14/08/2025
What Happens in Your Body During a 24-Hour Fast?
*REMINDER: Perpetual undereating is NOT fasting.
We live in a world where food is always available—most of us eat over a 14-hour window every single day. But what happens if you give your body a full day off from digesting?
A 24-hour fast can act like a “deep repair” cycle for your cells, clearing out damaged parts, reducing inflammation, and boosting metabolism. Here’s the timeline ⏱️👇
🕓 4 Hours – Digestion winds down, insulin levels drop, and your body starts burning stored sugar for energy.
🕗 8 Hours – Blood sugar runs low, so your body taps into glycogen stores. You might start to feel the challenge here.
🕛 12 Hours – Mini-ketosis begins. Your body starts turning fat into fuel, often lowering appetite but sometimes causing fatigue.
🕓 17 Hours – Autophagy kicks in. This is your body’s recycling program—damaged cells, toxins, and even viruses get broken down and repurposed.
🕛 24 Hours – Deep repair mode. Fat is now your main fuel, inflammation decreases, and insulin sensitivity improves—helping your body reset at a cellular level.
💡 Autophagy = Cellular Housekeeping. Think of it as a spring cleaning for your body’s cells, helping prevent disease and slow aging. While it can start around 12–16 hours, fasting for 24+ hours can deepen its benefits.
⚠️ Not for everyone—fasting should be approached with care, especially if you have health conditions, are pregnant, or have blood sugar concerns. Always check with a healthcare provider first.
https://youtu.be/0KLo3qm_24U
We can help you this! I love to teach people the difference between TIME RESTRICTED EATING, PERPETUAL UNDER EATING, and INTERMITTENT FASTING.
DID YOU KNOW that the FASTING MIMICKING DIET (FMD) can help reverse disease?
Anita Stechschulte DNP, FNP Functional Medicine
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