What Happens to Your Body During a 72-Hour Fast (And Why It’s the Ultimate Reset)

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3 Days. One Deep Reset.

When I first heard about a 72-hour fast, I thought: That’s wild. But curiosity got me. I wanted to understand what happens when you give your body more than a break—when you let it fully reset.

Turns out, it’s not about starving. It’s about clearing, healing, and realigning.

Let me take you through it—hour by hour—in real, honest Lavanda-style.

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0–12 Hours: Just Like Any Other Day

You’re still running on your last meal. Your body is burning glucose, and insulin levels are still doing their thing.

What’s Happening

• Digestion continues
• Glucose is used for energy
• Insulin is active, keeping fat locked up

How You Might Feel

• Normal energy
• Light hunger
• Business as usual

💬 It feels like a regular day… until I remember I’m not eating lunch. Then I sip tea and keep going.

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12–24 Hours: Ketones Begin, Fat Burning Turns On

Now your body shifts into fat-burning mode.

What’s Happening

• Insulin drops
• Glycogen stores are depleted
• Ketones are produced for energy
• Hunger waves come and go

How You Might Feel

• A little tired or foggy
• Moments of energy
• A sense of mental focus building

💬 This is when I notice my face de-puffing. My thoughts slow down. I’m calm, clear, lighter.

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24–48 Hours: Deep Ketosis + Healing Begins

Here’s where the magic starts.

What’s Happening

• Full ketosis (your body runs on fat and ketones)
• Autophagy (old cell clean-up) is in full swing
• Human Growth Hormone (HGH) increases
• Inflammation decreases
• Your brain feels sharper and more at peace

How You Might Feel

• Calm and emotionally grounded
• Clear-headed
• Still not really hungry (!)

💬 It’s not hype. I’m truly more in tune with myself during this window than almost any other time.

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48–72 Hours: Cellular Reset Mode

Your body is doing deep, internal work.

What’s Happening

• Autophagy peaks
• Damaged immune cells are removed
• New stem cells start forming
• White blood cells increase (hello, immune system!)
• Your body is in deep restoration mode

How You Might Feel

• Very calm
• Emotionally steady
• Physically slower—but deeply centered

💬 By the end of day three, I feel clean. Inside and out. And so proud of how far I’ve come.

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Staying Hydrated (A Must)

Drink:

• Water (lots!)
• Herbal teas
• Electrolytes (Himalayan salt, magnesium, potassium)
• Optional: black coffee, sparkling water, ACV water

💬 Fasting isn’t about “doing nothing.” It’s about doing the right things for your body at the right time.

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Real Talk: What Can Go Wrong

A 72-hour fast is serious. It’s not for beginners, and not something to do without preparation.

Possible Side Effects

• Headaches
• Low energy
• Cramping
• Mood swings
• Cold hands and feet

💬 If your body says stop, you listen. No guilt. No shame. Only self-care.

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Breaking the Fast: Slowly + Kindly

Your digestive system has been on vacation. Don’t shock it.

How I Break a 72-Hour Fast:

1. Warm lemon water or bone broth
2. 20–30 mins later: fruit or soft veggies
3. After 1–2 hours: protein + healthy fat (like grilled chicken + avocado)

💬 After fasting, food isn’t just fuel—it’s celebration, nourishment, and gratitude.

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Final Thoughts from Lavanda Michelle

A 72-hour fast is not about restriction. It’s about resetting, reconnecting, and releasing.

It’s about proving to yourself that you can pause, listen, and let your body lead the way.

Fasting taught me something I didn’t expect:
Your body knows how to heal.
You just have to give it the space to do it.

FAQs: What Happens to Your Body During a 72-Hour Fast

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1. Is it safe to fast for 72 hours?

A: For most healthy individuals, a 72-hour fast can be safe if properly prepared and monitored. However, you should always consult with a healthcare provider—especially if you’re pregnant, diabetic, underweight, or have a medical condition.

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2. What can I consume during the 72-hour fast?

A: Water is essential. You can also drink black coffee, herbal teas, and electrolyte drinks without added sugars or calories to support hydration and avoid electrolyte imbalances.

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3. Will I lose weight during a 72-hour fast?

A: Yes, most people experience weight loss due to reduced calories and glycogen depletion. However, much of the initial loss is water weight. Consistent fasting with a healthy lifestyle leads to more sustainable fat loss.

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4. What is autophagy and when does it start?

A: Autophagy is your body’s natural process of cellular cleanup—removing damaged cells and regenerating healthy ones. It typically begins after 24–36 hours of fasting and peaks around 48–72 hours.

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5. Can I work out during a 72-hour fast?

A: Light activity like walking or stretching is usually fine, but intense exercise may be too taxing. Listen to your body. If you feel dizzy, fatigued, or weak—rest, hydrate, and consider ending the fast safely.

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6. How should I break a 72-hour fast?

A: Gently. Start with bone broth, steamed veggies, or a light protein like eggs or fish. Avoid heavy, greasy, or high-sugar foods to prevent digestive upset. Give your body 24 hours to transition back.

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7. How often can I do a 72-hour fast?

A: Occasionally—maybe once every few months—as a reset or deeper detox. More frequent prolonged fasts can strain your body if not managed carefully. Always prioritize nourishment, not punishment.

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8. Will I lose muscle during a 72-hour fast?

A: It’s unlikely during just one 72-hour fast, especially if you’re eating enough protein before and after. Your body prioritizes fat for fuel first. However, repeated fasting without strength training or protein intake can lead to muscle loss.

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9. What are the mental or spiritual benefits of a 72-hour fast?

A: Many report mental clarity, heightened focus, deeper prayer/meditation, and emotional resets. Fasting gives your mind a break from constant digestion and consumption, creating space for reflection and stillness.

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10. Is it normal to feel tired, moody, or cold during the fast?

A: Yes! These are common detox symptoms, especially on Day 2. Your body is adjusting to the shift from glucose to ketones for fuel. Stay hydrated, rest when needed, and know that these effects usually pass.

What Happens to Your Body During a 72-Hour Fast (And Why It’s the Ultimate Reset)

Until next time, shine amongst the stars!

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Ever wonder what happens during a 72-hour fast? ✨ Your body burns fat, clears old cells, resets your immune system, and finds peace. Read my full journey + breakdown now:👉 #WellnessJourney

📌 Disclaimer:
I’m not a doctor, nutritionist, or medical professional. The information shared in this post is based on my personal experience and is for informational purposes only. Always talk to your doctor or a qualified health provider before making changes to your diet, exercise, or health routine—especially if you have any medical conditions or concerns.