:00 Healing Is a Biological Process (Not a Prescription)
21:30 What Happens in the Body During a Water Fast
26:30 Fasting & Cancer: Autophagy, Immunity, and Detox
31:00 Processed Foods, Pharma Influence & Modern Disease
33:45 Protein Myths, Juicing, and Nutritional Controversy
46:45 The Science of Autophagy & Fasting Ketosis
55:45 Chronic Dehydration, Intestinal Health & Aging
58:45 Can Everyone Fast? Who Should (and Shouldn’t)
01:04:30 Supplements: Helpful or Harmful?
01:08:00 Real Client Transformations (Blood Pressure, Diabetes, Cancer)
01:11:00 What It’s Like to Work with Loren (Structure, Data, Refeeding)
01:14:30 Why Rest Is Essential During Fasting
01:23:30 Final Takeaways: Doing Less to Heal More

To talk to a member of Dr. Jenn's team and learn more about working privately with Dr. Jenn visit: https://calendly.com/stephanie-1031/clarity-call

To get your copy of Dr. Jenn's book, The Smart Woman's Guide to Breast Cancer, visit: https://tinyurl.com/SmartWomansBreastCancerGuide

To purchase the auria breast cancer screening test go here https://auria.care/ and use the code DRJENN20 for 20% Off.

Connect with Dr. Jenn:
Website: https://www.jennsimmonsmd.com/
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YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@dr.jennsimmons