The one thing I do to feel great and for longevity.

EXPERTS EXPLAIN: THE BENEFITS OF FASTING

About three years ago, I was looking for something that would compliment my DML CBD routine for helping me achieve optimum health. I did not want to take pills or supplements, and I was already eating very healthy — I did not need a diet plan. I was walking 5 miles per day, so I was not looking for an exercise routine. Simply put, I was looking for something natural that would help me feel invincible and at the same time, provide benefits for the long-term. I was introduced to three concepts which I follow to this day: liquid diets, meditation, and fasting. In a future post, I will discuss meditation. I’ve already discussed my liquid dieting (mornings), and I encourage you to check out our sponsor today (see below). Today, I focus on fasting.

FASTING
Fasting is not easy, especially when you first begin. But over time, my opinion is that it becomes very doable. It’s important to consider this: The idea of eating three meals per day is something the marketers developed — according to many experts the body was not designed to eat three big meals per day.

In one of the expert videos I was watching, a very respected doctor was asked a question: “If you learned tomorrow that you had cancer, what would you do?” The doctor did not hesitate: “I would go on a ten day fast. Then I would eat light for a day, and then I would go on another 5 day fast.”

Amazed by this answer, I looked more into his explanation. He was referring to a process called autophagy. It’s where good cells consume the bad cells.

THE REPORTED BENEFITS
According to various experts, fasting offers numerous health benefits, including improved metabolic health, weight loss, enhanced mental clarity, and reduced inflammation. It promotes autophagy, the body’s cellular repair process, potentially lowering the risk of chronic diseases like diabetes, heart disease, and cancer. Fasting also boosts insulin sensitivity, stabilizes blood sugar, and increases fat-burning by shifting the body to ketosis. Psychologically, it can enhance focus and discipline, while some report spiritual or emotional clarity.

Here’s a breakdown of what experts claim happens during fasting, hour by hour:

0-4 Hours: After eating, the body digests food, absorbing glucose for energy. Insulin levels rise to store excess glucose as glycogen in the liver. Blood sugar stabilizes, and the body uses readily available energy from the meal.

4-8 Hours: Digestion slows, and insulin levels begin to drop. The body continues burning glycogen for energy. Hunger may spike as ghrelin, the hunger hormone, signals the brain. Mental focus might improve as the body adjusts to lower glucose availability.

8-12 Hours: Glycogen stores deplete, especially after 10-12 hours. The body starts breaking down fat into fatty acids and glycerol for energy. Ketone production begins, marking the onset of ketosis. Hunger may subside as the body adapts.

12-18 Hours: Fat-burning accelerates, and ketone levels rise, providing an alternative energy source for the brain and muscles. Autophagy may begin, clearing damaged cells. Energy levels stabilize, and mental clarity often increases due to ketones.

18-24 Hours: Ketosis deepens, with the body relying heavily on fat stores. Autophagy intensifies, enhancing cellular repair. Insulin sensitivity improves, and inflammation markers may decrease. Some experience heightened alertness, though mild fatigue can occur.

24-48 Hours: Full ketosis maximizes fat-burning. Autophagy peaks, potentially reducing disease risk. Growth hormone surges, supporting muscle maintenance. Some studies suggest stem cell production begins, aiding tissue repair and immune function. Energy and focus remain high, but electrolyte imbalances may cause fatigue if not managed.

48-72 Hours: Ketosis is sustained, with significant fat utilization. Stem cell activity may increase, promoting regeneration in tissues like the gut and blood. Autophagy continues, and inflammation markers drop further. Mental clarity is often profound, though physical energy may wane without proper hydration and electrolytes.

Experts say the body can survive without food for about 1-2 months, provided water, electrolytes, and minimal nutrients are maintained, though extended fasting beyond 72 hours requires medical supervision. Fasting’s benefits depend on duration and individual health. Always consult a healthcare professional before extended fasting to ensure safety. For me, when I start a fast, which is about twice per month, I go about 24-hours and when it is over I feel like a new man. Once per three months, I will fast for 36 hours — every six months I will go for 72. Each and every time, I feel absolutely great.