Do sugar free drinks stop autophagy?

Hi, I’ve done a couple of extended fasts but I would like to fast for longer. I’ve read on here that sugar free drinks such as Diet Coke and flavoured water are allowed when fasting and I think that would really help. However, I’m concerned about the effects on autophagy. Do these types of drinks stop autophagy? And does anyone have good experiences with fasting whilst drinking sugar free drinks?

Answer

I think the evidence on this is still inconclusive however diet pop and sugar free drinks still have ingredients that are not good for our health. I think this would come down to a personal preference, but honestly putting those chemicals into your system to on an empty stomach will not have good effects. I have had diet pop and energy drinks during fasts in the past but it ultimately made me more hungry and I felt worse after. That might not be the case for you though. Try a bit if you think it might help prolong your fast but listen to your body.