How I Did 40 and 21 Days of Water Fasting and My Insights Water Diet: I did not eat anything for forty days. By Hasan Ozalp

In this article, you will learn about:

What is Water Fasting? A detox and healing process relying on water and stored fat for energy.

Benefits: Weight loss, cellular repair, mental clarity, and reduced inflammation.

Preparation:?Gradually reduce food.

Phases: Initial detox, fat burning, healing, and the return of hunger.

Challenges: Unpleasant metallic taste, fatigue, and dizziness.

Breaking the Fast: Start with light liquids and reintroduce foods gradually.

FAQs: Clarifying metabolism effects and fasting's broader purpose.

What is water-only fasting?

Water fasting is a type of fasting in which an individual abstains from consuming any food or beverages, except for water, for a specified period. It is a deliberate choice to forego all caloric intake, relying solely on water for hydration. A water fast can range from 24 hours, "3 Days of Luminous Dry-Fasting" [3LDF] - [welcome to read my other article on 3LDF], to extended periods such as 21 or even 40 days. The purpose of water fasting is to allow the body to reset, detoxify, and heal itself. During this period, the body undergoes various metabolic changes, utilizing stored fat for energy, which can lead to weight loss and other potential health benefits.

This article explains water-only-fasting, a practice for health and spirituality, its benefits, how to do it safely, what to eat after, and who shouldn't try it.

This article discusses water fasting, a practice carried out by various individuals for an extended period, driven by diverse motivations such as health and spirituality. The benefits of water fasting are extensive, encompassing the alleviation of chronic illnesses and improvements in brain and heart health. Within this article, you will discover information on how to embark on water fasting safely, receive guidance on post-fasting dietary choices, and find details about individuals for whom this practice is unsuitable, such as pregnant women, children, and those with specific medical conditions.

Finding Your Fasting Sweet Spot: Counting Days vs. Listening to Your Body

Individuals should listen to their bodies and end their fast when hunger returns; the number of days can be calculated until this point, but one should be at most 40 days.

The article predominantly focuses on fasting durations of 21 or 40 days. However, it's crucial to recognize that individual variations in physiological conditions, genetic makeup, and medical history can influence the response to fasting. Individuals should listen to their body's cues rather than strictly adhering to a set number of days. Specifically, the initial suppression of hunger, which can be attributed to the production of ketones and the body's detoxification process, is temporary. Once this phase concludes and homeostasis is achieved, the sensation of hunger typically returns. At this juncture, the fasting period should be concluded. This might manifest anywhere from 10 to 30 days or even beyond for some individuals. It is imperative to adhere to a 40-day fasting duration, as exceeding this threshold could initiate autophagy or catabolism of essential body tissues as an energy source.

Heads Up! As you fast, your body undergoes the following changes:

• Weight loss
• Enhanced mental clarity
• Boosted energy
• Strengthened immunity and revitalized skin
• Elevated growth hormone levels.

Phases of Water Fasting: A Day-by-Day Breakdown of Physiological and Healing Responses

During water fasting: Days 1-2 involve blood sugar drop, liver activity, metabolic rate decrease, muscle glycogen use, and initial cleansing symptoms. Days 3-7 see the fat breakdown, skin changes, appetite suppression, detox, and lung and colon repair. Days 8-15 offer energy, clarity, and old injury pain due to healing. Days 16-30 provide adaptation, intermittent cleansing, organ healing, and mental boost. Day 30+ yields freshness, normalized functions, improved eyesight, and signs to potentially end the fast.

Experience:

The journey was challenging, with issues such as feeling cold, increased uric acid levels, and heightened mental alertness.

Preparation:

• Detoxify your body in preparation.
• If you are on medication, consult your doctor about ceasing its use at least a week before you begin fasting.

• Incorporate meditation sessions.
• Maintain a tranquil environment and avoid disturbances.
• Follow a consistent sleep routine.
• Document daily experiences, including any physical or mental shifts.
• Limit physical activity.
• Aim to drink around 2 liters of distilled water each day. However, you can drink less; listen to your body, as it will indicate when you've had enough.
• Regularly check your vital signs.

40-Day Water Fast Documentary

This article is my 40-day water fasting documentary. About five years ago, I completed a 40-day water diet and recently completed a 21-day water fast with a period of five years in between. I read almost all relevant articles, research papers, and books and watched most of the interviews and lectures about fasting, so you don't have to. This simple guidebook, with my personal experiences, came to fruition.

Yes, You can!

This article consists of my 40-day water fasting testimony, but it is not written as a recommendation for others to do 40 or 21 straight days of a water-only diet. I share my humble personal experience. You can take what you like and leave what you don't. In this article, I have compiled my practices and the stages of a 40-day water-only diet.

Architect of Your Own Health: Decoding Water Fasting and the Power of Self-Healing

This article explores how water fasting can aid the body in its natural healing processes. It emphasizes our ability to take control of our health rather than relying solely on the profit-driven healthcare industry. We possess the power to enhance our health once we recognize and embrace our inherent truths.

I put my time and effort into this article to provide clearer and more objective facts about water fasting so people can judge for themselves. I aspire to demonstrate our innate strength and ability to heal. It's essential that we remain discerning and avoid signing metaphysical contracts, whether knowingly or unknowingly, that align us with frequencies perpetuating manipulative mind-programming and oppressive dynamics. To truly be in charge of our lives, we must refrain from relying on doctors to fix us. Rather, we should turn to them only for assistance with issues we cannot resolve. We must attend to self-care to the best of our abilities and know we can do so. Some physician friends have told me doctors are typically good with functional cases, not chronic illnesses. They are fixers, not architects. We should be architects of our health. Reformatting our cells, emotions, and minds is necessary for a balanced, vivid, and natural existence.

Can Fasting Help Treat Chronic Diseases?

Yes.

Fasting reduces cancer risk, stimulates stem cell production, and improves overall health, offering an alternative to expensive stem cell therapy.

During a The Galen Foundation talk, Pradip Jamnadas, MD, , explained that according to a study conducted at 美国波士顿大学 , the lifetime probability of developing cancer can be reduced by over 70% through a seven-day water fast. Some studies have reported even higher percentages due to the death of cancerous cells during fasting, as they are deprived of glycogen.

According to Dr. Jamnadas, stem cell therapy has gained considerable attention for its potential medical benefits, but the prohibitive costs, often reaching millions of dollars, have hindered its accessibility. An intriguing alternative lies in the body's ability to stimulate stem cell production through fasting. A two-day fast can trigger a remarkable 2000% increase in growth hormone levels, fostering stem cell generation and enhancing their regenerative capabilities. Additionally, fasting's effects on metabolism, energy utilization from fat stores, cellular health, and DNA repair highlight its multifaceted advantages. Complemented by dietary recommendations and supportive agents like Vitamin D, melatonin, and turmeric, fasting is a promising avenue for enhancing overall well-being.

A Journey into Gerson Therapy and Holistic Approaches to Chronic Diseases

Alternative approaches like Gerson Therapy involve a plant-based diet and detoxification to treat chronic diseases alongside traditional medicine.

Charlotte Gerson, the daughter of Max Gerson, who founded Gerson Therapy, asserts that many chronic diseases are often categorized as 'incurable' and attributed to unknown causes. However, she believes that certain healing methodologies, such as extended fasting, can assist in recovery. According to Gerson, treating chronic diseases requires a holistic approach that includes a plant-based diet, juicing, coffee enemas, and detoxification procedures to purge toxins from the body. I was fortunate to attend a Gerson Seminar in San Diego, California, back in 2014, while Charlotte Gerson was still with us.

Hormesis and Fasting

Just as a touch of stress can benefit the body, much like fasting, there are specific plants and activities that induce a manageable level of stress, triggering a beneficial hormetic response.

Hormesis is a phenomenon in which a harmful substance has stimulating and beneficial effects on living organisms when the quantity of the harmful substance is small. [4] Fasting activates hormesis, where a little stress can activate a beneficial cellular response. This can be attributed partly to changes in the function and dynamics of mitochondria, the cellular powerhouses responsible for energy production. When fasting, mitochondria increase their efficiency and resilience, thus promoting cell survival and longevity. Fasting works to create hormesis both alone and synergistically with other hormetic stressors, such as exercise, hot sauna, and cold water swimming. Furthermore, plants, while filled with vitamins and antioxidants, also contain a variety of stress-inducing phytochemicals that cause the body to over-prepare for potential damage.

In contrast to hormesis, chronic stress harms the body. Therefore, not too much stress, as in chronic stress, but just a touch of it, as in hormesis, can cure the problems we have. This is where oxytocin is released to bind the mitochondria and activate the healing mechanism.

Be Like Bruce Lee: Cultivate an Adaptable Metabolism for Optimal Health

I'm experimenting with various diets to enhance my body's flexibility and strength, not committing to any single one, and avoiding prolonged abstention from meat.

[Update After Covid] I have contracted COVID-19 twice, and each time, I recovered without requiring medical intervention and did not receive any COVID-19 vaccination. I remained isolated for a week during the first occurrence and quickly resumed my activities afterward. The second infection was much milder and passed very easily, all thanks to the incredible gift of the immune system given to us.

My primary aim is to attain a metabolically flexible physical state. Intuitively, I believe it's more beneficial to experiment with a variety of dietary habits influenced by my country of residence, having lived in the UK, USA, Taiwan, and Turkey, and traveled to all the continents on Earth. I consider the season, my immediate feelings, and a range of dietary strategies like the 16/8 method, the 5:2 diet, alternate-day fasting, periods of meat consumption followed by a week of veganism, the keto diet, and so forth. I continuously adjust my eating habits to accommodate prolonged fasting periods. Sometimes, I eat multiple meals a day yet successfully control my glucose levels immediately after indulging in pleasurable foods and then swiftly lower my blood sugar levels. I am on a mission to enhance and fortify my metabolic capabilities, much like Bruce Lee did with his physical body. Consequently, I don't adhere to a specific diet or advocate for one. Indeed, when individuals start eating healthily, they often claim they're following a diet.

