Fasting has become an increasingly popular practice in recent years as a way to improve overall health and wellness. However, the concept of depriving oneself of food for an extended period of time can be intimidating, especially for those who are new to the practice. Many people are not sure what to expect when they attempt to fast, and they may be concerned about the potential side effects. In this article, we will explore the benefits and risks of fasting, as explained by Dr. Boz, a medical doctor who specializes in metabolic health.
The Endocrine Fight Between the Thyroid and Liver
When you stop consuming calories, your body goes into an endocrine fight between your thyroid and your liver. It is a struggle for survival between these two organs, both of which are attempting to metabolically manage the body. When calorie consumption stops, the human body uses two endocrine systems to try to save the day. It's a battle between the thyroid and the liver, and they're both trying to save the body through a metabolic puzzle.
The Thyroid's Response to Fasting
The thyroid begins with its very close tight connection to our metabolism, and when calories stop coming in, the thyroid sends out a major signal to shut down the system. This signal decreases the rate of the heart, decreases the body's temperature, and prevents the body from repairing anything within the body. This endocrine signal is very strong and happens robustly within those first 24 hours of fasting.
The Liver's Response to Fasting
The liver responds to fasting in a completely different way. The liver says, "Hey, I could make a different fuel. Let me work on that and supply an abundance of energy so that we survive this time of no resources." When patients attempt to fast for an extended number of hours, like 48 or 72 hours of no eating, they get a profound level of fatigue. This is a signal that this stress test, this time without any calories, has really been too much for either their thyroid or their liver or both.
Case Study: A 32-Year-Old Patient Attempting to Fast for 72 Hours
Let's take a look at a patient case study. This young woman, who was attempting to fast, was not new to stressing her metabolism. She'd been using the ketogenic diet for over a year and had improved her metabolism by limiting the number of meals she was having during the day.
Blood Sugar and Ketone Production
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These two red spikes in the graph below show when her blood sugars rose and fell after eating. Her production of ketones was not insignificant; she had a baseline Ketone production that was a little above 0.5. Then, 24 hours into her fast, a transition happened. The glucose production fell, and she was no longer eating glucose. She used up all of her storage, while the Ketone production coming out of her liver was like a tsunami of energy. As she continued to fast through the next day, she peaked her ketones at over three. It was during this time that her heart was palpitating, and the energy seemed to pour out of her body. This is when she got a little freaked out.
Symptoms During Fasting
At 65 hours into her fast, her lips turned blue, and her heart started pounding as if it was going to come out of her chest. This caused her to wonder if it was a bad thing and if it was dangerous. Her body's production was coming out of the liver at the same time that her thyroid was sending out the APB to shut down that heart rate, decrease the poor body temperature, and decrease the rate of the heart. Although she was uncomfortable, her body did respond to the stress.
In conclusion, fasting can be a powerful tool to improve metabolic health, increase energy levels, and promote weight loss. However, it's important to approach fasting with caution and start slowly, allowing the body to adapt gradually to longer periods without food. The case study of the 32-year-old patient who fasted for 72 hours shows that fasting can trigger a metabolic puzzle between the thyroid and the liver, leading to potential side effects like fatigue, palpitations, and even blue lips. But with proper preparation, like following a ketogenic diet and gradually increasing fasting times, the body can become more efficient at producing ketones and adapting to periods of food restriction. It's essential to listen to your body and stop fasting if any adverse symptoms arise. With the guidance of a healthcare professional, fasting can be a safe and effective tool to improve overall health and well-being..