Today’s Features

We wrap up our four part series on fasting today. Extended fasts, lasting 21 days or longer. Not for the faint of heart (though your heart will thank you), we are now in the realm of hardcore fasting. Read on to learn about some amazing benefits, even for cancer. Medical supervision required for this one.

Harnessing the Benefits of Extended Fasting

Want a complete body reset? Extended fasting, lasting 21 days or longer, offers more than just can be a  transformative journey for your body and mind. Whether you're looking to boost your health, support natural detoxification, or explore spiritual benefits, this practice can be a game-changer. Let's dive into what happens during a long-term fast and why you might want to give it a try.

The Profound Benefits of Extended Fasting

When you embark on a prolonged fast, your body shifts from using glucose to burning fat for energy. This leads to some remarkable changes. Yes, you'll lose weight as your body taps into fat reserves, but the benefits go far beyond what you see on the scale.

Your heart will thank you. Studies show that fasting can significantly lower blood pressure and improve lipid profiles, reducing your risk of heart disease. By giving your body time to reset and cleanse, you're paving the way for a healthier cardiovascular system.

But that's not all. Fasting plays a crucial role in improving insulin sensitivity, which helps regulate blood sugar levels. This is particularly beneficial if you're dealing with type 2 diabetes. The metabolic boost you get doesn't just support weight loss—it enhances overall health by reducing inflammation and oxidative stress.

Fasting and Cancer Treatment

This might surprise you: fasting for 21 days or longer has the potential to significantly improve outcomes for those undergoing chemotherapy. Research suggests that extended fasting can make cancer cells more vulnerable to treatment while protecting healthy cells. It's like giving your body a secret weapon against cancer.

When you fast, your body enters a state called ketosis, where it burns fat for energy. This metabolic shift stresses cancer cells, which heavily rely on glucose for growth. As a result, fasting can make these cells more susceptible to chemotherapy's damaging effects. At the same time, it offers a protective effect on normal cells, potentially leading to fewer side effects.

Many patients who fast before and after chemotherapy report less fatigue, nausea, and digestive issues. This is because fasting helps minimize the body's inflammatory response, making the treatment process more manageable.

Hormonal Changes During Extended Fasting

During a fast of 21 days or longer, your body's hormonal landscape undergoes significant changes. These shifts contribute to the health benefits you experience and are essential for supporting fat loss and improving metabolic health.

One of the most notable changes is the increase in growth hormone (GH) levels. GH plays a vital role in preserving muscle mass, promoting fat utilization, and supporting overall metabolic health. Research shows that fasting can boost GH levels by up to fivefold, helping your body adapt to the lack of food by preserving lean tissue and encouraging fat burning.

Extended fasting also leads to a decrease in insulin levels, which enhances insulin sensitivity. This improvement helps your body manage blood sugar more effectively and can be particularly beneficial if you're dealing with insulin resistance or type 2 diabetes. Lower insulin levels also promote fat loss, as your body becomes more efficient at accessing and using fat stores for energy.

Success Stories

Many individuals have experienced life-changing results. Take, for example, a woman diagnosed with stage 3 follicular lymphoma who underwent a 21-day water-only fast at a medically supervised facility. Following the fast, she adopted a whole food, plant-based diet. The result? Significant regression in her cancer, along with improved energy levels and overall health.

Another success story comes from individuals who used extended fasting as a tool for substantial weight loss and metabolic health improvements. In one case, a fast lasting 21 days or longer led to a 31-pound weight loss, alongside significant improvements in blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and insulin sensitivity.

Beyond physical benefits, many people report enhanced mental clarity and emotional stability during and after a prolonged fast. The experience often leads to a renewed sense of purpose, improved focus, and a deeper connection to body and mind.

Supporting Your Fast

During an extended fast, it's crucial to support your body with the right supplements and probiotics. Here's what we recommend including during your fasting journey:

1. Electrolytes: Maintain balance with sodium, potassium, magnesium, and calcium supplements to prevent fatigue, dizziness, and cramps.

2. Probiotics: Support gut health with specific strains like Lactobacillus rhamnosus HN001 and Bifidobacterium breve B-3.

3. Multivitamins: Ensure you're covering all nutritional bases with a high-quality, sugar-free multivitamin.

4. Amino Acids: Consider L-glutamine or BCAAs to support muscle preservation, but use these cautiously and under medical supervision.

5. Herbal Teas: Stay hydrated and support detoxification with peppermint, ginger, or chamomile teas.

Remember, water is your best friend during a fast. Drink plenty of it, and consider adding a pinch of Himalayan salt for added electrolytes.

Extended fasting for 21 days or longer is a powerful tool for transforming your health. It's not just about deprivation—it's about gaining clarity, control, and a renewed sense of well-being. While the journey may be challenging, the potential benefits to your physical and mental health make it a worthwhile consideration. We do recommend consulting your functional medicine doctor  before embarking on any extended fasting regimen, especially if you have pre-existing health conditions or are undergoing medical treatment.

In this week’s LinkedIn piece, figure out which of the three longevity mindsets you have and how to make the most of your way of thinking, plus how to get along well with those who have the other mindsets. Read it here.

Be Timeless,

Mary and John

Publishers, AgeBetter.news