I aim to be as adaptable and resilient as possible, able to manage varying dietary habits, lifestyles, schedules, and life challenges. If my liver takes a hit, it should be able to recover swiftly. I'm opposed to strictly adhering to veganism or any dietary protocol for an extended period. Additionally, I know that abstaining from meat for more than 40 days can detrimentally impact my metabolism.

Ancient Wisdom, Modern Science, and the Middle Path of Nutrition

Balance in diet is important; too much or too little meat isn't ideal, and our ancient DNA suggests we need animal protein for optimal health.

Ali ibn Abi Talib said that not eating meat for 40 consecutive days would waste away, whereas eating meat for 40 consecutive days also hardens the heart. In other words, one should moderate the meat intake and, at the same time, not be a vegan for a long time. As Pradip Jamnadas mentioned, we have been Paleolithic beings for 2,500,000 years; only in the last 12,000 years have we become agricultural beings. Human DNA is still aligned with the Paleolithic age. If you are a vegan, please stop and start eating animal-driven food at least one meal a month; not eating any animal protein may also be the reason for the built-up anger and tension you may have. Consuming as I please, such as meats, vegetables, and fruits, is the natural way to live as long as the intake is not processed food, added sugar, or some nefarious additives.

Time to go to your cave

During fasting, it helps to avoid people, focus on spirituality, and trust in the deeper healing process.

During fasting, it may be beneficial to distance yourself from human interaction as much as possible while still being able to spend time with animals. Don't stress about the psychological effects of hunger. Kindly read this article thoroughly, taking notes on its many practical tips.

Fasting makes me feel uncomfortable and disconnected from reality because food is my source of comfort and focus.

Based on my experience of enduring long days of fasting, I know that food provides comfort, something to look forward to, and serves as the fuel that keeps me grounded in reality. When I abstain from food, I feel discomfort in unfamiliar territory. Therefore, I must find other ways to engage my focus without relying on food to entertain me. Without food, I feel disconnected from this realm, and metaphorically, I feel as if I could fly away and detach from this physical sphere, which is not my intention. Otherwise, I would likely give up on the lengthy and burdensome task of enduring hunger pangs, an unpleasant metallic taste in my mouth, dizziness, and an inability to tolerate people and any irritating noises around me. To achieve success, you must deeply trust your absolute truth, which will offer the foundation and direction you need during challenging times.

"Actionable patience" involves actively and purposefully enduring challenges and discomfort while taking deliberate steps to achieve a goal.

To navigate the challenges of my 40-day water-only fast, I couldn't merely rely on my physical being. Instead, I tapped into my essence, transcending the physical realm. Observing myself externally, I witnessed hunger, headaches, pain, and suffering. In this journey, I became my own spirit guide. Immersing myself in an experience unconstrained by time, I learned the profound value of the healing process and the importance of "actionable patience." I gave it my all and emerged empowered.

Should I Exercise During Fasting?

While fasting, I used a vibration machine and did light activities, but avoided hard exercise and focused on rest.

I also needed to stimulate my lymphatic system and colon, so I purchased a Standing Vibration Platform Exercise Machine and used it regularly. Additionally, I occasionally jumped and danced to activate my Chi. My body had to eliminate many toxins and accumulated cellular waste. I often asked myself, "Should I exercise while fasting?" Only some basic movements are required during a 40-day water fast. You should not engage in cardio while water fasting; avoiding strenuous exercise is best. I recommend staying indoors, getting ample rest, and engaging in daily walking activities during the fast.

The Impact of Exercise During Fasting: Understanding Fat Loss Versus Muscle Loss

Exercising while fasting might burn muscle instead of fat, so rest's important.

Alan Goldhamer , owner of TrueNorth Health and a prominent figure in the health and nutrition realm, offers an insightful view on fat loss versus muscle loss during fasting. Contrary to popular belief, exercise during fasting might not be the ultimate solution to accelerated fat loss; it could lead to muscle loss.

Why Exercise During Fasting Might Be Counterproductive When we consider fasting, we often associate it with weight loss. Intuitively, adding exercise to the regimen seems wise, anticipating even better outcomes.

Body's Energy Source During Fasting: During fasting, our body taps into stored energy reserves for sustenance. Without glucose from food, it primarily relies on glycogen, stored in the liver and muscles. Once these stores are exhausted, the body uses stored fat as its main energy source. Many people fast precisely for this reason – to shed excess fat.

Exercising Drains Glycogen Stores More Quickly: Engaging in physical activity, particularly intense workouts, depletes glycogen stores faster. With dwindling glycogen levels, the body might resort to muscle tissue for quick energy during fasting. Muscle tissue can be broken down into amino acids and converted to glucose for energy. Relying heavily on gluconeogenesis during fasting can result in muscle loss.

Visceral Fat Loss Without Exercise: By avoiding exercise during fasting, the body mainly targets and burns visceral fat after depleting glycogen reserves. Visceral fat around our organs is linked to several health complications, including heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and increased inflammation. Consequently, reducing this fat is beneficial not just for weight loss but also for holistic well-being.

Prioritizing Health Over Quick Results The intention here is not to dissuade anyone from exercising but rather to comprehend its effects during fasting. If one's primary aim is weight loss and enhanced health, moderating exercise intensity during prolonged fasts could be key. This ensures that fat remains the dominant energy source instead of muscle.

You may engage in physical activity after fasting, while ensuring you maintain adequate glycogen stores in your liver. It is advisable not to exercise during periods of fasting due to potential hypoglycemia risks and muscle loss. During fast, If you refrain from exercising, you predominantly lose visceral fat

Mastering the Flow of Air: The Importance of Proper Breathing for Ch'i Activation and Oxygen Use.

Breathing correctly activates Ch'i, our life force, and helps us use oxygen better, inspiring many great thinkers.

Ch'i is the vital strength that forms a part of any living entity. It translates as "air" and figuratively as "material energy," "life force," or "energy flow." Avicenna, or Ibn Sina (c. 980-1037), was a leading polymath of the Islamic Golden Age, renowned as a physician, astronomer, and philosopher, whose Aristotelian-influenced teachings spanned over 450 works, of which approximately 240 survive today, including 150 on philosophy and 40 on medicine. Avicenna once said, "Imagination is half the disease; Tranquility is half the remedy; and patience is the beginning of the cure." [5]

Practice focusing on visualizing the Chi:

My vision creates blue light in my mind, representing my Ch'i. I visualized the Ch'i moving from my coccyx through the spinal cord up to above my head, creating a clockwise, circular motion. I needed the Ch'i to boost to go through that difficult process, so I even talked to it and stretched myself with Ch'i. Because I was talking to my Chi, being called "crazy" was something I was fine with. For those attempting to fast for 40 days without receiving the same title, I wish them the best of luck.

As Steve Jobs famously said, "Here's to the crazy ones, the misfits, the rebels, the troublemakers, the round pegs in the square holes, the ones who see things differently. They dislike rules and do not respect the status quo." [1]

Similarly, Prophet Muhammad advised, "Engage in Lord's remembrance so frequently that others deem you crazy." (Ahmed b. Hanbel, 3/68; Hakim, 1/499; Mecmau'z-Zevaid, 10/16)

So, in the end, it all worked out. So be the Crazy One, surpass your boundaries, and be the best version of yourself.

LET'S SAY HU!

Inhale purified oxygen and expel psychological stressors through the therapeutic vocalization of 'Hu', establishing a profound psychospiritual connection with the Divine through proper breathing.

I learned how to inhale through my nose and exhale through my mouth from a Buddhist monk while living in Taipei. I have incorporated the Sufi word "Hu" into my breathing practice. "Hu" is an Arabic word, ????, that is an attribute of God. In Sufism, Hebrew and Arabic are utilized instead of the English "third person" to circumvent attributing grammatical gender. This is similar to "Thee" in the Holy Bible. However, "Hu" aligns well with the shape of the lips during exhalation. This unique breathing method assists in purging my body of viruses and parasites.

The syllable "Hu" (pronounced like "who") is a revered name for the Divine, symbolizing the ultimate reality. By resonating with this essence, individuals foster a deeper bond and move towards a state where ego fades, revealing profound union and truth.

The Link Between Breathing and Nitric Oxide: Understanding its Functions

Breathing through the nose helps produce Nitric Oxide, which is good for our lungs, and blood flow and even boosts sexual arousal.

During the process, I had to get rid of the excess fat, viruses, and parasites so that they may peacefully get out of the immune system, and then, as Mike Love sings, "Let the Healing Begin!" You are obliged to listen to the music if you are reading this article to align with its vibe ??

"Kosher breathing" through the nose introduces Nitric Oxide (NO) directly to the lungs, combating virus replication and promoting better oxygen saturation, enhancing endurance. NO contributes to the formation of Endothelium, which relaxes arterial muscles, ensuring healthy blood flow and pressure. Nitric Oxide is also the principal mediator of erection and sexual arousal, which is irrelevant to this article. Yes, we have good news, guys! Now you know that "kosher breathing" can boost your manhood. Breathe in and reap the benefits of NO!

Let's pump the air as Joe Budden's lyric says: Pump p-p pump pump p-pump p-pump. Pump p-p pump pump it up We gon' do it like (uuh, uuh, uuh)

STAGES OF WATER FASTING AND 40 DAYS FASTING INSTRUCTIONS

1. TOUGH STAGE, FIRST COUPLE OF DAYS

In the first few days of water fasting, your body uses up sugar reserves, making you feel tired and headache, and you might lose weight from water loss.

