Trying to contend with a headache from caffeine withdrawal while completing your first three day fast isn’t ideal. Just make sure not to go overboard on the caffeine as it could make you feel dizzy or nauseous. Perhaps the biggest reason to try the 3 day or longer fast is to help unlock the full power of autophagy. This cell recycling process takes longer than the common intermittent fasting time periods. In this post, I’ll cover my experience with my first 3-day fast. I will break it down by my overall hunger, energy, ketone, weight loss, and waist size.
Fasting has been practiced for centuries for various reasons, including spiritual, cultural, and health purposes. While intermittent fasting has gained popularity in recent years for its potential health benefits, many people wonder if fasting for an extended period, such as 3 days, is healthy.
Studies have shown that short-term fasting can have several health benefits, including weight loss, improved insulin sensitivity, and reduced inflammation in the body. Fasting for 3 days may also trigger a process called autophagy, where the body removes damaged cells and regenerates new ones, which can have anti-aging effects.
The Potential Health Risks of Fasting for 3 Days
While there are potential benefits to fasting for 3 days, it is essential to consider the possible risks as well. Extended fasting can lead to nutrient deficiencies, muscle loss, dehydration, and electrolyte imbalances. It is crucial to consult with a healthcare professional before attempting a 3-day fast, especially if you have underlying health conditions or are pregnant or breastfeeding.
I’m not sure if this was because I was nervous or excited to be coming close to my end goal. It’s now 9 pm on Monday evening and I’m about 24 hours into the 3 day fast, one third down two thirds to go. My weight is just over 195lbs so I’ve dropped 3 lbs since weighing myself after dinner last night.
Conclusion
In conclusion, fasting for 3 days can have both health benefits and risks. It is essential to weigh these factors carefully and consult with a healthcare provider before embarking on an extended fast. For some individuals, fasting may not be suitable or safe, while others may find it beneficial when done properly and under supervision. Listen to your body and prioritize your health above all else when considering fasting for an extended period.
I did this 3 day fast on a whim, so I only had a tape measure and a scale. The best way to see how your body reacted to the fast is with real hard data. You might want to consider getting the following items ready to measure the results. Solo fasting while living with someone who isn’t fasting can make it a tad more difficult to stay on the right course. I think it might be a nice thing to have if there was someone to go through this experience with me.
In some types of IF, you cannot eat any food in a fasting period, while others are modified fasts, allowing for around 500 to 600 calories of food and/or beverages. Overall, one in three of the proteins measured changed significantly during fasting across all major organs. This fasting method has been linked to a range of potential health benefits, including short-term increases in human growth hormone (HGH) and changes in gene expression (1, 2, 3, 4).
A 2014 review study found that this eating pattern can cause 3’8% weight loss over 3’24 weeks, which is a significant amount, compared to most weight loss studies (1). Intermittent fasting (IF) is an eating pattern that cycles between periods of fasting and eating. It’s currently very popular in the health and fitness community. Talk to a healthcare provider before starting any sort of ongoing fasting, like for weight loss. Fasting is also required to get accurate readings for certain medical tests. Short-term fasting before tests for cholesterol and blood sugar levels, for example, helps achieve a more accurate baseline count.
While participating in a 3-day fast may be a bit difficult if you’ve never done one, there are numerous health benefits that accompany a 3-day fast. We suggest that on the second and third day of your fast to take it easy and rest, especially if you’ve never before participated in water fasting. Working up to a 3 day fast is one thing recommended, like it is by this dietician. A ketogenic diet will prepare your body for being in fat-burning mode, so acclimating to a low-carb diet approach before a long fast may add ease to your fasting.
