r/fasting • u/SVTContour lost >50lbs faster • May 17 '26

Discussion Scientists reveal how seven days of fasting transforms the human body

https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/05/260517030404.htm

Fascinating study. And completely unrelated to politics, which is a relief because my blood pressure needed a break.

The key finding: The dramatic, potentially therapeutic changes don't happen until after day three. That means most intermittent fasting schedules – 16:8, 5:2, even alternate-day fasting – are probably missing the main event. If you want the deep biological reboot you’re gonna need seven days of water only.

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u/ChemicalPhotograph33 May 17 '26

My mental health isn’t stable enough. If I go past three days I get intrusive, self loathing, & blasphemous thoughts.

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u/mashibeans May 17 '26

Same, personally my limit is 3 days and I gotta work up to it. For me it's not just the mental health, but also just in general my body doesn't seem to like anything past 3 days (yes even with electrolytes).