How a 3 Day Fast Resets the Immune System
Your immune system is your body’s defense system against bacteria, viruses, parasites, toxins, and other harm. To function properly, your immune system needs your support through a healthy diet and lifestyle – including fasting. According to research, embarking on a 3 day fast can reset your immune system and make an enormous difference in your health.
In this article, you will learn more about fasting and the immune system. I will share with you some new exciting research explaining how fasting may benefit your immune system. You will learn what to expect during your 3-day fast, how to prepare for your fast, and how to properly break your fast.
Fasting and the Immune System
The immune system is the basis of your health and survival. It is your body’s defense against infections. If you didn’t have an immune system, your body would be vulnerable to attack and harm from viruses, bacteria, parasites, toxins, and more.
Thankfully you have your immune system to look out for you. It is a network of cells and tissues working together. They are on a constant lookout for invaders. When they encounter any pathogen or harm, they send an immune response to fight off the harm and protect you.
However, stress, unhealthy foods, and exposure to toxins can weaken your immune system. You can use all the help to boost your immune system and protect your body. According to research, fasting, a period of not eating, may help to boost your immune system. As little as a 3-day fast may make a tremendous difference. Let’s learn how.
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3 Day Fast Resets the Immune System
According to an exciting 2019 study recently published in the Cell: Stem Cell research journal, prolonged fasting lasting from 48 to 120 hours can benefit your immune system and activate pathways that enhance resistance to toxins and stress. Mice and phase 1 human trials on chemotherapy patients both suggest that a period of fasting may significantly lower white blood cell count.
Fasting may help to activate regeneration and signal pathways to hematopoietic stem cells that allow the generation of blood and a healthy immune system. During fasting, your body tries to save energy. To do that it ends up recycling old and damaged immune cells allowing room for new ones.
The study also found that fasting may also lower IGF-1 growth hormone levels that have been linked to cancer, tumor growth, and aging. These findings support previous research that found that fasting and chemotherapy may be more effective than chemo alone. Fasting 72 hours before chemotherapy may boost the immune system and benefit chemotherapy patients (1, 2, 3)
3 Day Fast for Brain Health and Inflammation
Fasting, however, is not only potential good news for cancer, but it has many other immune-system and health benefits. Research has shown that fasting may reduce autoimmunity in the body.
According to one study, fasting may reduce the risk of Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s disease by stimulating messaging chemicals such as Brain Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) which plays an important role in the creation of new brain cells.
Fasting may also reduce overall inflammation in the body. According to a 2017 study, fasting for only 24 hours may help to deactivate the human NLRP3 inflammasome. The inflammasome is a multiprotein intracellular complex.
It is part of your body’s innate immune system that is in charge of activating inflammatory responses. Results suggest that fasting may enhance mitochondrial resilience, prevent inflammation, and have an anti-inflammatory effect on your body (4, 5).
What To Expect on a 3 Day Fast
Periods of fasting are natural for your body. If you think about it, our ancestors have gone through periods of famine when food was simply not available for a few days. In our modern world, we are used to everything being readily available. If our fridge is empty, all we have to do is go to the nearest grocery store, go to a restaurant, or order in.
When food is so easily available, we need to do intentional fasting to reduce the stress on our digestive system and body. A 3-day fast allows your body to rest, repair, and renew.
While a 3-day fast will certainly bring many positive changes to your physical, mental, and spiritual health, a 3-day fast is also new and stressful to your body. You may experience some unwanted symptoms associated with your 3-day fast.
I want you to know that some unpleasant symptoms are normal and natural. This is what you may expect on your 3-day fast:
Day 1
Unless you are already keto-adapted from practicing a keto diet and intermittent fasting, your body is used to using sugar as a primary fuel source. During your 3-day fast, your body will adapt to using fat as fuel resulting in an initial rise in your ketone levels in the second half of your first day and a period of adjustment. Don’t worry, becoming keto-adapted allows higher levels of autophagy and cellular cleansing.
On your first day, you may experience some fatigue, mental lethargy, hunger, cravings, mood changes, increased urination, headaches, and sleep disturbances. This is nothing to be concerned about. These are all happening because your body is adapting to burning fat instead of sugar, detoxifying and cleansing, and beginning to repair months or years of damage.
Day 2
Going on a 3-day fast helps to de-weed your gut flora. It gets rid of bad bacteria helping to balance your microbiome. By day 2, there is increased cellular cleansing, autophagy, a rise in human growth hormone (HGH) to preserve muscle mass, and a stem cell rise to help cellular repair. This 3-day fast also helps to reset your DNA turning off ‘bad’ genes that may increase inflammation and chronic degeneration. It also helps hormone optimization and detoxification.
