36-Hour Fast
A 36-hour fast is a short period of fasting in which you go approximately 36 hours without consuming food, while continuing to drink fluids.
For example, you might finish dinner at 6:00 p.m. on Monday and have your next meal at approximately 6:00 a.m. on Wednesday.
If 36 hours sounds out of reach for you, start with a 24 hour fast. Have your last bit of food at 4pm, you sleep through 7-8 hours of the fast, drink lots of water or a cup of green tea when your feeling the effects and maybe a little "hangry". You only have to make it until 4pm. It might not be the best time to do an intense workout, just take it easy and relax. Change your routine up this day. Spend the day focused on self care, a bath, reading, meditating, walking, journaling. Things you don't regularly do in a day. This way you can throw off your natural eating schedule.
Fasting has become increasingly popular as people explore ways to support metabolic health, mindfulness around eating and their relationship with food.
What happens during a fast?
When we eat, our bodies primarily use incoming nutrients for energy. As the time between meals increases, the body gradually shifts toward using stored energy.
Fasting activates a number of cellular processes involved in energy regulation and cellular maintenance. Autophagy, often described as the body's cellular recycling process, is one of the mechanisms researchers are interested in. However, the timing and significance of autophagy in humans is more complicated than the simple idea that a particular number of fasting hours "turns it on."
During a longer fast, insulin levels generally decrease and the body begins relying more heavily on stored fat for energy.
Why are people with cancer interested in fasting?
Fasting and fasting-mimicking diets are being studied in cancer research because researchers are investigating whether temporary changes in nutrient availability and metabolism might influence cancer treatment response or treatment-related side effects.
There are currently clinical trials investigating different fasting approaches, including water-only fasting and time-restricted eating in people receiving cancer treatment.
However, a 36-hour fast has not been established as a treatment for cancer, and fasting should not be presented as a way to kill cancer cells or cure cancer. The National Cancer Institute states that there is currently no proof that a particular diet, food or nutrition trend can slow, cure or prevent cancer recurrence. (You could say the same thing though about chemotherapy, radiation and immunotherapy)I'm just saying.
Fasting during cancer treatment
This is where individual circumstances matter.
Cancer and cancer treatments can increase nutritional needs, and some people need additional calories and protein to maintain weight, muscle and strength. Fasting can increase the risk of inadequate nutrition, particularly when someone is already experiencing weight loss, nausea, vomiting or loss of appetite.
If you are receiving cancer treatment, do not begin a 36-hour fast without discussing it with your oncology team and/or a registered dietitian who understands your treatment and nutritional needs.
Medications may also need to be taken with food, and fasting may not be appropriate for everyone.
Important: This information is educational only and is not medical or nutritional advice. A 36-hour fast is not a cancer treatment and should not replace prescribed cancer therapy. If you have cancer, are undergoing treatment, are underweight, have a history of disordered eating, are pregnant or breastfeeding, have diabetes, or take medications affected by food intake, speak with an appropriate healthcare professional before fasting.