Fasting

*This is not medical advice.  Consult a doctor before attempting a fast.

392 days is the length of time for the longest recorded fast.  Pictured above is Angus Barbieri with a before and after picture.  Angus was under the care of the care of doctors and did receive supplementation vitamins during his. Link

• What’s interesting is that he did not have flabby skin - ie his body catabolized (ate  itself) in a systematic way.

Never near history minus the present age were human beings able to eat 5 times a day every day for 10 years.

The wisdom of the body is turned on when in a fasted state.  Fasting is a perfect way to practice mastering control of your inner states.  As you fast your biggest enemy of fasting will be your own self.  You will try to convince yourself to stop fasting.  

Fasting promotes metabolic health.  It's as if fasting unlocks the infinite wisdom of your body to heal.

Complete Fasting Guide

Introduction: Fasting has been a part of human culture and biology since the dawn of time. Whether practiced for spiritual, health, or lifestyle reasons, fasting has the potential to bring about significant changes in the body and mind. It has been linked to improvements in cognitive function, weight loss, overall health, and longevity. This guide will provide a comprehensive overview of fasting, its benefits, and how to approach it safely and effectively.

 
Why You Should Fast  

1. Weight Management: Fasting can help with weight loss and weight management. It can help reduce body fat while preserving muscle mass. Fasting can also help regulate hunger hormones, which can aid in weight management. Source
2. Autoimmune Diseases: Fasting can reduce inflammation, which can help manage symptoms of autoimmune diseases. Source
3. Gut Health: Fasting can improve gut health by giving the digestive system a break and allowing it to repair. Source
4. Diabetes and Blood Sugar Control: Fasting can improve insulin sensitivity and blood sugar control, which can be beneficial for people with type 2 diabetes or those at risk. Source
5. Metabolic Health and Flexibility: Fasting can improve metabolic health by helping the body switch between using glucose and fat for energy, increasing metabolic flexibility. Source
6. Heart Health: Fasting can improve heart health by reducing blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and atherosclerosis. Source
7. Brain Health: Fasting can improve brain health by promoting neurogenesis (the growth of new neurons) and protecting against neurodegenerative diseases. Source
8. Longevity: Fasting can promote longevity by activating certain pathways and genes associated with lifespan. Source
9. Cancer and Disease Prevention: Fasting can help prevent cancer and other diseases by reducing oxidative stress and inflammation. Source
10. Detoxification: Fasting can aid in detoxification as the body can focus on removing toxins when it's not busy digesting food. Source
11. Improved Immune Function: Fasting can improve immune function by reducing inflammation and promoting the regeneration of the immune system. Source
12. Mental Clarity and Focus: Fasting can improve mental clarity and focus by reducing inflammation and promoting neurogenesis. Source
13. Skin Health: Fasting can improve skin health by reducing inflammation and promoting the regeneration of skin cells. Source
14. Fasting and Mental Health: Fasting can improve mental health by reducing inflammation and promoting neurogenesis, which can have beneficial effects on mood and mental well-being. Source

• Improved weight loss and body composition: Fasting promotes fat loss while preserving muscle mass1.
• Enhanced mental clarity and concentration2.
• Lowered blood insulin and sugar levels3.
• Reversal of type 2 diabetes4.
• Increased growth hormone production5.
• Lowered blood cholesterol6.
• Prevention of Alzheimer’s disease7.
• Extended lifespan, longevity8.
• Activated cellular cleansing (autophagy) and regeneration9.
• Reduced inflammation and lessened oxidative stress10.
• Potential cancer prevention and increased effectiveness of chemotherapy11.

Time Restricted Eating: Time-restricted eating (TRE) is a form of fasting that involves confining all calorie consumption within a certain number of hours each day. A common format is 16:8 where one fasts for 16 hours and eats in an 8-hour window12.

• How to Start: Begin by gradually increasing the duration of your fast. Start with 12 hours, then move to 14, and finally 16.
• What to Expect: You may experience some hunger pangs or slight discomfort when first adapting to TRE, but these will typically subside after a few days.
• Tips: Hydrate well and maintain a balanced diet in your eating window. Avoid high sugar or junk foods as these can create energy crashes.

Water Fasting: Water fasting involves the complete abstention from all substances except water, and can last from 24 hours up to 40 days13. This should be approached with caution and professional medical guidance.

• How to Start: If you are new to fasting, start with shorter fasts (24-72 hours) before attempting longer durations. Always consult with a healthcare provider before undertaking extended fasts.
• What to Expect: Initial hunger, irritability, or low energy can be expected. After the first few days, these symptoms usually subside, and you might experience increased mental clarity and energy.
• Tips: Listen to your body. If you start to feel unwell or if any symptoms persist, you should end the fast and consult a healthcare provider.

How to Stay Disciplined

• Plan your fasts ahead of time and incorporate them into your schedule.
• Stay hydrated.
• Keep busy to distract yourself from hunger pangs.
• Practice mindfulness and meditation to help manage hunger and cravings.
• Take it one day at a time, and remember your reasons for fasting.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• Can I exercise during a fast? Light exercise such as walking or yoga can be beneficial, but high-intensity workouts might be challenging while fasting14.
• Will fasting make me lose muscle? If done correctly, fasting can preserve muscle while burning fat15.
• Can I drink coffee or tea during a fast? Plain coffee or tea without sugar or milk can be consumed during a fast, but some purists prefer to stick to water only16.
• Will fasting slow down my metabolism? Contrary to popular belief, short-term fasting can actually increase metabolic rate, not slow it down17.

References

Remember to consult with a healthcare provider before beginning any fasting regime, especially if you have any underlying health conditions. Fasting is a powerful tool, but like any tool, it needs to be used correctly to reap the benefits and avoid potential risks.

1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7021351/ ↩
2. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2352939315000086 ↩
3. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25540982/ ↩
4. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25540982 ↩
5. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/1548337 ↩
6. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20456017 ↩
7. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6257056/ ↩
8. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24434759 ↩
9. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/29086496 ↩
10. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/29727692 ↩
11. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6530042/ ↩
12. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4635036/ ↩
13. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6478699/ ↩
14. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/2405717 ↩
15. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26374764 ↩
16. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4111762/ ↩
17. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10837292 ↩

Fasting Videos

• How Water-Only Fasting Cures SERIOUS Diseases | Dr. Alan Goldhamer