Frequently Asked Questions about Seven-Day Fasting

1. Is a 7-day fast beneficial for you?

Yes, a 7-day water fast can offer significant health benefits because prolonged calorie restriction forces the body to burn fat for energy. This triggers a metabolic state called ketosis, which can aid in weight loss, improve cognitive function, lower blood pressure, and enhance insulin sensitivity.
In addition, long-term fasting can trigger autophagy, a cell repair mechanism with powerful anti-aging effects, which can support immune defense and may reduce the risk of various cancers.

2. How much weight can you lose by fasting for 7 days?

How much weight you can lose with a week of fasting depends on factors such as age, metabolic flexibility, and your eating habits before starting the fast.
However, most people reported losing 7 to 12 pounds after a seven-day fast.

3. Will I lose muscle if I fast for 7 days?

No, fasting for seven days will not cause muscle loss. Fasting stimulates the body's growth hormone, thereby preventing protein loss and maintaining muscle mass.
During fasting, the body enters ketosis, a metabolic state of fat burning. This means your body will continue to burn fat until you eat again. Muscle loss doesn't occur until starvation begins, which starts when most of the body's fat reserves are depleted.

4. What are the stages of a 7-day fast?

In the first 24 hours after fasting, the body depletes its glucose and glycogen reserves, prompting the liver to use fat to produce ketones. After 48 hours, the body reaches full ketosis, maximizing fat burning. Additionally, autophagy begins, a cellular process that recycles and repairs damaged cells.
Sixty to seventy-two hours and beyond, the body’s growth hormone levels rise, further enhancing fat metabolism and muscle preservation.

5. What should I eat after fasting for 7 days?

Eating a large meal after fasting can lead to refeeding syndrome. Therefore, it is crucial to resume eating slowly after a long fast to minimize the risk of adverse reactions.
It is generally recommended to start with some nutritious and easily digestible foods, such as bone broth, soup, stew, or steamed vegetables, and then gradually introduce a variety of foods.

6. Can I drink coffee during the 7-day fasting period?

Yes, coffee is very low in calories and will not disrupt a fast unless it contains high-calorie ingredients such as creamer, sugar, or milk.
Drinking black coffee with MCT oil or grass-fed butter can help you fast for longer periods. Pure fats, such as MCT oil and butter, are directly converted into ketones, which can satisfy hunger without disrupting the metabolic fasting state.