Published: June 4, 2025
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DON'T let fear rob you of the benefits of a fast. I went 72 hours without food. Instead of starving, I lost fat, gained strength, healed my gut, and tripled my energy (without losing any muscle). Here’s EXACTLY what happens during a 72-hour fast (and how to do it safely)🧵

Image in tweet by Shayan Sen

1. Fasting isn’t starvation, it’s metabolic reprogramming. A 72-hour fast activates powerful biological processes: • Accelerated fat burning • Cellular damage repair • Immune system regeneration Constant eating isn’t normal. Fasting reminds your body how to heal itself.

Image in tweet by Shayan Sen

2. Hour-by-hour breakdown of a 72-hour fast: Hours 0–24: • Insulin levels drop significantly • Fat-burning mechanisms turn on • Growth hormone levels rise sharply • Hunger hormone (ghrelin) spikes temporarily You’ll crave food initially, but it’s habit, not hunger.

3. Hours 24–48: Entering ketosis. Ketosis begins as your body burns stored fat for energy • Brain fuel shifts from glucose to ketones • Mental clarity and focus increase noticeably • Systemic inflammation begins to decrease This phase transformed how clear my mind felt.

Image in tweet by Shayan Sen

4. Hours 48–72: Cellular regeneration Autophagy ramps up and cells recycle damaged parts • DNA repair processes activate • Stem cell regeneration begins (validated by USC research, 2014) • The immune system undergoes significant rejuvenation It's biological self-renewal.

5. “But won’t fasting burn muscle?” No really. Here’s why: • Growth hormone production increases up to five times • Your body preferentially burns fat, sparing muscle tissue • Strength training while fasting maintains muscle mass Here's how did it:

I trained for 17 years before trying this: Intermittent fasting helped me break plateaus Before fasting: 11% body fat, 147 lbs. After: 9% body fat, 155lbs (3 months) So i finally decided to try a 3 day fast...

Image in tweet by Shayan Sen

6. My Strategy: Pre- fast: No carbs the before for easier transition to ketosis My last meal was high protein and high fat (Lamb chops) During the fast: 1. Walks 2. Sauna 3. Coffee 4. Creatine 4. Minerals 5. Green Tea 6. Probiotics 7. Weight Lift 8. Electrolytes Here's why:

7. The Reasoning. These strategies help me burn more fat, prevent muscle loss, and restore my gut health.

Image in tweet by Shayan Sen

8. What you can consume while fasting: • Water (still or sparkling) • Black coffee (no cream, sugar, or additives) • Herbal tea (unsweetened) • Electrolytes (sugar-free) Optional: 5g creatine It needs to be zero calories

Image in tweet by Shayan Sen
Image in tweet by Shayan Sen

9. Non-negotiable electrolyte intake: To avoid headaches, fatigue, and dizziness you must consume electrolytes. Without it, fasting becomes unnecessarily difficult.

Image in tweet by Shayan Sen

10. The critical refeeding phase: A poor refeed can ruin your progress. Break your fast gently with bone broth and collagen. After one hour, add protein and healthy fats (e.g., eggs, avocado, salmon) Avoid sugar, alcohol, and starches for 24–48 hours post-fast Your gut is

Image in tweet by Shayan Sen

11. Common fasting mistakes to avoid: Skipping electrolytes Poor sleep during fasting Breaking your fast with sugary foods Overeating immediately after fasting Attempting a 72-hour fast without experience (start with shorter fasts first) Fasting is a skill that takes practice

12. Stacking fasting for maximum benefits: Pair fasting with light exercise (walking or zone 2 cardio) for greater fat burn. Use sauna or cold exposure to amplify autophagy

Image in tweet by Shayan Sen

13. My future strategy • Daily 12- 16 hour fasts • Monthly 24-hour fast • 72-hour fast every 3-6 months Build your own strategy according to your lifestyle and training schedule.

14. The real purpose of fasting: Optimizing brain function Mobilizing stubborn body fat Activating longevity pathways Enhancing cellular detoxification Rejuvenating your immune system Fasting is just fundamental human biology **Consult a medical provider before doing it.

Image in tweet by Shayan Sen

15. My personal results after 72 hours of fasting: Improved HRV Deeper, more restorative sleep Improved digestion and gut health Sharper cognitive function and clearer focus Noticeably flatter stomach despite always being lean No noticeable muscle loss (strength improved in

Bottomline: Fasting is NOT deprivation, it triggers renewal. Supplements can't replicate these natural benefits. Follow me @DrShayanSen for evidence-based health optimization content every week.

Image in tweet by Shayan Sen

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