I’ve been struggling with some annoying physical health problems like fatigue, chronic inflammation, brain fog and poor sleep. I’ve been to the doctor and ruled out anything serious, but I really want to start feeling better again (I’m only 30). In the past, fasting has helped provide a sort of “system reset” for me, and I’m hoping to do that again.
I’m wondering how long you would recommend fasting for this purpose? I’m at a healthy weight so I’m not doing this for weight loss, just for the other health benefits (and hopefully to give my body a break from digestion so it can focus on other important things).
For context, I’ve done plenty of 1-2 day fasts, one 3-day, and one 4-day. All water-only, with small amounts of electrolytes as needed. So I suppose I’m moderately experienced.
From what I’ve read there’s diminishing returns after 5 days. It’s difficult to figure out the optimal time because a lot of the information out there is geared towards what people will realistically do.
I do 5 days. I don’t have a lot of excess body fat and by day 5 I usually feel pretty wiped and ready for some food.
If you are doing this for a “reset” remember that what you eat after a fast is very important. Fasting is the breaking down stage, eating is the rebuilding stage. You want to be give your body what it needs to reap the benefits of the fast.