The first stage of water fasting, the tough stage, can be challenging in the first couple of days. During this stage, the sugar level in the blood drops below 70mg/dl as the liver converts glycogen to glucose to restore normal blood sugar levels. It is recommended to sleep and rest as much as possible during this tough stage, as symptoms such as headaches, fatigue, and discomfort may occur. Additionally, weight loss may occur during this stage as the body sheds significant excess water stored in the Intracellular (ICF) and Extracellular fluid (ECF) compartments.

As the fast progresses, our body's glycogen reserves deplete, prompting it to turn fat cells into fatty acids and glycerol via gluconeogenesis. This mechanism allows the body to produce glucose from non-sugar sources like glycerol, lactate, pyruvate, and certain amino acids. Interestingly, we exhale the byproducts of this fat conversion as we breathe since fat isn't eliminated through urine, feces, or sweat.

Understanding BMR and its Physiological Impacts

During extended fasting, the Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR) may decrease up to 70% to conserve energy, causing a decrease in heart rate and blood pressure. However, it is important to note that in some cases, BMR may increase, causing an increase in blood pressure.

You will move more slowly, as if in slow motion, with each step becoming more deliberate. Your BMR will gradually decrease, and you will feel and experience that.

Effects of Prolonged Fasting on Sexual Function

During extended fasting, men may experience a temporary decrease in sexual function, but this typically rebounds after the fasting period. Before starting a fasting regimen, it's advisable for men to discuss potential implications with their partners. On the other hand, women usually maintain their sexual functions throughout the fasting period without significant changes.

Persevering Through the Tough Stage: The Initial Challenges of Fasting and Beyond

When you start fasting, you might feel weak and very hungry, experience symptoms like headaches and nausea, but after the tough initial days, it gets easier.

Glycogen is drawn from the muscles, leading to weakness. The initial phase of detoxification tends to be the most intense, manifesting symptoms like headaches, lightheadedness, nausea, halitosis, glassy eyes, and a thickly coated tongue. Hunger can be intense during this period, known as the Tough Stage. However, it is crucial to note that the Tough Stage is the most challenging, but if one can persevere through it, the subsequent stages will be more manageable.

It is common to feel hungry during the first few days of fasting. However, this hunger is temporary, and the desire to eat will eventually subside. The absence of hunger can last up to 40 days, depending on the fast's duration. This stage was easy for me because I had trained myself for years. Nonetheless, it is essential to be patient during the initial days of fasting, as they can be challenging.

2. KETONES STAGE, UP TO THE FIRST WEEK

The Benefits and the Smelly Side of Ketosis

Ketosis from water fasting can burn fat and offer health benefits, but it may also lead to bad breath, pimples, and an unpleasant body odor during the fast. However, this is a positive sign as you are expelling toxins through your breath, pimples, and odor.

Water fasting induces ketosis, burns more fat, reduces inflammation, and decreases appetite. Fats, composed of transformed fatty acids, are broken down to release glycerol from the glyceride molecules and are converted to glucose. [2] My skin became oily and started developing pimples and boils, purged from the body, causing an unpleasant smell and aroma from my mouth and a desire to itch myself. Whatever room I was in, I was stinking up the room so badly, but knowing that instead of my body being a host for the source of that smell, releasing it into the air was the smart thing to do. I would call this "mouth and skin breath." A pallid complexion is also a sign of waste in the blood. The incomplete oxidation of fats causes ketones. It is suspected that the ketones in the blood suppress the appetite by affecting the food-satiety center in the hypothalamus called the appestat. Ketones are profoundly anti-inflammatory and smart food; your brain especially loves them.

According to the International Journal of Cancer (IJC) , cancer cells cannot efficiently process ketone bodies for energy, unlike healthy tissues. Ketones also slow the proliferation of tumor cells. [6] These authors speculated that dietary ketones halt metastasis.

Fasting Wisdom: Finding Spiritual Enlightenment in a 40-Day Journey

Do you want to practice a 40-day spiritual fast because you are Christian, for Lent, or God?

The Bible states,

1 Corinthians 12:9 - "to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healings by the same Spirit,"

Abu Huraira also narrated that the Creator responded,

Chapter: The Virtue of Fasting from Sahih Muslim 1151e (Book 13, Hadith 213), also referenced in USC-MSA (English) as Book 6, Hadith 2567 (deprecated numbering scheme).

Fasting is a unique act of devotion that brings both immediate joy upon breaking and eternal joy in the presence of the Creator, whose reward for it is unparalleled and who values it more than the finest fragrance.

" Every virtuous act by a human is magnified in reward, from tenfold to as much as seven hundred times. However, the Creator has declared: Fasting stands apart, for it is dedicated solely to Me, and I alone bestow its reward. When one fast, they set aside their desires and sustenance for My honor. Such devotion brings two moments of happiness for the one who observes the fast: the elation of breaking the fast and the profound joy when they stand before their Creator. And to the Creator, the breath of the fasting individual is more fragrant than the most exquisite musk." [7]

The hadith narrated by Abu Hurayra holds significant weight in Muhammedi teachings, especially about fasting. It proclaims, "Every act of a human is for their benefit, except for fasting, which is exclusively for Me (Creator), and I alone will reward it." This emphasizes the unique status of fasting in Islam, distinguishing it from other forms of worship. The phrase "Fasting is for Me" implies a special relationship between fasting and the divine. This hadith can be understood through various interpretations:

1. Concealed Worship:?Unlike other visible acts of devotion, fasting is an internal, concealed worship. Its true observance is known only to the individual, devoid of showiness or pretense.
2. Cultivation of Self-Control:?Fasting serves as an exercise in self-restraint and purification. During fasting, one refrains not just from eating and drinking but also from harmful speech and actions, fostering personal discipline.
3. Spiritual Connection:?Fasting is more than an act of physical abstinence; it's a spiritual journey towards divine proximity. By reigning in worldly desires and needs, individuals demonstrate their commitment to something transcendent.
4. Direct Divine Reward:?The hadith's statement that "only I will give its reward" underscores the distinct nature of fasting's reward, which differs from other practices. This reward is intimately connected to two moments of joy for the fasting person: breaking the fast and the eventual meeting with the divine in the hereafter.

During fasting, the body burns fat for energy, which can produce an acetone taste in the mouth. So, the unpleasant smell you are experiencing is a positive sign. It is temporary, and upon completing the cleanse, you will have the ultimate clean, natural, heavenly fragrance.

When glucose is unavailable, fat starts to break down by the liver into glycerol and fatty acid molecules. [8] The fatty acid is then broken down further in ketogenesis. During this process, acetoacetate is the first ketone body produced. Studies done on people with different cognitive issues, from brain diseases to epilepsy, confirm that using ketones as fuel can tremendously improve brain function. Feeding the brain with ketones instead of glucose is required occasionally.

Acetoacetate is then converted into either BHB or acetone. Acetone is the least abundant ketone body, but it may be produced in higher quantities. I also call this "Ketones Breathing," the worst taste I can feel acetone in my mouth, which was the severest part of my water diet misery.

As your cells adapt to carbohydrate restriction, BHB becomes the most prevalent ketone body, and your brain and muscle cells start using it as their primary fuel. When keto-adapted, ketones supply up to 50% of your basal energy requirements. Also, it gives you 70% of the energy the brain needs. Basal Energy is the energy needed to carry out fundamental metabolic functions, such as breathing, ion transport, the average turnover of enzymes, and other body components. [6] This is how you start burning fat during fasting."The show must go on," the brain must function, and the heart needs to pump. The body starts converting fat cells to obtain ketones to survive.

Ketones Breathing

Ketone Breath & Fasting: My Combat Strategies Against Acetone Aftertaste

"Ketones Breathing" is a term I coined. It's beneficial for people to know about this so that when they experience it, they'll understand how to handle it.

During my fast, I experienced a bad taste called "ketone breath" and used various methods like tongue scraping and oral hygiene to manage it.

My face and belly shrank as if I had undergone a mysterious liposuction operation from an invisible plastic surgeon. My body embraced the fast, and my digestive system needed the rest. This was an opportunity for a long-needed vacation for my tummy. Human energy focuses on cleansing organs, and the lungs are being repaired. Periodically, the lymphatic system expels mucoid matter through the nose or throat. [5] The volume of this yellow-colored mucus can be shocking. As mentioned, the most unpleasant part of this process was the acetone-like taste in my mouth. I did a lot to eliminate it, such as chewing sugarless organic gum and scraping my tongue with a pure copper tongue scraper.

If you feel the need to throw up, it might help you feel better but don't force it.

Guide to Managing Acetone Taste "Keto Breath" During Fasting

To manage the acetone or "keto breath" taste during fasting, improve oral hygiene, rinse with coconut oil, drink lots of water, chew sugar-free gum, and use natural remedies like salt and charcoal.

The taste of acetone in the mouth during a fast, often referred to as "ketone breath" or "keto breath," occurs because the body burns fat for energy and produces ketones. This sensation can be discomforting for many.

Here are some Ketone Breathing potential remedies:

a. Oral Hygiene: Regular brushing, flossing, and using a tongue scraper can help reduce the acetone taste and smell.

b. Mouthwash with Coconut Oil: Some people find that rinsing with coconut oil helps neutralize the ketone taste temporarily.

c. Hydration: Drinking ample water can dilute the concentration of ketones, which may reduce the taste and smell.

d. Chewing Gum: Choose sugar-free gum (ensure it doesn't have sugar alcohols that could affect digestion). It can stimulate saliva production, keeping your mouth moist and lessening the acetone taste.

I kept gargling with rock salt water. Brushing my teeth with no fluoride, activated charcoal toothpaste, and using charcoal reduces bacteria stress in your stomach and gives you belly comfort. I also used a pure copper tongue scraper, striped my tongue using it, and licked Himalayan salt rock as little as possible to change the taste in my mouth and receive minerals from it.

