Today’s Features

Long fasts. They are not miserable, starving death marches. The fist couple days can be a challenge (if you don’t use our hack below) but then things get easier. Energy and mood go way up and the benefits really kick in. Read on and get out your calendar to plan your first (or next) 5 to 7 day fast.

Unlocking Cellular Regeneration with the 5-7 Day Fast

Fasting of all types has significant health benefits which we have been discussing the last two weeks. Today we dive into long fasts, 5 to 7 days total.  This type of fast has some unique advantages that go beyond weight loss. Before we start, let’s address the elephant in the room.

Are You Kidding Me? No Food for 5-7 Days?

You are probably thinking “This is impossible.  I will become more and more hungry, have zero energy, feel miserable every minute for 5 to 7 days in row.”  This is not the case.  Our bodies were designed for long fasting periods.  We have a powerful energy source that kicks in during a fast called ketones.  After the first couple of days (they can be the most challenging but we have a hack that helps), the body thinks “Hmm, the hunt isn’t going so well.  Let’s give the brain and body a major boost so we can catch and eat something and not die.”  So don’t worry, our bodies are designed for this.

The Benefits of Prolonged Fasting

Enhanced Cellular Repair and Detoxification

Prolonged fasting promotes autophagy, a process where your body cleans out damaged cells and regenerates new ones. This cellular detoxification and repair are more pronounced during extended fasting compared to shorter intermittent fasting periods.

Stem Cell Activation and Immune System Reboot

Extended fasting does more than just clean up damaged cells. It also stimulates stem cell activation, which is crucial for the regeneration of tissues and organs. This benefit is particularly significant for your immune system, as prolonged fasting has been shown to rejuvenate immune cells, giving your body a fresh start.

Beyond just cellular repair, the activation of stem cells during a 5-7 day fast can help regenerate various tissues and improve overall health. Imagine your body having the ability to heal itself more efficiently, leading to better recovery and a stronger immune system.

Metabolic Homeostasis and Longevity

During an extended fast, your body undergoes a significant metabolic shift. Instead of relying on glucose for energy, your body begins to utilize ketones, leading to improved metabolic homeostasis. This shift can result in better blood sugar control and reduced insulin resistance, providing a more stable and sustainable state of metabolic health.

This metabolic adaptation not only enhances energy efficiency but also contributes to longevity and anti-aging effects. Research suggests that extended fasting can reduce inflammation, lower insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), and improve markers related to aging and age-related diseases. Embracing this practice can help you unlock a more vibrant and longer life.

Proper Prep for a Long Fast

To maximize the benefits of a 5-7 day fast and ensure a smooth experience, proper preparation is essential. Follow these steps:

1. Flexible and Open Schedule: Plan your fasting period during a time when you can have as much downtime as possible. Avoid scheduling important meetings or physically demanding activities. This will allow your body to rest and adapt to the fasting state without additional stress.  This is a great time to start a new book series you’ve been wanting to read.

2. Ketone and Glucose Test Kits: Monitoring your ketone and glucose levels can help you understand how your body is responding to the fast. Test kits are available online and can provide valuable insights into your metabolic state.

3. Fasting Salts: Keeping your electrolytes balanced is crucial during an extended fast. Fasting salts, such as Nutri Align (we use this brand), are specifically designed to support your body during fasting by preventing symptoms like dizziness, fatigue, and muscle cramps. You can easily find these on Amazon.com.  Hunger getting a bit too intense? Drink a glass of water with fasting salts to knock down those hunger pangs.

4. Exercise: Keep it light.  Walking and movement are great but hold off on any HIIT or strength training during your fast.  Think rest and recovery. 

Preparation is key to ensuring a successful and beneficial fasting experience. By taking these steps, you can support your body through the fasting process and maximize the health benefits.

How to Do It

A long fast is pretty simple. Here are the steps

1. Pick a last meal time. Dinner works best for most people. Enjoy that last meal and feel gratitude for the upcoming healing you will be giving your body

2. No more food until your target end point 5 to 7 days from now. Water with fasting salts whenever the hunger gets intense. Tea and coffee are fine. No sugar or additives though, just straight tea or black coffee.

3. During the first couple days when hunger is the strongest be patient and kind with your self. Try not to ruminate on thoughts of hunger. Have that fasting salt handy.

4. By day 3 the hunger should mostly be gone and now ketosis is kicking in and you should begin to feel a significant energy boost. Many people report feelings of euphoria kicking in as well. That’s likely coming from the ketosis process and energy boost to the brain and body.

5. Keep going to the end and thoughtfully prepare that first meal. Healthy, organic and whole foods ideally.

But Wait, There’s More!

OK this is not so much a hard benefit of long fasts but that first meal after the fast is AMAZING! When John did his first long fast, his meal to break the fast turned out to be the best steak, potatoes and green beans of his life.  It was so delicious and satisfying. It was a shock how amped up and wonderful the experience of eating became.

Start planning your fasting date today. Set aside time in your calendar, gather your supplies, and prepare your mind and body for this transformative experience. Embrace the power of fasting and discover how it can help you live better, longer.

In this week’s LinkedIn we’re talking about how longevity affects leadership effectiveness. While the debate rages in our government over how long is overstaying your welcome, you’ll be surprised to learn what research has to say about corporate leadership longevity. Read it here …

Be Timeless,

Mary and John

Publishers, AgeBetter.news