On day 2, you may continue to experience similar symptoms as on the first day. Your hunger levels may diminish but emotionally you may have a more difficult time. You may experience more fatigue, brain fog, and mood changes. As your body is cleansing itself and getting rid of bad bacteria, fungi, and toxic substances, you may notice a white, yellow, or even black tongue, or skin rashes.
Your body will also begin to downregulate your thyroid hormone resulting in feeling colder than normal. This simply means that your 3-day fast helps to rest hormone sensitivity. Your body is learning to need less thyroid hormones and insulin to function well (7, 8, 9)
Day 3
On day 3 you will have a large rise in ketones. There will be a further rise in autophagy, HGH, and stem cells. Your blood sugar levels become more balanced. What does this mean for you? You will be feeling better!
You may notice pain reduction and more energy. Your brain loves using ketones for energy so you will be feeling mentally better, sharper, and more alert. If you were not keto-adapted before, you may still experience occasional tiredness, brain fog, or other unpleasant symptoms. By the time you are ready to break your fast, chances are that you will be feeling better than ever.
If you want to learn more about what to expect on your 3-day fast or other extended fasts, I recommend this article
How to Prepare for a 3 Day Fast
While going on a 3-day fast is beneficial and healing for your body, it can also be a huge shock and stressful if you don’t prepare your body and mind well for your fast. To prepare for a 3-day fast, I generally recommend going on a ketogenic diet and practicing intermittent fasting for at least 2 to 3 weeks before your 3-day fast.
This will help you to become keto-adapted and put your body into a fat-burning mode which will reduce your negative symptoms and ramp up your benefits. Trying one of two 20 to 24-hour fasts the couple weeks leading up to your 3-day fast may also be beneficial.
To learn more about the ketogenic diet, read this article. To learn more about intermittent fasting, I recommend this article. I also recommend a few other strategies to help you prepare for your 3-day fast.
Create a Low-Stress Schedule
During your fast, your body will be cleansing and repairing. Stress can be incredibly draining on your body, mind, and soul. A 3-day fast is a time for healing. Find ways to reduce stressors in your life. Meditate, pray, journal, do breathwork, and relax.
Do Your Best to Avoid Negative People
Negative people in your life can increase your stress levels and drag you down. During your 3-day fast, try to distance yourself from people who bring you down. Surround yourself with supporting individuals and practice the attitude of gratitude for the loving people in your life.
Get Plenty of Filtered Water
Hydration is key when you are fasting. As your body uses up stored sugar from your muscles and liver and your insulin levels drop, you may experience dehydration. This is why you must drink at least an ounce of water per pound of your body weight.
Have Some Good Salts Available
Using good quality salts, such as Himalayan Sea salt, Celtic Sea salt, or Redmond’s real salt helps to maintain electrolyte balance while fasting. If you feel tired or dizzy during your 3-day fast, mix a pinch of salt with 4 to 8 oz of water or simply put it under your tongue (10).
Schedule a Spa Day
During your 3-day fast, you will be saving money on food. Use this money to pamper yourself. Get a massage. Go to a sauna. Relax.
Avoid the Kitchen if Possible
The kitchen can be a tempting place and remind you of all the good food you are not eating. Avoiding your kitchen is the best way to reduce emotional cravings and temptations. If you have cravings or feel hungry, drink some water or herbal tea. If you are normally in charge of cooking for your family, ask for help for three days or cook for them ahead of time.
Drink Strategically
During your 3-day fast, the most likely you will feel hungry is around your normal meal and snack times. Make sure to drink plenty of water or herbal tea during these times.
Try a Sweet Drink
If you are missing flavor or feel deprived during your 3-day fast, try a calorie-free lemonade by adding organic lemon juice and a bit of stevia to your water. A bit of sweetness can make your 3-day fast much easier.
Get Grounded Daily
Grounding has many benefits, including more energy, relaxation, mental clarity, and a feeling of connection. Stand or walk barefoot outside. If it’s cold outside, try a few minutes in your socks, as long as you can tolerate it. To learn more about grounding, read this article.
Get Sunshine Each Day if Possible
Sunshine helps to stimulate vitamin D, enhances fat burning, and boosts your mood. As long as the sun is out, make sure to get some sunshine. You may combine this with your grounding practice and walks.
Move Your Body
While I recommend that you stay away from serious exercise during your 3-day fast, going out and taking some easy walks can be helpful. It stimulates your circulation and lymphatic system and boosts your mood as well. Aim for 10 to 15 minutes 3 to 5 times a day or whatever feels best for your body.
Give Yourself Permission to Rest
Our society puts so much emphasis on productivity and hustle. Give yourself permission to take it easy during your 3-day fast. Take naps, take a warm bath, try some essential oils, journal, meditate, and simply relax.
To learn more about how to prepare for your 3-day fast, I recommend this article.
