Physiological Changes:
On the first day of fasting, the blood sugar level drops below 70mg/dl. To restore the blood to the normal glucose level, liver glycogen is converted to glucose and released into the blood. This reserve is enough for a half day. The body then reduces the basal metabolic rate (BMR). The rate of internal chemical activity in resting tissue is lowered to conserve energy. The heart slows and blood pressure is reduced. Glycogen is pulled from the muscle causing some weakness.
Acidosis, usually begins a couple of days after the last meal and lasts about one week. During acidosis the body vigorously throws off acid waste products. Most people starting a fast begin with an overly acid blood pH from the Standard American Diet (SAD) that contains a predominance of acid-forming foods. Switching over to burning fat for fuel triggers the release of even more acidic substances.
As the body nears the end of its cleansing process the tongue will clear and hunger returns (unmistakable feeling in the throat, not the stomach). This is when you should begin to re-introduce liquids and eventually solids, gradually.
What to Expect:
The first wave of cleansing is usually the worst. Headaches, dizziness, nausea, bad breath, glazed eyes and a heavily coated tongue are signs of the first stage of cleansing. Hunger can be the most intense in this period.
The second stage, psychological hunger, usually is felt as an intense desire for food. This passes within a few days of not eating anything. Psychological hunger usually begins with the first missed meal.
Acidosis is usually accompanied by fatigue, blurred vision, and possibly dizziness. The breath smells very bad, the tongue is coated with bad-tasting mucus, and the urine may be concentrated and foul unless a good deal of water is taken daily. Two to three quarts a day is a reasonable amount.
Warning Signs to End the Fast:
Stop your water fast immediately if you experience any severe physical side effects, such as fainting spells, intense muscle pain that doesn't pass (potassium deficiency), or heart palpitations.The first wave of cleansing is usually the worst. Headaches, dizziness, nausea, bad breath, glazed eyes and a heavily coated tongue are signs of the first stage of cleansing. Hunger can be the most intense in this period.
The second stage, psychological hunger, usually is felt as an intense desire for food. This passes within a few days of not eating anything. Psychological hunger usually begins with the first missed meal.
Acidosis is usually accompanied by fatigue, blurred vision, and possibly dizziness. The breath smells very bad, the tongue is coated with bad-tasting mucus, and the urine may be concentrated and foul unless a good deal of water is taken daily. Two to three quarts a day is a reasonable amount.
Warning Signs to End the Fast:
As the body nears the end of its cleansing process the tongue will clear and hunger returns (unmistakable feeling in the throat, not the stomach). This is when you should begin to re-introduce liquids and eventually solids, gradually.
My day 1:
ReplyDeleteI wanted to quit about 500 times throughout the day. I had intense cravings and actually started over-salivating at the thought of eating Pete's food, several times.
My eyes were light sensitive and stinging most of the day (could be unrelated, but this happened on my previous fast, too).
Went to bed at 7pm, just to get away from the thought of food!
Overall, tough day- but I'm glad I hung in there!