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Measuring Gain

I fasted a lot more often growing up in India because all it took was to join in an activity others were doing. On Laxmi puja for example, I was allowed to help with preparations only if I was fasting. That made it an easy decision because I enjoyed participating, not just sitting it out as an observer. Fasting without a religious context is unfamiliar to me and would be a lot harder to implement consistently. The 7-day fast seems like an advanced level thing, novices would not be able to pull-off. It would almost certainly require taking time off from work to make sure everything went according to plan:

By the end of a seven-day fast, the body has fully adapted to using fat as its main energy source, breaking it down into molecules called ketones, which provide fuel for the brain and other organs. Beyond energy shifts, the prolonged absence of food triggers widespread protein adaptations across major organs, including the liver, muscles, and immune system. These changes signal the activation of repair mechanisms at the cellular level, promoting autophagy—a natural process where the body clears out damaged cells and regenerates healthier ones.

This metabolic reset not only enhances energy efficiency but also supports improved organ function and may reduce inflammation, offering potential benefits for overall health and longevity. These findings reveal the body’s incredible ability to adapt and optimize in response to fasting, unlocking pathways that could play a role in disease prevention and long-term wellness. 

I was reading about these new breathalyzer style devices that allow you to monitor your metabolism even in real-time. It could be very useful to have the data on how the body is working during a short or long fast - to see quantified benefits. Maybe some of the lessons can carry over every day life even when a person is not fasting

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