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Trainer's 13-Day Fast: Mind Over Body?
17 Sep
Summary
- Fitness trainer voluntarily fasted for 13 consecutive days without food.
- Prolonged fasting shifts the body from glucose to fat for energy.
- Medical supervision is crucial for those with chronic health conditions.
Fitness trainer Sara Kachhara recently undertook a remarkable 13-day fast, abstaining from all food. She described experiencing unsettling bodily changes, including heightened awareness of heartbeats and internal processes. This extreme duration significantly differs from common intermittent fasting practices.
During extended fasting, the body initially depletes glycogen stores, then increasingly relies on fat, producing ketones. However, nutritionist Gulnaaz Shaikh warns that prolonged food deprivation can also cause the breakdown of protein and muscle tissue. This loss might be mistakenly attributed to fat reduction, impacting energy levels and concentration.
While some individuals may genuinely feel lighter or experience mental clarity during a fast, Shaikh emphasizes that this sensation does not guarantee safety or health benefits. She strongly advises against prolonged fasting for individuals with diabetes, kidney or liver disease, a history of eating disorders, or other chronic conditions.
For those seeking fasting-related benefits, Shaikh recommends a sustainable dietary pattern rich in nutrients and fluids. Extreme social media challenges should be avoided in favor of moderate approaches tailored to individual health and needs, always under professional guidance.