Knowing that much intake would not affect the production of ketones and the autophagy process, as long as I could figure out a method to handle this acetone taste in my mouth, the rest was not as hard, and I wasn't breaking the fast. Because there are lymphatic tonsils in our throats, such as adenoid tonsils, palatine, and tubal tonsils, these tonsils drop the lymphatic system's toxins into my throat.

You Are What You Eat! [18]

Taking care of your teeth is important because they're connected to your brain and other organs; I suggest natural dental practices and avoiding some common treatments.

Dental hygiene provides clarity, better digestion, and sterility to all our organs. The trigeminal nerve system means that the nerves from our teeth are connected directly to the brain, and each tooth has an energetic connection to different organs and functions. I advocate for tongue scraping, oil pulling, flossing, brushing with fluoride-free toothpaste against mercury fillings, fluoride intake, root canal treatment, and repeatedly getting unnecessary X-rays.

Gua Sha and Lymphatic Drainage

Gua Sha is a Chinese massage technique that scrapes the skin to help the lymphatic system work better, leaving temporary red marks that fade in a few days.

The lymphatic system runs parallel to the circulatory system. During my water diet, I received Ghu Sha, or Chinese lymphatic massage, to help the system expel mucoid matter more efficiently.

Gua sha (Chinese: 刮痧; pinyin: guā shā), meaning "scraping sha-bruises", is a traditional Chinese medical treatment in which the skin is scraped to produce light bruising. [9]

As you can see in the picture, red marks were on my hairy back after the massage. However, these marks went away in a couple of days. You can do it as often as you'd like, but I recommend getting the massage once in the first week of the fast/diet and then again towards the end. Don’t forget! Any lymph drainage practice should first open up through the neck and collarbones.

The sinuses go through periods of being clogged, then will clear up. However, the breath may still be foul, and the tongue may still be coated.

Digestive System Dynamics From Ingestion to Elimination

Our digestive system breaks down food, takes in nutrients, and removes waste; if waste stays too long, it can harden and cause constipation.

Our digestive system breaks down food to absorb nutrients and get rid of waste, and if waste remains too long, it can harden, leading to constipation.

Digestive System Processes: The human digestive system breaks down food using enzymes and acids in the mouth, stomach, and small intestine, before absorbing nutrients through villi and microvilli in the small intestine, while the large intestine absorbs water, processes indigestible material like cellulose, and coordinates the voluntary and involuntary actions of defecation through the defecation reflex.

The colon is being repaired, and impacted feces on the intestinal wall start to loosen and are autolyzed. If defecation is delayed for a prolonged period, the fecal matter may harden and autolyze, resulting in constipation. [10] We don't eat to push the feces down in the colon; similar to the constipation process, feces in the colon start to autolyze through autolysis, which is the destruction of a cell through the action of its enzymes.

Adios shit!

I used water therapy in the first week to clean out old waste from my colon, and I was surprised by how much came out.

Fresh feces are composed of approximately 75% water. Of the remaining solid fraction, 84-93% are organic solids. These organic solids comprise 25-54% bacterial biomass, 2-25% protein or nitrogenous matter, 25% carbohydrates or undigested plant matter, and 2-15% fat. When water is removed from the feces, the residual bacteria, protein, carbohydrates, and fat can easily undergo autolysis. The last few meals you eat before starting a fast will remain in your colon unless expelled. Feces would not move and exit independently, so I underwent water colon therapy to assist in their expulsion.

I applied water colon cleansing therapies at the end of the first week to help the colon eliminate the impacted feces. I couldn't believe how much feces came out. The session lasted forty minutes. The water therapy assistant inserted a water pipe into my rectum. I made sure my belly was massaged non-clockwise to help the air and feces quickly make their way out of the exit, and they did. Then Adios shit!

3. FEEL BETTER STAGE, 2?? WEEK

Over a week, I started to experience enhanced energy and clear-mindedness and felt better than I had felt since childhood. On the downside, my old injuries became irritated and painful. In my case, it was my lower back and the right side of my leg. It was a painful, tingling sensation. This pain is a result of the body's healing process. As the body searches for non-living or damaged areas, the lymphocytes enter the older damaged tissue and secrete substances to dissolve the damaged cells.

Lymphocytes & Immunity: A Deep Dive into Our Body's Defensive Brigade and Its Repercussions

Lymphocytes are important blood cells that help our body fight off harmful invaders, and when they work, it can sometimes cause old pains and discomforts to come back.

Lymphocytes are essential white blood cells in the vertebrate immune system, which defend against harmful invaders. Resembling fringed white balls in images, they predominantly circulate in lymph, a clear fluid in the lymphatic system that helps transport immune cells.

Lymphocytes comprise:

• Natural killer cells: Attack infected or tumor cells directly.
• T cells: Coordinate immune response and attack infected cells.
• B cells: Produce antibodies to neutralize pathogens.

These components work collectively to ensure a responsive and robust immune defense. [11] These substances irritate the surrounding region's nerves and cause a recurrence of aches from previously injured areas that may have disappeared years earlier. The pain lasts as the body completes the healing process. The muscles may become tight and sore due to toxin irritation. The legs can be the worst affected as toxins accumulate in the legs. I had little cankers and pimples in my mouth due to the excessive bacteria load.

4. HOMEOSTATIC BALANCE STAGE, 3?? and 4??ve WEEK

In this stage, the body is fully adapted to the fasting process. There is more energy and clarity of mind. Cleansing periods can be short, with many days of feeling good. There are days when the tongue is pink, and the breath is fresh. The healing work of the organs is being completed. After the detoxification mechanisms have removed the causative agent or rendered it harmless, the body works at maximum tissue proliferation capacity to replace damaged tissue. While a short fast reduces symptoms, a longer fast can completely heal. Homeostatic balance is at an optimum level.

Homeostasis is the body's way of keeping everything balanced and stable, no matter what changes happen inside or outside the body.

Homeostasis is a self-regulating process in which biological systems maintain stability, adjusting to achieve optimal conditions for survival, and it encompasses the steady internal, physical, and chemical states, such as body temperature and fluid balance, which are integral to the organism's optimal functioning. These regulated conditions in the body, including water content and carbon dioxide levels, ensure that cells and the whole organism remain functional and stable even when faced with various internal and external challenges. External homeostasis pertains to the body's balanced response to variations such as changes in glucose levels in the blood or shifts in external temperatures. In contrast, at a more general level, homeostasis can be described physiologically as the body's continuous effort to maintain a balanced internal environment, making persistent adjustments as conditions evolve. The significance of homeostasis lies in its role in upholding an established internal environment, undeterred by external stimuli that could potentially disrupt this balance, and its regulation is predominantly overseen by the endocrine and central nervous systems, with the endocrine system comprising glands that release chemical regulators, commonly known as hormones.[12]

The organism's optimal functioning condition includes many variables, such as body temperature and fluid balance, being kept within certain pre-set limits. The lymphatic system is clean except for an unusual mucus discharge through the nose or throat. After day 20, the mind is affected with heightened clarity and emotional balance. Memory and concentration improve. I had vivid dreams due to the brain's neural networks re-organizing and tidying the synapses.

Understanding the Need for Vomiting as a Form of Relief

I experienced bouts of vomiting, both intentional and spontaneous. A green, viscous substance was expelled, and I felt a sense of relief almost immediately. I realized that orally eliminating this acidic buildup from my stomach was essential for rapid alleviation. While not everyone may feel the urge, listening to your body's cues is vital. If you feel the need to vomit, it may provide relief. However, never force yourself to do so.

5. UPLIFTING STAGE, LAST DAYS

The profound benefits of a forty-day water fast begin to manifest at this point. The genuine return of natural hunger occurs once you get close to the 40th day. You start feeling hungry again, which means the rejuvenation is completed, and you must return to regular eating.

When you start feeling hungry again, it's time to break your fast, signaling the end of the cleansing cycle. While the average duration is 40 days, everyone is different. Always tune into your body's hunger cues and avoid starting a second cycle.

Houston, we are ready for takeoff! ??

When you fast, bad breath and other symptoms improve, and you know it's time to stop when you feel hungry again.

Embodying the sacred essence, fasting cleanses the body, leading to improved symptoms, and it's time to eat when true hunger returns.

The breath has been offensive during or most of the fast and becomes sweet and clean. The tongue becomes clean. The thick coating that remained on it throughout most of the fast vanishes. The temperature, which may have been sub-normal or above average, returns to precisely normal and remains there. The pulse/BP becomes normal in time and rhythm. The bad taste in the mouth ceases. Salivary secretion becomes normal. The eyes become bright, and eyesight improves. The excreta loses its odor. The urine becomes light. The primary indication that the fast is broken and a sign to stop water fasting is the return of hunger; all the other symptoms are secondary.

The Impact of Fasting on Ghrelin Levels: Exploring its Effects on Appetite, Metabolism, and Energy Homeostasis

When you fast, the "hunger hormone" (Ghrelin) increases, which boosts growth hormone, affecting growth, fat burning, and overall energy in the body.

Fasting can modulate the physiological interactions of neuropeptides, controlling appetite and energy homeostasis. Ghrelin, often called the 'hunger hormone' due to its integral role in stimulating appetite, increases levels upon fasting. This surge subsequently induces growth hormone release from the anterior pituitary gland. This hormone is a pivotal determinant of growth, metabolism, and body composition. The secretion of growth hormone promotes somatic growth and induces lipolysis, playing a critical role in the regulation of fat metabolism. Ghrelin directly influences adiposity by promoting adipogenesis and inhibiting lipolysis, thereby contributing to fat storage in the body. Furthermore, ghrelin plays a significant role in glucose homeostasis by influencing glucose metabolism. This dual role in lipid and glucose metabolism underscores ghrelin's significant influence on the body's overall energy balance.

