I Didn't Eat Anything For 4 Days... Here's What Happened.
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My name is Frank Menken, and I’m on a mission to optimise my body both physically and mentally, so that I can accomplish my ultimate goal of climbing Mount Everest. By trying different health and lifestyle choices, I’ll be learning what works for me and my body, and choosing what sticks around and becomes part of my routine; and what goes out the window. This weeks challenge? A four day fast.
on / thefrankmenken
on / thefrankmenken
Research has shown that extended fasting, meaning anything over 16 hours, is associated with a variety of health benefits. These include weight loss, reduced blood sugar, insulin and inflammation levels. As well as increased focus and mental clarity. Extended fasting also enhances the production and activity of enzymes in your body that are involved in detoxification, and enhances your livers function.
This ‘detox stage’ is called Autophagy (or the rate at which your body removes unwanted or dysfunctional cells). Autophagy begins when the glycogen in your liver is depleted and your body begins to use its own fat as energy. Fat is your body’s storage organ for everything, including any toxins that may have accumulated over the years and during fasting all these toxins have to be removed through your bloodstream, which can be extremely uncomfortable.
The rate of autophagy peaks right around the time it begins, and then drops after about 2 days.
An important note to add here is that for the average, healthy person, your body does all the detoxing for you, and you don’t need an extended fast to achieve these health benefits.
But I’m not interested in any of that. I couldn’t care less about the health benefits. What I’m interested is what everyone says happens around day 2 and 3. Enhanced mental clarity. The feeling that you can focus on anything and everything with 100% commitment. That’s what I’m keen on.
I’m more interested in seeing if I can mentally tackle this challenge, and persevere enough to achieve that mental clarity. To see that metaphorical ‘light at the end of the tunnel’