I once had a long fast as I wanted to see how my body will respond to it. Not 72 hours-not even a drop of that--but a sufficient length that I have had a slight idea of what those long distances are like. You forget about food like you are suppose to. You begin to feel your pulse, feel the rate of breath, feel your temper. It is weird how deafening your body is when it is operating on empty.
This is what happens to an average person who does not eat after a period of about 72 hours. I will even take you through it the way I would explain to a friend who is asking what actually happens in there.
The First 24 Hours
This part feels familiar. Your body burns the food that you recently consumed, and then it burns the carbs that are stored in your liver. You are a bit hungry, a bit edgy but you can still operate since your body has a plan. It is as though your phone charge is going down to 40 percent. Nothing special, yet you are okay.
Around 24–48 Hours
It is at this point that things begin to change. The hunger spurs are waves, nearly. Your body starts to burn the fat reserves due to the absence of the fast energy sources.
Others claim that they are clearer at this stage, yet most of them are fatigued, annoyed easily, or lack concentration. I recollect that I felt that time was going slowly, that my thoughts had to form on leaden air.
Around 48–72 Hours
Now your body is burning like a furnace. Ketones rise. They can be used by your brain and you may somehow feel strangely stable mentally.
But physically?
That’s where the strain shows. You may be weak, cold or light-headed. Your limbs feel heavier. Even minor jobs need more effort. Your blood sugar level is not as high as your body likes it to be, and therefore standing up too quickly can make the world seem to have tipped over.
What You Fail to touch, But to your body you do
The behind the scenes stuff is:
• Your muscles begin to breakdown slightly so as to supply emergency energy.
• The metabolism is reduced as your body attempts to save itself.
• You are stressed out as your brain is making an effort to ensure that you are awake.
• your electrolytes may become out of balance, that may be dangerous.
A long fast isn’t just “no food.” It is your whole system being overtime to make it.
The Emotional Side
How your mind reacts is one thing that people do not discuss.
You begin to think differently about food not wanting it, but in some way admiring it. I recall how nothing felt any better than the smell of something warm. It puts you to the point of realizing how eating is associated with routine, comfort, and stability.
After 72 Hours
On the rare occasions that food is eventually bought back it strikes you with relief and caution. The body needs time to adjust. After a long fast, it is horrible to eat too fast, as though to give your stomach a shock.
The Bottom Line
The effects of not eating in 72 hours put your body in a survival mode. There are those who venture into long fasts due to personal or spiritual reasons however it is not one to take lightly. Even when you are not doing anything at all, your body is working so hard during those three days.