Breaking a 40-Day Water Fast: Safe Refeeding Process and Tips

Often, one or more of these secondary signs are absent when hunger returns, but one should not refrain from breaking the fast when there is an apparent demand for food merely because the tongue, for example, is not clean. Since all the signs do not invariably appear in each case, feel free to break the fast when hunger returns. Due to most people having phosphate deficiency, it is recommended to refeed with bone broth.

Feel free to break the fast when hunger returns.

Combining Bioenergy Healing and Faith-Based Practices During Fasting for Enhanced Benefits

Forty days of water fasting and prayer is crucial. As mentioned previously, whatever your faith is, it's important to have a coping mechanism to activate the Parasympathetic Nervous System (PANS or PSNS). Coping mechanisms can help you adjust to stressful events while helping maintain your emotional well-being. [13] I also received bioenergy healing sessions and had some inner-visual experiences. These bioenergy sessions helped immensely with the process. I will write a separate article about bioenergy healing processes.

Combining bioenergy healing and faith-based practices during fasting can help activate the body's relaxation response, enhance mental discipline through different brain wave activities, and foster a deeper connection between mind and body, allowing individuals to overcome physical urges and achieve spiritual and health goals.

Transcending the Physical: Understanding Fasting Through Brain Wave Activity

Fasting requires mental discipline and can stimulate varying brain wave activity.

Fasting can change your brain wave activity, helping you focus, relax, and connect with higher consciousness, which builds mental strength and deepens mind-body understanding.

Alpha waves (8-12 Hz): The state of relaxation associated with alpha waves can promote the mindfulness and tranquility necessary to resist the physical urge to eat. During fasting, maintaining a state of calmness and relaxation can assist in managing hunger signals.

Beta waves (12-30 Hz): These waves are related to alertness and active thinking, which can be beneficial when consciously deciding to fast with intention and maintaining focus on your goal. Instead of allowing an automatic program to run, you can override it with your free will.

Theta waves (4-8 Hz): Fasting can bring your body to rest. Theta waves are associated with deep meditation, which can be utilized to manage feelings of hunger and maintain focus on the spiritual or health goals of fasting. It's essential to direct your focus toward growth.

Delta waves (0-4 Hz): Delta waves occur during deep sleep, a state that you may naturally enter more frequently during fasting as your body conserves energy. Utilize delta waves to rejuvenate during sleep.

Gamma waves (30-100 Hz): Gamma waves come into play as you process high-level information about your body's physical state and the cognitive challenge of overriding the instinct to eat. This presents an opportunity to connect with higher consciousness, disconnect from your past state, and create a new future.

By fasting, you train your mind to control body urges, which helps build mental strength and lets you experience things beyond just physical sensations, from within.

By consistently returning to the present moment and resisting your body's programmed responses, you demonstrate that your will and consciousness can override bodily urges. The discipline developed from fasting can assist in reprogramming your body's reactions, building mental strength, and fostering a deeper understanding of your body and mind. Furthermore, it can allow you to explore and generate experiences not primarily rooted in physical senses but in mind, creating a reality that may not be based on sensory input but on mental constructs and states.

Unearthing the Potency of the Pineal Eye - From the Parietal Eye to the Transcendent: Unleashing the Potential of Your Third Eye for Clairvoyance, Intuition, and Extrasensory Perception - A Gateway to Insight and the Force.

Please beware that, ontologically speaking, your third eye starts opening up after a month of not eating anything, so you start observing beyond. It can be an interesting experience for some; if you wish to avoid this, consume a tablespoon of meat broth or animal protein in juice form around day 20, so you can block these magical senses with a little soup of animal meat intake. Don't drink too much where you may break your fast; only a little to close up your psychic vision voluntarily.

The potential of your "third eye" for clairvoyance and intuition can be explored through fasting, inner exploration, and maintaining a healthy pineal gland, which produces DMT, a compound associated with mystical experiences.

Regarding the third eye-opening, this issue requires a very in-depth dialogue, and I need to know the reader's level of conciseness before I delve into this article. But I can say this: the goal of humanity is to know themselves. As Yunus (Jonah) Emre said, "The meaning of wisdom is knowing who you are. If you don't know who you are, what's the use of knowledge anyway?" So, once you go 40 days without eating, your senses, which you may call the third eye, will start to open up. Ontologically speaking, you will also start to transmit light and dark, which are made of the universe. It is better to disregard the low-frequency level; instead, simply dive into yourselves, clear the effect of your traumas, and endeavor to understand your real self better. Find yourself.

People researching about 40 days of water diet meant to understand themselves thoroughly; that's why the urge to go through this journey is happening to them. Determine to travel to yourselves instead of just elsewhere because, in the end, your essence is everywhere. Outward journeys, like out-of-body experiences, can involve some mental risks if not done right with proper guidance. Instead, you can learn and try concepts like lucid dreaming, which is much safer than hallucinogenic experiences.

Lifelike dreams were the best. I experienced more vivid dreams where the physical materiality felt dull, and I enjoyed the mystical world. You would wake up with a huge smile as if you had just traveled in space, flown into natural forests, and had unbelievable, surreal experiences more enjoyable than the scenes in the movie Avatar by James Cameron.

Drinking distilled or purified water to eliminate the calcification/ detoxifying of the pineal gland

Consuming pure water aids in maintaining the health of the pineal gland by eliminating contaminants such as fluoride. Furthermore, Drinking water with intentions directed towards specific areas of need demonstrates that water can retain and transmit information, making it a potential medium for holistic healing.

The pineal gland produces melatonin and DMT (Dimethyltryptamine), a psychedelic compound. Fluoride in water can calcify the gland, but drinking purified water and adopting detox practices can help maintain its health and DMT production.

Quality of Hydration

Staying hydrated is crucial since this isn't a dry fast. It's important to note that while high-quality water, such as purified or distilled water, is ideal, drinking regular water is also acceptable.

"Menstrual cycles during extended fasting" are for women, as in humans with XX chromosomes

Menstrual cycles during extended fasting may reset or continue based on factors like hormone history and age, with potential challenges in managing pain, but disruptions usually regulate as the body adapts over time.

It is all about the cycles; the body resets yearly, though most women don't know. It could reset during extended fasting, or you may not have a cycle change; it depends on your history of hormones, age, and ancestral condition. Or you may have your cycle at the scheduled time even though you don't feel 100%. This is a positive sign that your body feels comfortable enough to continue business as usual instead of shutting down for fear of scarcity.

Once you have your cycle, you need to manage the pain because you will have cramps and the effects of a water diet. It will be difficult, and you'll feel nauseous and find it hard to get comfortable and focus. As mentioned, you may miss your cycle due to the resetting process and the extreme conditions of no food for weeks. This will eventually regulate after your fast since the body has its rebound mechanism. Just remain positive and stay strong in the process. It will be worth it in the end.

Losing Weight Through Fasting: Understanding the Mechanisms and Maximizing Benefits

Fasting results in a significant reduction in weight, improved health markers, and a flatter belly, but do not fast solely for the purpose of losing weight. Be cautious about rapid weight loss due to potential liver issues, and consider adopting a more gradual approach to achieve your goals.

People always asked me, "How much weight can you lose on a 40-day water fast?" From 230 pounds, my weight went down to 183 pounds. My round, pregnant-like belly became flat, my hypertension diminished, and my insulin resistance improved. However, I don't recommend fast weight loss due to the liver's potential for fatty acid accumulation. Therefore, you should slim down in moderation.

Toilet Manners

Gradually incorporate liquids followed by solids into your diet. Keep track of when you experience your first bowel movement after any digestive upset. Using a 35-degree squat during elimination can facilitate a more comfortable experience due to the positioning's effect on the colon and optimal alignment of the rectal passage.

After breaking the fast, you can gradually start incorporating liquid foods like soup, vegetables, and bone broth into your diet before slowly introducing solid meals. You can taste the food as it moves through your digestive tract, and your food will feel much more satisfying. When ending the fast, the timing of your first bowel movement is important; the earlier, the better, as it indicates that your colon has fully resumed its functions. You may need more effort than usual when pushing at first and sitting in a 35-degree squatting position so that your anus can relax and your colon can straighten out for easier bowel movements.

I am here to support all of you, and please do not hesitate to reach out to me if you have any questions or concerns. Feel free to post your questions and your experiences in the comments section below.

WELCOME TO THE NEW YOU!

Embrace the present moment and manifest your immaculate physical form. Revel in the blessings bestowed upon you by the infinite universe, regardless of the name you choose - be it Ra, Osiris, Zeus, Hera, Odin, Thor, Vishnu, Lakshmi, Amaterasu, Olokun, God, Self, Soul, Allah, Jesus, Yahweh, Shiva, Buddha, Akal Purakh, Quetzalcoatl, and so forth.

Notes

• Socrates was asked why he fasted and replied that it was for mental clarity.
• From time to time, I boiled water and drank it hot. It gave me a feeling as if I was drinking tea or coffee.

When you fast for 18 hours, your body starts a cleanup process called autophagy, which peaks after 3 days. This happens because the body has fewer nutrients, which lowers a protein called mTOR. mTOR controls growth and how cells respond to food and signals like insulin. When mTOR is low, the body boosts its cleanup process.

Autophagy starts at 18 hours of fasting and gradually increases, reaching a maximum of 3 days. When the body is nutrient deficient, mTOR levels decrease. mTOR is a protein kinase catalytic subunit of two distinct protein complexes, mTORC1 and mTORC2. It is the major growth regulator and controls most anabolic and catabolic processes in response to nutrients and nutrient-induced signals, such as insulin. This decrease in mTOR levels triggers autophagy, the process by which cells recycle and repair themselves.[14]

Bone marrow in our bones makes stem cells. During autophagy, these stem cells leave the marrow to fix and refresh our organs.

