Today, I stand at the threshold of a new chapter in my health journey – a 5-day water fast. As a biomedical research scientist and a fervent believer in the body’s power to heal, I embrace this challenge not just as a personal endeavor, but as a beacon of hope for many battling chronic illnesses.
The Reason Behind the Fast:
Driven by my experiences with secondary progressive multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, fibromyalgia, and Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, I’ve always sought paths that lead to healing and understanding. Scientific studies have suggested that fasting could be a key in unlocking new doors in managing autoimmune conditions. Inspired by this, I embark on this journey with a spirit of curiosity and resilience.
Day One: The Beginning of Metabolic Transition
– Today, my body starts transitioning from using glucose as its primary fuel source to using ketones, a shift that might initially bring fatigue and mild headaches. This stage sets the stage for reduced inflammation and a gradual calming of autoimmune responses.
Day Two: Deepening of Ketosis and Onset of Autophagy
– As the fast continues, my body will deepen into ketosis. Autophagy, the body’s process of cleaning out damaged cells, is expected to increase. This process could be particularly beneficial in addressing the cellular damage associated with my conditions.
Day Three: Hormonal and Metabolic Adjustments
– By the third day, I anticipate hormonal adjustments, possibly increasing growth hormone levels and improving metabolic efficiency. This could lead to a feeling of increased energy and clarity, despite the ongoing fast.
Day Four: Enhanced Cellular Repair
– This day is expected to mark a peak in the body’s self-repair processes. The enhanced state of autophagy may contribute to reducing systemic inflammation, potentially easing some of the chronic pain associated with my conditions.
Day Five: Preparation for Reintroduction of Food
– On the final day, my body should be in a heightened state of repair and cleansing. This day is about reflecting on the journey and preparing for a careful and mindful reintroduction of food, focusing on nourishing and easy-to-digest foods like avocado.
A Journey of Discovery and Hope
– This 5-day water fast is more than a regimen; it’s a journey into the depths of what my body is capable of in terms of healing and resilience. I share this journey with you, hoping to inspire and bring light to the possibilities that lie within our own bodies in facing health challenges.