What Will Happen If You Eat Nothing for 7 Days

#### 1. Your Body’s Response to Not Eating

When you begin a fast, the changes in your body won't be immediate. In the first six hours without food, everything feels normal. Your body begins to break down glycogen, which is stored energy primarily found in your liver and muscles. Glycogen helps fuel your brain and other vital functions. However, once those glycogen stores deplete after about six hours, your body enters a new phase: ketosis.

In ketosis, your body starts to break down fat for energy because it lacks sufficient glucose. While this may seem appealing for weight loss, it’s more complex than that. Your brain cannot utilize fatty acids directly, so it turns to ketone bodies as an alternative energy source. Although this method can sustain you temporarily, it cannot completely replace glucose, leading to cognitive impairments over time.

If you go without food for three days, your body will take drastic measures. It begins to break down protein from your muscles to produce glucose, which your brain needs. While this may restore some mental clarity, it comes at a cost: the loss of muscle mass. For women, additional complications like a paused menstrual cycle may occur, and both genders may experience diminished bone density and libido.

After a week of fasting, your immune system becomes severely compromised due to a lack of essential vitamins and minerals, leaving you vulnerable to illnesses. Prolonged starvation can lead to life-threatening conditions, such as cardiac arrhythmias and heart attacks, primarily caused by tissue degradation in critical organs.

#### 2. Water Fasting: A Different Approach

Given the dangers of prolonged fasting, many people turn to water fasting. This method involves abstaining from food while consuming only water, typically lasting a couple of days. Some individuals undertake water fasting for spiritual reasons, while others seek potential health benefits, including improved blood pressure, insulin sensitivity, lower cholesterol, and weight loss.

However, water fasting isn't suitable for everyone. If you have conditions such as lupus, an eating disorder, cancer, or alcoholism, it's essential to consult a doctor before attempting this. Intermittent fasting is another option, allowing limited calorie intake for specific periods while eating normally at other times.

One fascinating case is a study from 1973 involving a 27-year-old man who fasted for 382 days under medical supervision. He lost a significant amount of weight and maintained a healthy weight after the fast. However, this example emphasizes the importance of medical guidance during any fasting regimen.

#### 3. How to Safely Perform a Water Fast

If you receive the go-ahead from your doctor, it’s crucial to ease into water fasting. Start with shorter fasts—perhaps two days—and listen to your body. Many report feelings of tiredness or dizziness initially, but by the fourth day, some experience increased mental clarity and productivity.

Choosing the right time for your fast is also essential. Avoid stressful periods in your life, like exams or moving, as these can make fasting more challenging. Gradual preparation is key; you might start by skipping breakfast for a week, then extend to lunch the following week before committing to a full fast.

During your fast, men should aim for about 13 cups of water daily, while women should target around 9 cups. Rest is crucial, so allow yourself plenty of sleep and avoid strenuous exercise. When breaking your fast, introduce easily digestible foods first—like soups, juices, and pureed fruits—before gradually adding proteins and other food varieties.

Interestingly, many find their cravings for unhealthy foods diminish after water fasting, leading to a newfound appreciation for nutritious options.

### Conclusion

While the thought of going without food for a week is daunting, understanding the process can provide insight into the potential effects on your body. Always consult with a healthcare professional before attempting any form of fasting. If you choose to try water fasting, listen to your body and ease into the experience for the best results.