Neurosurgeon Explains What Happens to Your Body During a 36-Hour Fast

New Delhi, October 25 Dr. Prashant Katakol, a neurosurgeon with over 33 years of experience, recently shared insights on the effects of a 36-hour fast on the human body, highlighting how fasting can enhance health, mental clarity, and cellular repair. According to Dr. Katakol, fasting is not simply skipping meals but a structured way for the body to rejuvenate and heal itself. Through a detailed explanation shared on social media, he described the remarkable internal processes that occur when the body is deprived of food for a sustained period. During the first six hours of fasting, the body primarily relies on energy derived from the last meal. Glucose levels remain steady, and insulin continues its role in maintaining balance. Most people do not experience hunger at this stage, as the body is still running efficiently on stored sugar. Between six and twelve hours, the body begins to access glycogen, a stored form of glucose in the liver and muscles, to meet its energy needs. At this stage, minor feelings of hunger or fatigue may arise, but they are usually manageable. Once glycogen stores are depleted, the body transitions into fat-burning mode. The pancreas releases glucagon, signaling fat cells to release fatty acids, which are then converted into ketones. Ketones serve as a clean and efficient source of energy for the brain and other vital organs. Interestingly, as ketone levels rise, hunger hormones like ghrelin decrease, often leaving individuals feeling alert, focused, and mentally sharp. This phase represents a metabolic shift that promotes both physical and cognitive benefits. A significant benefit of prolonged fasting is the initiation of autophagy, a natural process where cells begin recycling damaged or old components. Autophagy helps reduce inflammation, improves insulin sensitivity, and facilitates internal cleansing of toxins and damaged proteins. Dr. Katakol emphasizes that this process is akin to a full internal reset, allowing the body to repair itself at a cellular level. By the 36-hour mark, the body has fully transitioned into this state of renewal, making it highly efficient in absorbing nutrients once the fast is broken. Dr. Katakol stresses that the fast should always be ended with a nutritious meal that replenishes essential vitamins and minerals. Fasting, when done responsibly, is not starvation; rather, it is a period of structured recovery during which the body activates its natural healing mechanisms. The neurosurgeon also highlighted the cognitive benefits of fasting. Many individuals report increased mental clarity, sustained energy levels, and reduced cravings during extended fasts. These effects occur due to the combination of fat burning, ketone production, and reduced insulin fluctuations. Fasting can therefore be a powerful tool for both physical and mental well-being when undertaken under proper guidance. Dr. Katakol’s insights serve as a reminder that the human body is remarkably adaptable. A carefully managed fast can stimulate fat metabolism, enhance mental alertness, and trigger deep cellular repair, offering a holistic boost to health. However, he cautions that individuals with medical conditions should consult healthcare professionals before attempting extended fasting to ensure safety and effectiveness. Fasting, in this context, is a deliberate and beneficial practice that supports the body’s natural rhythms and promotes overall wellness, demonstrating the profound link between diet, metabolism, and cellular health. Neurosurgeon Explains Benefits of a 36-Hour Fast Dr. Prashant Katakol, a neurosurgeon with over 33 years of experience, explains that fasting for 36 hours triggers significant changes in the body. Initially, the body uses glucose from recent meals, then taps into glycogen stored in the liver and muscles. Once glycogen is depleted, fat burning begins, producing ketones that fuel the brain and organs. Hunger hormones decrease, mental clarity improves, and energy stabilizes. Prolonged fasting also initiates autophagy, a process where cells repair and recycle damaged components. Breaking the fast with a nutritious meal maximizes these benefits, promoting overall physical and mental rejuvenation.