Updated March 27th 2025, 12:22 IST
Can Fasting Do More Magic Than Weight Loss? For thousands of years, fasting has been a part of human life, whether for sacred devotion to God, weight loss, or other medical purposes.
Over time, many diet trends have taken the internet by storm, such as Intermittent Fasting (IF), the Eat-Stop-Eat Diet, and more. But did you know that fasting can do more than just promote weight loss?
Craig Brockie, an author and the founder of Ultimate Health Solutions, made a powerful statement on X, formerly known as Twitter, claiming that fasting for about 72 hours straight is one of the best medicines on Earth.
He referred to this method as a "doctor within" and explained that such fasting could trigger the body to consume toxins, reduce inflammation, and even target tumors.
“Most people think fasting is just about weight loss or giving your digestive system a break. But the 'magic' occurs at the cellular level through autophagy,” Brockie explains in his recent post on X.
“During extended fasting, your cells start recycling damaged proteins, dysfunctional mitochondria, and even early-stage cancer cells. Your body finally gets the chance to take out the accumulated trash that's been causing inflammation and disease.”
To prepare your body before jumping into the Brockie method of fasting, the health expert suggests a few tips to help your body get ready:
Hours 0-24: The "Challenge Phase": Brockie states in a series of tweets that the first day of fasting can be particularly challenging as your body shifts into fat-burning mode, causing hunger, irritability, and fluctuations in energy. However, he mentions that these symptoms are manageable during this phase.
Hours 24-48: The "Transition Phase": After completing Day 1 of fasting, your hunger hormone, ghrelin, begins to stabilize. Brockie explains that around the 36-hour mark, many people experience an increase in mental clarity and energy because ketones are now fueling the brain. He also points out that growth hormone levels rise by 300%, which helps preserve muscle and boosts fat burning. As a result, fat loss accelerates dramatically.
Hours 48-72: The "Healing Phase": On the third day of fasting, your body enters a healing phase. According to Brockie, this final 24-hour period is when profound healing can occur. Chronic joint pain may disappear, and other positive changes, such as the reduction of inflammation, can be experienced. Brockie also notes that brain fog lifts as inflammation decreases, signaling a significant shift in your body's recovery and well-being.
To fast for 72 hours, the health expert suggests drinking 2-3 liters of pure water daily. And take essential amino acids to prevent muscle loss.
Supporting the method Brockie brings to light, which may have potential health benefits, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) states in its study on 'Effect of Fasting on Cancer: A Narrative Review of Scientific Evidence' that 'Fostering conditions that limit cancer cells' adaptability, survival, and growth, fasting could increase the effectiveness of cancer treatments and limit adverse events.'
Published March 27th 2025, 12:14 IST