The sudden death of actress and model Shefali Jariwala has sparked serious discussions around the use of anti-ageing drugs and lifestyle choices like fasting. While the exact cause of her death is still under investigation, sources close to her confirmed she was using anti-ageing supplements and practising intermittent fasting. This combination, though increasingly popular, requires careful medical supervision. Experts warn that without proper guidance, the mix of certain medications and fasting routines can lead to dangerous, even fatal, outcomes.

According to Dr. Samir Kubba, Director and Unit Head - Cardiology, Dharamshila Narayana Superspeciality Hospital, Delhi, caution is key when fasting on anti-ageing medication. These drugs often work by influencing cellular repair, metabolism, or hormone levels. For example, metformin lowers blood sugar levels, and combining it with long fasting hours might cause hypoglycaemia, dizziness, or fatigue.

He recommends never fasting without medical advice. Your doctor might tweak your dosage, change timings, or even tell you to skip medication temporarily during fasting to avoid unwanted side effects. And if you are dry fasting, please don’t. Many anti-ageing therapies, especially those with retinoids or peptides, can dehydrate you or put your kidneys under pressure. Hydration, says Dr. Kubba, is non-negotiable.

Even if you are just intermittent fasting, a balanced eating window is essential. Nutrient-rich foods help anti-ageing drugs work better, and skipping meals might reduce their effectiveness or cause side effects. Keep an eye on your body’s signals—skin flare-ups, fatigue, or weird heart rhythms? Report them pronto. Many electrolyte disturbances can occur, so medical supervision is a must.

Dr. Anshul Singh, Team Leader, Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics Department, Artemis Hospitals, chimes in with his set of dos and don'ts. If you’re fasting while on anti-ageing supplements, timing is everything. Fat-soluble vitamins like A, D, E, and K shouldn’t be taken on an empty stomach—they’ll irritate your gut and won’t absorb well anyway. Adaptogens and berberine can cause your blood sugar or pressure to crash if taken without food. Even seemingly innocent fish oil can interfere with metabolism and autophagy.

Dr. Singh recommends scheduling supplements like collagen, glutathione, peptides, and multivitamins with meals. Food, especially fat, helps with absorption and complements the benefits of fasting. Stay hydrated with coconut water, lassi, or buttermilk to avoid headaches and fatigue. These fluids are packed with electrolytes and can ease the fasting process.

And if you are on stronger anti-ageing drugs, don’t attempt long fasts. They can quickly disrupt blood sugar levels and add unnecessary stress to your system.

So, fasting while chasing youth is possible, but only if done right. With a doctor’s advice, proper hydration, and a bit of nutritional common sense, you can fast without fast-forwarding the ageing process.