• Bone marrow is the soft, spongy tissue found in the centers of most bones, containing many blood vessels. Stem cells are the body's raw materials generated from the bone marrow. During autophagy, stem cells exit the bone marrow and enter the organs to replenish dying cells and change the machinery within those cells, leading to rejuvenation. To aid in this process, I placed a small piece of pink Himalayan salt in my mouth for mineral intake and to reduce dizziness during fasting. [15]
• Some mornings, I practice "coconut oil pulling" with sesame oil for dental hygiene. This makes me feel good and helps to reduce the bacteria load in my mouth
• I brushed my teeth with activated charcoal toothpaste that doesn't contain fluoride. Activated charcoal nourishes the bacteria in my gut, preventing them from causing tension headaches by irritating the inner layer of my stomach; it's like bribing bacteria to stay calm.
• I gently melted a spoonful of Himalayan Salt and inhaled the soothing smoke. This ritual worked wonders for my sinus congestion, swiftly banishing the unpleasant taste of mucus trickling from my sinuses down my throat as my sinuses embarked on their natural self-cleansing journey.
• After resuming regular eating, consume good bacteria-rich fermented foods like yogurt, kefir, and kimchi to restore the flora in the gut.
• To alleviate dizziness while fasting, you can consider the intake of magnesium and minerals by using Himalayan salt and opting for a toothbrush with coal toothpaste; consuming them in this manner does not break the fast. If dizziness persists, take an Epsom salt bath and apply magnesium spray to your skin. It's important to note that dizziness during fasting is often associated with low glucose levels and blood pressure, and addressing these issues can help alleviate the discomfort.
• When the insulin level is high, you store energy; when your insulin levels are low, you pull energy out of fat. To utilize fat stores, you have to drop your insulin levels. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor happens when the body starts producing a hormone that goes to your brain and tells your brain to switch on, and you make new brain cells while fasting.

Bone broth has nutrients that can help with issues when moving out of fasting.

• Bone broth has a lot of glycines, phosphate minerals, and magnesium, which will help you overcome some of your problems while transitioning from fasting. During fasting, electrolyte imbalance can occur. If you experience it, take a pinch of salt in the water, and you'll find that your cramps, dizziness, and headaches will improve. Salt does not affect the fasting process.

Having Vitamin D and eating properly boosts Foxp3, a protein that helps repair DNA and manage our immune system. This protein also helps keep telomeres, which affect lifespan, longer. The longer your telomeres, the longer you might live.

• Vitamin D in your system and eating the right food promotes Foxp3, which handles the DNA repair mechanism and immune system responses. Foxp3, known as scurfin, is a protein in immune system responses. Foxp3 prepares your DNA and makes your telomeres less short, so they stay nice and long. Telomeres are very important because the longer they are, the longer you will live.

When you fast, SIRT1 levels go up. SIRT1 helps control certain genes and boosts autophagy and Foxp3. Melatonin and turmeric also increase Foxp3, a protein that strengthens the immune system and turns on your body's antioxidant genes.

• SIRT1 increases during fasting. SIRT1 proteins regulate epigenetic gene silencing and suppress the recombination of rDNA. SIRT1 also stimulates autophagy and activates Foxp3. Melatonin increases Foxp3, and Foxp3 activates all the antioxidant genes in your body. Turmeric also activates Foxp3. Foxp3, known as scurfin, is a protein in immune system responses.

From Veins to Relief: Blood Donation and Ancient Hijama Healing

Before starting the fast, I prepped by donating blood and undergoing the ancient practice of hijama.

Blood Results

After a 40-day water fast, blood tests showed mostly improved health markers, including better blood sugar levels and cholesterol.

People want to know about the results of a 40-day water fast, both before and after, and what happens when you only drink water for 40 days. As promised, after completing the challenge, I did some blood work. The results were promising; most items showed improved results:

HBA1C: 6.5 (before the program) to 4.8. Reference value: 4-6.5% (This test measures the amount of blood sugar (glucose) attached to hemoglobin)

B12: 627 ng/L. Reference value: 210-911

HDL Cholesterol: 39.1 mg/dL. Reference value: 35-88

LDL Cholesterol: 140.06 mg/dL. Reference value: 20-130

Iron: 93.5 ug/dL. Reference value: 48-182

Glucose: 81.8 mg/dL. Reference value: 25-200

• David Sinclair's perspective on dietary restriction and longevity:

"We cannot sit at the banquet of life and eat freely. Our bodies were designed for periods of feast and famine, and without times of scarcity, our cells' defenses grow complacent, and our diseases take hold."

CMA is a recycling system inside cells that becomes important when the body doesn't get enough food, as it helps break down old stuff and use it for energy and important tasks to keep the cells healthy.

• Chaperone-mediated autophagy (CMA) is a selective form of autophagy, which is a cellular process that degrades and recycles cellular components to sustain homeostasis, adapt to stress, or survive during nutrient scarcity. When the body is fasting, it has to adjust to the absence of incoming nutrients. This necessitates transitioning from anabolism (a state of building up) to catabolism (a state of breaking down) to liberate stored energy and recycle components for essential metabolic processes. CMA plays a pivotal role in this adaptive process. CMA is a critical component of the cellular response to nutrient deprivation during fasting. It helps maintain energy equilibrium, supply necessary substrates for metabolic processes, and uphold cellular health.

The NAD+/NADH ratio controls the balance of chemicals in cells, mostly in the powerhouse (mitochondria) and control center (nucleus), and it can be different in various parts of the cell, with mitochondria aiming to keep it around 7-10.

• The NAD+/NADH ratio regulates the intracellular redox state, especially in the mitochondria and nucleus. The free NAD+/NADH ratio varies between 60 to 700 in eukaryotic cells, although the estimated mitochondrial NAD+/NADH ratios are thought to be maintained closer to 7–10.

During hypoglycemia and other stress conditions, counterregulatory hormones such as glucagon, adrenaline, cortisol, and growth hormone are released. These hormones have insulin-antagonistic effects on the liver and peripheral tissues.

Type 2 diabetes is a common condition with high blood sugar levels, causing symptoms like thirst, frequent urination, and tiredness, but it can be reversed.

• Type 2 diabetes is a common condition characterized by high glucose levels in the blood. Symptoms include excessive thirst, frequent urination, and fatigue. It also increases the risk of serious eye, heart, and nerve problems. It can be reversed with fasting, diet, and lifestyle changes. People with type 2 diabetes who can achieve an HbA1c level below 42 mmol/mol (6%) without taking diabetes medication are said to have reversed or resolved their diabetes. This is also known as putting diabetes into remission. HbA1c, also known as hemoglobin A1c, is a test that measures the amount of blood sugar (glucose) attached to hemoglobin. It is a three-month average because that is the lifespan of a red blood cell. [16]

Index and Q&A

How does water fasting differ from other fasting methods?

Water fasting involves consuming only water for a set time, while other fasting methods include dry fasting (no food or water for a short period), intermittent fasting (eating within specific time windows), partial fasting (restricting certain foods), caloric restriction (eating fewer calories daily), and fasting mimicking diets (eating a special low-calorie diet to mimic fasting effects).

Water fasting is just one method among several types of fasting. Here's how water fasting compares to some other popular fasting methods:

1. Water Fasting: Consuming only water for a set time, ranging from 24 hours to several weeks, for detox, spiritual, or health reasons.
2. Dry Fasting: Abstaining from food and water, often for religious purposes or claimed detox benefits, but it's intense and requires caution, typically lasting 24 hours or less.
3. Intermittent Fasting (IF): Cycling between eating and fasting periods, like 16/8 or alternate-day fasting, for weight management and health benefits.
4. Partial Fasting: Restricting specific foods or drinks while allowing some caloric intake, such as juice fasting, done for detox, weight loss, or dietary reset.
5. Caloric Restriction: Reducing daily calorie intake without fixed fasting periods, aimed at longevity, health, and weight management.
6. Fasting Mimicking Diet (FMD): Consuming a very low-calorie, low-protein, high-fat diet for around 5 days to mimic fasting's effects while still eating.
7. Three-Day Full Moon Fasting: Also known as "Bright Days Fast," you fast for three days during the full moon. (I will be writing a separate article about this)

What are the primary health benefits associated with water fasting?

Water fasting offers various health benefits, including weight loss, improved insulin sensitivity, cardiovascular health, better brain function, hormone regulation, reduced inflammation, digestive system recovery, enhanced immune function, potential longevity, mental clarity, mood improvement, and detoxification.

Water fasting has been associated with various potential health benefits from traditional viewpoints and recent scientific research. Here are some of the primary health benefits attributed to water fasting:

1. Weight Loss: During a water fast, the body depletes its glycogen stores and burns stored fat for energy.

2. Autophagy: Fasting activates autophagy, where the body cleans out damaged cells and regenerates new ones.

3. Improved Insulin Sensitivity: Fasting may improve insulin resistance, reducing the risk of type 2 diabetes.

4. Cardiovascular Health: Some studies suggest that water fasting can improve blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and other cardiovascular risk factors.

5. Brain Health: Fasting can boost the production of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), which supports brain function.

6. Hormone Regulation: Fasting can increase the secretion of growth hormone.

7. Reduction in Inflammation: Some research has shown that fasting can reduce markers of inflammation.

8. Digestive System Reset: A break from digestion allows the gastrointestinal system to rest and heal.

9. Improved Immune System: Fasting stimulates stem cell regeneration of new immune cells.

10. Increased Longevity: Animal studies suggest that fasting can extend lifespan.

11. Mental Clarity and Mood Enhancement: Many report heightened mental clarity and improved mood during fasting.

12. Detoxification: Fasting may speed up the removal of toxins from the body.

How does water fasting impact weight loss?

Water fasting impacts weight loss by creating a calorie deficit, shifting the body to burn stored fat for energy, preserving muscle mass, reducing insulin levels, increasing metabolic rate, and potentially regulating appetite.

