Not only does the human body lose weight and energy rapidly, but it also undergoes many unexpected changes after 30 days of fasting and only drinking water.
Have you ever tried fasting?
What results can we expect from a 30-day fasting challenge? The following article will reveal some surprising answers.
On the first day of starting a water-only diet, we usually feel fine. However, by the second day, hunger and irritability set in, a phenomenon that science refers to as “hangry“. This is because our bodies have depleted their glucose supply. In fact, glucose is the primary energy source for our bodies, but now we have given up food.
By the third day, the human body begins to enter a state of “ketosis“, often referred to as “starving to the point of fainting”. The reason is that blood glucose levels have dropped too low, forcing the body to break down fat for energy. However, the brain cannot use this type of energy, as long-chain fatty acids cannot penetrate the blood-brain barrier.
Consequently, the brain starts producing ketones to convert long fatty acid chains into shorter ones. However, this method only provides about 75% of the energy that the brain needs. The body’s awareness begins to weaken.
The human body enters ketosis after several days of fasting.
By the fifth day, we may lose up to 2 kg daily. This is due to water loss and electrolyte imbalance.
By the tenth day, the human body adapts to the lack of food and remains in a state of ketosis. At this point, the body starts breaking down fat for energy instead of glucose. We might even feel slightly better, but don’t be fooled.
At this stage, the more fat reserves our body has, the longer we can survive. However, once all body fat is gone, we will have nothing left to compensate for muscle loss. Few people realize that the human heart is a muscular organ.
This situation can be extremely dangerous. When our heart is deprived of fuel, its rhythm and blood pressure will increase. This is because the body can no longer pump blood normally. All the proteins in the body will be broken down at this point, making it nearly impossible for us to think clearly. The reason is that we may be on the verge of starvation at this time.
By the fifteenth day, the digestive system will be severely compromised. This will lead to conditions such as stomach pain, vomiting, and bacterial infections.
Eventually, by the thirtieth day, things will worsen, as the human body will fall into a state of malnutrition, and we will feel weaker than ever. At this point, we may experience various health issues such as dizziness, headaches, and difficulty concentrating.
By the fortieth day, after many days without food and only drinking water, the human body will experience more severe symptoms, such as extreme fatigue, rapid weight loss, and muscle wasting. Even more frightening is that we will have to worry about serious health issues like kidney failure or sepsis.
According to experts, the duration of fasting depends on the amount of water consumed and the body fat levels of each individual.