Good luck.
The interesting part of long fasts is that when you go into ketosis and the autophagy kicks in, hunger actually becomes less and very manageable as your body starts burning fat stores for energy.
You'll also find that brain fog will lift and you'll have much more mental clarity.
Just beware the dreams. They get a bit strange when your brain is finally given the cholesterol it needs.
I played a game of chess against a player 100 points higher. it was blitz so you have to calculate quickly. I found some creative moves in short order and he was on the ropes, this is the benefit of fasting, the mental sharpness at a point increases, along with your growth hormones which contribute to sharp thinking.
Unfortunately I blundered the game but it was a fun feeling. As if I was mentally 20 years younger.
Here are some key details about long fasting. If approved by an informed doctor, everyone should engage in this at least a couple of times a year. The longest I have gone is 60 hours. I've also fasted without water for 25 hours in honor of Yom Kippur though I am not Jewish. That was more difficult than the 60 hour fast as I couldn't drink water.
See below for good information on fasting and autophagy:
Autophagy and fasting are interconnected biological processes that can have various effects on the body. Below is a generalized hour-by-hour overview of how fasting might influence autophagy and the body in a typical fasting scenario. This overview might vary based on individual factors such as metabolism, health status, and dietary habits.
Hour 0-12: Initial Phase of Fasting
Metabolism Shift: The body primarily relies on glucose from recent meals for energy. Insulin levels begin to drop.
Glycogen Depletion: The liver starts depleting glycogen reserves for energy, which can take about 8-12 hours.
Autophagy Initiation: Early signs of autophagy may begin as insulin decreases, although significant levels of autophagy may not yet be observed.
Hour 12-24: Transition to Ketosis and Increased Autophagy
Glycogen Stores Exhausted: After roughly 12-24 hours, glycogen stores are significantly depleted, pushing the body to utilize fat for energy.
Ketosis Begins: The liver starts producing ketones, a byproduct of fat metabolism, providing an alternative energy source.
Increased Autophagy: Autophagy becomes more pronounced as nutrient levels drop and cellular stress factors increase, promoting the recycling of damaged proteins and organelles.
Hour 24-48: Prolonged Fasting Effects
Ketone Levels Rise: The concentration of ketones in the blood increases, which can improve cognitive function and provide energy to various tissues.
Hormonal Changes: Levels of growth hormone may significantly increase, promoting fat breakdown and muscle preservation.
Enhanced Autophagy: Autophagy is now at higher levels, which may assist in cellular repair, enhanced immune function, and reduced inflammation.
Possible Fat Loss: Continued fasting can lead to significant fat loss and improvements in metabolic health.
Hour 48-72: Deep Fasting and Autophagy Peak
Maximized Ketosis: Ketone production peaks, providing a robust energy source for the brain and muscle.
Cellular Repair: Autophagy is at its peak; damaged cells are broken down, potentially leading to a reduction in age-related diseases.
Metabolic Benefits: Enhanced insulin sensitivity and lipid metabolism occur as the body adapts to utilizing ketones.
Adaptation Phase: The body becomes more efficient at utilizing fat for energy, and hunger cues may decrease.
Beyond 72 Hours: Potential for Autophagy Plateau
Extended Fast Effects: While many benefits are still present, the body's state may stabilize.
Nutrient Deficiency Risks: Extended fasting could lead to nutrient deficiencies unless carefully monitored.
Monitoring Health: It's important to be cautious and listen to the body's signals to avoid potential negative health impacts.
Conclusion
The effects of fasting and autophagy are profound and can lead to various physiological changes, including improved metabolic processes, cellular repair, and fat utilization. However, individuals considering prolonged fasting should consult with a healthcare professional, especially if they have underlying health conditions.
It's also worth noting that autophagy is influenced by other factors as well, such as exercise, sleep, and overall diet, not just fasting alone.