Water fasting has a profound impact on weight loss, and here's how:

1. Caloric Deficit: Naturally, by abstaining from all food, you create a significant caloric deficit, leading the body to use stored energy reserves.

2. Metabolic Shift: After depleting glycogen stores, the body shifts from using glucose to using stored fat as its primary energy source, a state known as ketosis.

3. Preservation of Muscle Mass: Contrary to prolonged, very low-calorie diets, water fasting can increase growth hormone secretion, which may help preserve lean muscle mass while predominantly burning fat for energy.

4. Reduced Insulin Levels: Water fasting reduces insulin levels, promoting further fat burning and reducing the risk of type 2 diabetes.

5. Enhanced Metabolic Rate: Some studies suggest that short-term fasting can boost the metabolic rate by up to 14%, aiding in more efficient calorie burning.

6. Appetite Regulation: Fasting may lead to changes in the levels of hunger-regulating hormones, potentially reducing overall appetite post-fasting.

What are the cognitive benefits of water fasting, such as clarity of mind?

Water fasting may have cognitive benefits such as enhanced brain function, improved mental clarity, reduced oxidative stress, neuroprotective effects, mood enhancement, increased alertness, and improved stress resistance due to increased BDNF production, ketosis, and reduced inflammation.

Water fasting can influence cognitive function and mental clarity in several ways. Here are some of the cognitive benefits attributed to water fasting:

1. Enhanced Brain Function: Fasting can increase the production of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), which supports neuron growth and the formation of synapses, essential for learning and memory.

2. Ketosis and Brain Health: When the body enters a state of ketosis, it produces ketones, particularly beta-hydroxybutyrate, which can be a more efficient fuel for the brain, potentially enhancing cognitive clarity and function.

3. Reduction in Oxidative Stress: Fasting can reduce oxidative damage and inflammation in the brain, which are linked to neurodegenerative diseases.

4. Neuroprotective Effects: Fasting induces autophagy in cells, including brain cells. This self-eating process helps clear out damaged cells and regenerate new ones, potentially protecting against neurodegenerative diseases.

5. Mood Enhancement: Some individuals report an improved mood during and after fasting. This could be due to physiological changes and a sense of accomplishment from completing the fast.

6. Increased Mental Alertness: The body's adaptive response to the absence of food might make one more alert, a primal instinct that would have helped our ancestors find food during times of scarcity.

7. Stress Resistance: Fasting can increase the resistance of neurons to excitotoxic stress, potentially offering protection against certain types of neurological damage.

How does water fasting influence energy levels and metabolism?

Water fasting initially may cause a drop in energy, but as the body enters ketosis, it often leads to increased energy levels, improved mitochondrial function, boosted growth hormone production, stable blood sugar levels, and enhanced cellular energy due to factors like burning stored fat and activating autophagy.

Water fasting has notable effects on energy levels and metabolism. Here's how water fasting influences these aspects:

1. Initial Energy Dip: At the beginning of a fast, many people experience a decrease in energy as the body transitions from using glucose to fats as its primary energy source. Feelings of fatigue or lethargy can accompany this phase.

2. Ketosis Boosts Energy: Once the body fully enters ketosis, which burns stored fat for energy, many individuals report a surge in energy levels and increased mental clarity.

3. Enhanced Mitochondrial Function: Fasting may improve mitochondrial efficiency, the 'powerhouses' of our cells, leading to better energy production.

4. Metabolic Rate Increase: Contrary to the belief that fasting slows down metabolism, short-term fasting can increase metabolic rate by up to 14%, enhancing calorie burning.

5. Growth Hormone Production: Water fasting can increase growth hormone secretion, crucial in energy metabolism and muscle preservation.

6. Stabilized Blood Sugar Levels: Without dietary carbohydrate intake, blood sugar levels stabilize, preventing energy crashes commonly experienced after high-sugar meals.

7. Adaptive Thermogenesis: During extended fasting, the body may undergo an adaptive thermogenesis process where it conserves energy, which might lead to a temporary metabolic slowdown.

8. Increased Cellular Energy: Fasting stimulates autophagy, a cellular 'clean-up' process. This can improve cellular function and, consequently, overall energy levels.

How does the body react during the initial days of water fasting?

During the first few days of water fasting, the body goes through glycogen depletion, hunger pangs, a drop in blood sugar levels, mild detox symptoms, a shift to burning stored fat for energy (ketosis), energy fluctuations, increased urination, digestive system rest, and mood changes, with adjustments like improved energy and mental clarity often occurring as the fast continues.

What signs should one look for to ensure the fasting process is going well?

To ensure your fasting process is going well, look for positive signs such as clearer skin, improved energy levels, mental clarity, reduced hunger, stable vital signs, a positive mood, good hydration, the absence of severe symptoms, healthy weight loss, and restful sleep.

Vital Signs Monitoring:

Tracking vital signs is crucial, particularly if underlying health conditions are present. For instance, Russel Okung provides a snapshot of vital signs on his website, okungfast.com, detailing the Day of Fast, Weight, Sleep Duration, Avg HR (BPM), HRV, Glucose (mg/dL), Oxygen Sat Avg, and average body Temp.

Here are some positive signs indicating that the fasting process is going well:

1. Clearer Skin: As the body detoxifies, many people observe an improvement in their skin's clarity and texture.

2. Improved Energy Levels: After the initial phase of potential fatigue, many individuals experience a surge in energy, indicating that the body has successfully transitioned to ketosis.

3. Mental Clarity: One reported benefit of fasting is enhanced cognitive function and mental clarity, free from the "fog" some experience from regular diets.

4. Decreased Hunger Pangs: As the body adapts to fasting, the intensity and frequency of hunger pangs and cravings should diminish.

5. Stable Vital Signs: Monitoring your blood pressure, heart rate, and temperature can indicate stability. Consistent readings within normal ranges suggest the body is coping well with the fast.

6. Positive Mood and Emotional State: Feelings of calmness, tranquility, and joy can be positive signs during fasting.

7. Good Hydration: If you consistently drink water and your urine remains light yellow (not dark or too clear), it indicates good hydration.

8. Absence of Severe Symptoms: Not experiencing extreme dizziness, severe nausea, or chest pain indicates the fast is proceeding without immediate health concerns.

9. Healthy Weight Loss: A gradual and consistent reduction in weight, without extreme drops, suggests a healthy fasting process.

10. Restful Sleep: While sleep patterns can change, achieving restful sleep is a positive sign.

Effects of Prolonged Fasting on Sleep Patterns

Water fasting can affect sleep patterns due to reduced energy expenditure on digestion, leading to difficulties falling asleep and altered sleep duration; however, strategies like prioritizing sleep, relaxation techniques, engaging activities to tire the mind and body, and considering melatonin supplementation can help manage these changes for better sleep during fasting.

Physiological Context:?The body doesn't engage in regular digestive processes without food intake. Consequently, there's a reduced expenditure of energy associated with digestion. This lack of digestive activity can influence sleep in two main ways:

1. Difficulty Falling Asleep:?The absence of energy expenditure on digestion might lead to difficulties initiating sleep. This is potentially due to reduced metabolic cues that signal sleepiness.
2. Altered Sleep Duration:?The reduced energy expenditure on digestion can also mean that the body might not necessitate its usual sleep duration. This translates to a reduced sleep requirement for some individuals, where only a few hours might be adequate on certain fast days.

Interventions and Techniques:

1. Prioritizing Sleep:?Even with altered sleep requirements, prioritizing sleep is vital. Deep and extended sleep facilitates comprehensive cellular repair and rejuvenation.
2. Relaxation and Meditation:?Incorporating relaxation techniques or meditation sessions before bedtime can enhance sleep onset, especially during fasting. These methods can serve as tools to combat the initial challenges of falling asleep.
3. Engagement Activities:?Mentally stimulating activities, like reading, can tire the mind. Concurrently, mild physical activities, such as extended walks, can help exert the body, potentially aiding in sleep initiation and duration.

Considering Melatonin as a Sleep Aid:

1. Overview:?Melatonin is a natural hormone that regulates sleep-wake cycles. Its supplementation can be an avenue to explore for those experiencing sleep disturbances during fasting.
2. Sublingual Spray:?Utilizing a melatonin sublingual spray provides the advantage of direct absorption into the bloodstream via the mucous membranes under the tongue. This bypasses the digestive route and might offer a faster onset of action.
3. Dosage Recommendations:?As with any supplementation, starting with a minimal dose is pivotal, and titrating according to individual needs and responses is pivotal. Melatonin can aid in sleep initiation, but it's crucial to note that its effects on sleep maintenance might vary among individuals.

Sleep disturbances during prolonged fasting are a complex interplay of metabolic and physiological shifts. While these changes are expected, strategies such as relaxation techniques, mental and physical engagement, and the potential use of melatonin can be employed to optimize sleep during fasting periods.

What are common challenges faced during a water fast?

Common challenges faced during a water fast include persistent hunger, mood swings, fatigue, digestive discomfort, headaches, dizziness, difficulty sleeping, cravings, muscle issues, bad breath, coldness, and mental struggles related to not eating.

Water fasting can be challenging, and individuals often encounter various hurdles. Here are some common challenges faced during a water fast:

1. Hunger Pangs: Persistent hunger can be tough to ignore in the early days.

2. Mood Swings: Some individuals report irritability, sadness, or even short periods of depression during a fast.

3. Fatigue: Energy levels can drop, especially during the transition into ketosis, making daily activities feel more strenuous.

4. Digestive Discomfort: This can include gas, bloating, or even constipation, especially in the early stages.

5. Headaches are often experienced in the initial days, possibly due to caffeine withdrawal or detoxification.

6. Dizziness or Lightheadedness: Caused by decreased blood sugar levels or a drop in blood pressure.

7. Difficulty Sleeping: Altered metabolic and hormonal states can lead to changes in sleep patterns, causing insomnia for some.

