A personal 100-hour fasting experiment exploring the physiological and mental benefits of prolonged water fasting.
What is Fasting? Fasting is defined as the willful refrainment from eating and differs from starvation. Fasting is an evolutionary survival mechanism practiced across cultures and religions.
Autophagy Mechanism: The core purpose centers on triggering autophagy -- the body's cellular self-repair process. References the 2016 Nobel Prize awarded for autophagy research, describing it as a hard reset enabling the body to remove dysfunctional cells and recycle damaged proteins.
Timeline of Physiological Changes: - Hour 0-12: Growth hormone spike, blood sugar regulation - Hour 18+: Autophagy development, inflammation reduction - Hour 24+: Metabolic shift to ketone burning, decreased hunger - Hour 48+: Stem cell stimulation - Hour 72+: Enhanced immune function, longevity benefits
Personal Results: Lost 9 pounds and achieved ketone levels of 8+ mmol/L, indicating deep ketosis. Despite 90 hours of fasting, completed a 90-minute aerobic run.
Practical Recommendations: - Include electrolytes, vitamins, and salt supplementation - Stay hydrated throughout - Engage in light exercise (zone 2 cardio) - Use tracking apps for motivation