I am 36 hours into a 72 hour fast, and I am having a hard time. I’ve been dealing with internal hemorrhoids for over a month now and went to the dr this week but am waiting on the specialist to call to schedule an appt. I wanted to do something about it so I figured an extended fast is probably my best bet to give my system a break. But mentally I’m struggling with no food and physically I’m pretty exhausted and feeling off. I’ve been using electrolyte powder in my water, potassium and magnesium supplements and drinking tea. Is there something else I can be doing to make it easier? Is 72 hours long enough to make any real difference for my issues? Any advice would help. I’m trying to stay active but it’s difficult without the energy I normally have. Is there a point during an extended fast where it gets easier?
For me it gets easier after the 72hr mark. Sometimes 48h.
Really though the biggest thing that makes it “easier” is simply repetition. Teaching your body what to expect so it doesn’t disagree with you quite so much.
I can’t speak to whether fasting will help with your issues or not but I am an advocate for fasting as a tool for general health from my own experiences. Your mileage may vary but it’s worth sticking with and even trying again. The feeling of accomplishment alone makes it worth it to me, to say nothing of the practical benefits.
I would suggest distracting yourself. If you can make it to bed, the morning will have you feeling better. Don’t drink too much water but enough to stay hydrated. You don’t need to be peeing every 20min. Good job on electrolytes. Make sure there are no added sweeteners etc…
You feel exhausted and ill because your body doesn’t know what you’re doing. It’s used to getting 3 meals a day (or whatever) and suddenly it isn’t so it thinks something is wrong. Rest assured, it’s normal. Don’t stress feeling tired or inactive. Just “be” for now and that’s ok. You will get past those feelings with time/practice.
Good luck
E. One thing that helped me early on with a fasting schedule was eating a keto diet for a few days before beginning. Going into a fasting window being fat adapted is very useful for heading off some of those starvation feelings.
One other thing: maybe try cutting the tea for now. Sometimes it can be a little harsh on an empty stomach depending on type & steep time.
I can only give you anecdotal advice as I just completed a 72 hour fast for the first time. All people are different but I’ll tell you what worked for me. Now, if hunger is your issue I can’t help you there. My hunger subsided really quick and never was a large hurdle. However, I had severe headaches, lightheadedness, and lethargy in the 2nd and 3rd days. I drank some stevia based caffeine drink which immediately helped me go on through the day. Day 3 was much better. Before I had the caffeine, I was considering stopping on Day 2 because of how bad the symptoms were but I broke through to Day 3 and felt like I could have gone on further.
I also considered working out but decided against it considering my low energy and extreme stress already on my body. I think it was the right decision.
It does get easier as you go, like a muscle. It actually gets better after 72 hours. I recommend drinking a bit of water when cravings hit. 0 cal carbonated is okay. Also force yourself up for even a small slow walk. It really helps increase your energy levels while fasting. I was just laying around until my last few fasts but getting up makes me feel so much better and motivated. Find a motto and/or goal that helps you to pull out of the hump. For me, “this will pass” is my motto and I envision myself being able to fit into a certain dress by the time I go on a beachside vacation in 44 days. Maybe envision how much better you will feel once your body has healed and any other goal you have from the fast when you’re struggling.
One thing that I find helps, it to keep up your sodium levels. It’s easier to keep them up, then to try and recover from a deficit. One trick that works for me is to get some “finishing salt”. It’s just salt, but in large flakes or crystals. It’s easy to grab a pinch in the morning, and whenever a hunger time hits.