8. Cravings: Even beyond the sensation of hunger, specific cravings for sugary or fatty foods can be strong.

9. Muscle Cramps or Weakness: The body might lose essential electrolytes, leading to muscle issues.

10. Bad Breath or Metallic Taste: As the body enters ketosis and starts burning fat for energy, it produces ketones, leading to a metallic taste in the mouth and a distinct breath odor.

11. Feeling Cold: Reduced calorie intake can decrease thermogenesis, making one feel colder than usual.

12. Mental Challenges: Beyond the physical challenges, the mental aspect of not eating and breaking habitual patterns can be tough.

How can one manage hunger, fatigue, or dizziness during the fast?

To manage hunger, fatigue, or dizziness during a water fast, you can drink water to stay hydrated, rest when tired, distract yourself with activities, practice deep breathing, balance electrolytes with salt or supplements, limit strenuous exercise, use mindfulness techniques, consider ending the fast if symptoms are severe, stay informed about fasting stages, and create a comfortable environment to cope with these challenges.

Managing discomforts like hunger, fatigue, or dizziness during a water fast is crucial for a successful and healthy fasting experience. Here are some strategies to handle these challenges:

1. Stay Hydrated: Drinking sufficient water can help alleviate feelings of hunger. Sometimes, the body confuses thirst with hunger.

2. Rest: Listen to your body. If you're feeling tired, take short naps or ensure you get a full night's rest.

3. Distraction: Engage in light activities like reading, meditating, or listening to music to divert your attention from hunger.

4. Stay Low: If you feel dizzy, sit or lie down immediately to avoid fainting or injuring yourself.

5. Deep Breathing: Deep, rhythmic breathing can help manage hunger pangs and also alleviate feelings of dizziness.

6. Maintain Electrolyte Balance: Consuming a pinch of salt or electrolyte supplements can help manage dizziness or muscle cramps.

7. Limit Physical Activity: While light exercise like walking can be beneficial, avoid strenuous workouts to prevent excessive fatigue or dizziness.

8. Mindfulness and Meditation: Mindfulness practices can help you stay connected with your body's signals and manage feelings of hunger and discomfort.

9. Break If Necessary: If feelings of dizziness or fatigue become too severe, it might be a sign to end the fast. Always prioritize health over the fast's duration.

10. Stay Informed: Understanding the stages of fasting and knowing that certain feelings are temporary can help mentally and emotionally prepare you.

11. Adjust Your Environment: Stay cool and calm, especially if you feel hot or dizzy.

Are there any scientific studies that validate the benefits of water fasting?

Cellular autophagy, improved brain health, heart health, cancer protection, weight loss and metabolism improvements, lifespan extension, reduced inflammation, and hormonal benefits.

Yes, there have been several scientific studies that have explored the benefits and effects of water fasting on the body. Here's a brief overview:

1.?Cellular Autophagy: Studies have shown that fasting can trigger cellular autophagy, a process where cells remove damaged components, potentially leading to improved cellular function and longevity.

2.?Brain Health: Research published in the journal "Cell Stem Cell" found that cycles of prolonged fasting can stimulate neural stem cells to produce new neurons, potentially boosting cognitive function.

3.?Heart Health: A study from the "International Journal of Cardiology" indicated that periodic water fasting might reduce the risk of coronary artery disease and diabetes, among other cardiovascular benefits.

4.?Cancer Protection: A study from the University of Southern California suggested that cycles of prolonged fasting could protect healthy cells from the toxic effects of chemotherapy, possibly offering protective effects against cancer.

5.?Weight Loss and Metabolism: Various studies have shown that water fasting promotes weight loss, reduces insulin resistance, and potentially improve metabolic health.

6.?Lifespan Extension: Animal studies consistently show that periodic fasting can extend lifespan, particularly in rats and mice.

7.?Inflammatory Response: A study in the journal "Rejuvenation Research" found that fasting can reduce the levels of pro-inflammatory cells in the blood, leading to reduced inflammation.

8.?Hormonal Benefits: Research has indicated that fasting can lead to an increase in growth hormone production, a hormone vital for growth, metabolism, and muscle strength.

Science of Water Fasting: Mastering Personal Vitality and Longevity

The key lies in understanding one's own body and its unique needs. By harnessing the science-backed benefits and being attuned to the signals our bodies send, we can tap into an ancient practice that leads to improved longevity, heightened cognitive function, and a renewed sense of vitality.

INDEX:

[1] [Steve Jobs Narration on "the crazy ones"] https://www.imdb.com/title/tt2357129/characters/nm0005110

[2] [Beyonce Maple Syrup Diet - MotleyHealth?] https://www.motleyhealth.com/celeb/beyonces-diet-aka-maple-syrup-diet

[3] [BMR Calculator Pro - Basal Metabolic Rate & Energy ~ iMedical Apps] https://www.imedical-apps.com/2020/10/bmr-calculator-pro-basal-metabolic-rate.html

[4] [Can Small Bursts of Stress Help You Live Longer?] https://www.wellandgood.com/what-is-hormesis

[5] [Theo Henneman Blog] https://www.theohennemanblog.com/en/author_avicenna

[6] [Ketone Supplementation Decreases Tumor Cell Viability and Prolongs Survival of Mice with Metastatic Cancer - Poff, Angela M., et al.] https://doi.org/10.1002/ijc.28809

[7] [Fasting's special status in Islam](https://sunnah.com/muslim:1151e)

[8] [What is Ketosis? - The Kellie Kitchen] https://thekelliekitchen.com/what-is-ketosis

[9] [Gua sha (刮痧; guā shā) - Traditional Chinese Therapy] https://www.healthylifestyleswellnesscenter.com/services-offered/therapy/gua-sha

[10] [The Large Intestine | Boundless Anatomy and Physiology | Course Hero] https://www.coursehero.com/study-guides/boundless-ap/the-large-intestine

[11] [Lymphocyte - MEpedia] https://me-pedia.org/wiki/Lymphocyte)

[12] [Does homeostasis maintain internal conditions?] https://poletoparis.com/does-homeostasis-maintain-internal-conditions

[13] [35 Mental Health Terms to Better Understand Your Well-Being] https://ca.calmerry.com/blog/therapy/35-terms-to-better-understand-your-mental-health

[14] [Physics and medicine Nobel prizes announced | New Scientist] https://www.newscientist.com/article/mg23230942-500-physics-and-medicine-nobel-prizes-announced

[15] [A Study of Social Support and Delay of Treatment among African-American Patients Diagnosed with Hodgkin's and Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma, 2006] https://core.ac.uk/download/366708509.pdf

[16] [Joint Research Day, UCLan, Burnley 2018 - Crean, Stjohn, et al.] https://core.ac.uk/download/162910333.pdf

[17] [Intermittent fasting (IF): Your complete guide - Diet Doctor] https://www.dietdoctor.com/intermittent-fasting

[18] [The phrase "You Are What You Eat" is often attributed to Jean Anthelme Brillat-Savarin's 1826 book but became popular in advocating for healthier eating habits in the 1960s, particularly through nutritionist Victor Lindlahr's work. Figure taken from] https://zegalba.tumblr.com

[19] [Hu Calligraphy by Kas?m Kara] https://www.artymag.ir/en/galleries/33wO/

[20] [Hibernating Bear drawing by Sheri Amsel] https://www.exploringnature.org/db/view/Site-Contributors-and-Credentials

[21] [Figure taken from Aha Journal: Role of NOS3 and GUCY1A3 in nitric oxide signaling] https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIRCULATIONAHA.117.028021

[22] [Figure taken from Dr. Exia Site] https://doctorexia.com/parafarmacia-y-farmacia-online/set-ventosa-cupping-terapia-chinas-por-dighealth-12-vasos-de-aire-vacio-y-bomba-medicina-curacion-tratamiento-caseras-para-celulitis-dolor-de-espalda-facialadelgazar-piesestomagobajar-de-peso

[23] [Figure taken from] https://www.enzymlogic.com

[24] [Figure taken from] https://biadso.com/products/bread-dipping-herbs-infused-olive-oil

[25] [Adobe Stock #171094569, File#171094569]

[26] [Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0 International license] https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Socrates-tranh-ve.jpg

[27] [Figure taken from] https://www.squattypotty.com/pages/how-it-works

[28] [Figure taken from] https://fullscript.com/blog/menstrual-cycles

[29] [Figure taken from] https://www.drugscience.org.uk/drug-information/dmt/

[30] [Figure taken from] https://www.ogscience.org

[31] [The photo, credited to Dilok Klaisataporn, has the Stock Photo ID: 1190833391]

[32] [Figure taken from] https://www.ashislim.com

[33] [Figure taken from] https://www.virtahealth.com

[34] [Figure taken from] https://www.ruled.me/ketones-everything-need-know

[35] [Figure taken from] https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Small_lymphocyte-2.jpg

[36] [Figure taken from] https://www.thelifeco.com/en/angel-of-water-colon-cleansing

[37] [Figure taken from] https://www.kraaftsmit.com

[38] [License: Creative Commons (CC BY-NC 4.0) Author: Hannah Hill] https://freepngimg.com/png/11183-bruce-lee-png-picture

[39] The kitten was rescued from the street after its mother had died.

[40] [What are the common stages of water fasting, and what occurs at various stages during the fast?] https://www.curezone.org/faq/q.asp?a=25%2C1787%2C2836&q=759

[41] Artist Drishti Vohra specializes in acrylic fantasy paintings on canvas with a horizontal shape,

I am not a medical professional. My advice is for informational purposes only and should never be considered a substitute for professional medical advice or treatment. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider, especially if you have specific health concerns or are considering fasting. Any general guidance on fasting I provided should be taken in conjunction with personal health considerations and under the guidance of a medical professional.        

- LA FIN -