What really happens to your body when you fast especially for an extended period like 36 hours? Let’s dive into the fascinating journey your body undergoes during fasting and interesting truth about fasting.
The Early Hours: 0 to 12 Hours
Here is what happens to your body to give you an idea about the truth about fasting
Within 4 to 8 Hours
The first few hours are determinative as soon as you choose to fast. In 4-8 hours, your body begins to go through noticeable transformations. After food you ate has passed through the stomach, your blood sugar levels start to drop. This decline in the blood sugar level results in decreased insulin level. This is important so that your body can begin to use stored energy.
In 12 Hours
Your body enters a healing phase as you reach the 12-hour mark. The food you have eaten has been burned off. It will be allowing your digestive system to take a much-needed rest. This is when your body starts to ramp up the production of human growth hormone (HGH) which plays a vital role in muscle growth and fat metabolism. This surely is the truth about fasting you never knew before.
In 14 to 18 Hours
Your body starts to burn fats at approximately 14 hours. It is a significant shift. This is because the body begins to produce what is referred to as ketones. These are byproducts of fat breakdown. Ketones are used as an alternative fuel source especially for your brains. This metabolic switch can improve mental processing abilities and focus.
Between 16 to 18 hours the fat burning process increases as you are still in the fasting state. HGH is known to rise during this period. These assist you in preserving muscles during the times that your body is losing weight in caloric deficit state. This is one of the major advantages of fasting – as you lose weight, you don’t lose muscle mass.
In 24 Hours and Beyond
Many of your bodily functions occur after a day: the body reaches a state autophagy. This is like the undo button when it comes to your health. It is an essential cellular function and helps to fight other illnesses as well. This is the process by which cellular health is maintained.
The consequences of autophagy get amplified as you continue the fasting. At this stage your body is actually burning stored fat for energy. Stem cells in your gut start repairing themselves. This strong mechanism is not just critical in removal of cellular waste from the body. It also has a protective role against aging and several diseases too.
The Benefits of Fasting
Fasting is not just about weight loss. It also offers a plethora of health benefits. Here are some key advantages you might not have considered:
- Fasting can help you shed unwanted pounds while preserving muscle mass by utilizing fat for energy.
- Lower insulin levels during fasting can lead to better blood sugar control. It will ultimately be reducing the risk of type 2 diabetes.
- The autophagy process helps remove damaged cells. It will be potentially lowering the risk of chronic diseases.
- Many people report improved focus and mental clarity during fasting. This can be due to the increased production of ketones.
Conclusion
Fasting, especially for extended periods like 36 hours, can have profound effects on your body. From initiating fat burning to enhancing cellular repair, the benefits are significant. As we move into 2025, consider incorporating fasting into your health routine to harness these advantages.