Supplements to Support the Body
High stress and blood sugar issues can be balanced with Organic Ashwagandha and Brain Calm Magnesium. I also like adding in the Organic Multi Mushroom which has key adaptogenic mushrooms that support immune health, improve sleep quality, and restore energy and vitality to the body.
For constipation, I use the Oxy-Powder to flush the system and cleanse the bowels. You will need to drink a good amount of water and replenish minerals by taking a small pinch of salt two to three times a day.
For systemic toxins in the bloodstream, I use the BioToxin Binder to bind and move these out of the body. The oxidative stress that toxins can cause will be neutralized by glutathione. I like the Super Glutathione. The combination of these supplements can help you get the most cleansing and comfortable experience on your fast.
The Fasting Stress Support Pack
To try to simplify things, I have created 2 unique fasting support packs. The Fasting Stress Support pack includes the Organic Multi-Mushroom, Corisol Defense, and Brain Calm Magnesium. This is great for those who are new to fasting and individuals who struggle with high cortisol and hypoglycemia when they fast.
The recommendations for this are to take 1 cap of the Organic Multi Mushroom in the morning and mid-day in water 1 cap of the Cortisol Defense in the mid-day and 1 cap in the evening to improve daytime energy and quality sleep at night.
The Brain Calm magnesium capsules should be taken with these other supplements with 1 cap in the morning, 1 at mid-day, and 1 in the evening to support smooth energy and mental clarity during the day and good sleep at night on the fast. As an added bonus, the magnesium will also help with bowel motility.
We priced this pack out to provide over 15% savings off of the regular retail rate.
The Fasting Detox Pack
The Fasting Detox Support pack is designed to help individuals who struggle with endotoxemia-induced inflammation on their fast. This includes Oxy-Powder, BioToxin Binder, and Super Glutathione.
This product pack is exceptional for helping improve bowel motility and colon cleansing while binding to endotoxic debris that is in circulation. The molecular hydrogen protects the cells, mitochondria, and DNA from oxidative stress and supports the process of autophagy for optimal cellular cleansing.
We priced this pack out to provide over 15% savings off of the regular retail rate.
How to Properly Break a 3 Day Fast
Breaking your 3-day fast properly is just as important as preparing for it and experiencing it. Your body has been resting, detoxing, repairing, and most importantly, living without food for 3 days. Eating too much too fast can lead to uncomfortable symptoms, including digestion issues or fatigue.
Refueling with heavy, sugary, or junk foods can be counterproductive to the healing that just took place. In rare cases, eating too much food too quickly after a period of calorie restriction can result in refeeding symptoms, a potentially fatal condition resulting from electrolyte and fluid imbalances (11).
Though refeeding syndrome is less likely to happen after a short 3-day fast, you want to avoid any discomfort and health issues. To make it easier on your body and to set yourself off for a healthy path, it is important that you know how to properly break your 3-day fast.
For every 2 to 3 fasting days, you should have at least one recovery day aiming to gradually increase your calories without overburdening your system. For the first day after your 3-day fast, I recommend about 50 percent of your normal caloric load. On the second day, you should be back to your normal diet and caloric load.
It’s more than just the calories though. The foods you eat after your 3-day fast matter too. Make sure to eat organic real foods to avoid any toxic chemicals or unhealthy ingredients. Be easy on your stomach by focusing on liquid foods, such as green juice, green smoothies, protein shakes, and soups at first.
As you are ready to move on to solids for your second or third meal, try steamed vegetables, fermented foods, fruits, and healthy fats, such as avocados, coconut oil, and olive oil. Hold off on meat, dairy, eggs, nuts, and starches until your normal eating days.
Once you are ready to presume a normal calorie intake, I recommend that you continue eating an anti-inflammatory diet. You may benefit from practicing intermittent fasting as well. To learn more about how to break a fast properly, I recommend this article. To learn more about an anti-inflammatory ketogenic diet, read this article. You may learn more about intermittent fasting here.
Final Thoughts on the 3 Day Fast
The purpose of your immune system is to protect you against bacteria, viruses, parasites, toxins, and other harm. To help its proper functioning, it’s important that you support your immune system through a healthy diet and lifestyle.
New research has found that a 3-day fast can reset your immune system and make a great difference in your health and well-being. Follow my tips and experience the benefits of a 3-day fast yourself.
Metabolic Autophagy & Cellular Healing Masterclass
Autophagy is the body’s innate mechanism for deep cellular healing and repair, and it helps us reduce the effects of aging, inflammation, and cellular damage.
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Sources in This Article Include:
1. Cheng, CW, Adams, GB, Perin, L, Wei, M, Zhou, X, Lam, BS, De Sacoo, S, Mirisola, M, Quinn, DI, Dorff, TB, Kopchick, JJ, Longo, VD. Prolonged Fasting reduces IGF-1/PKA to promote hematopoietic stem cell-based regeneration and reverse immunosuppression. Cell Stem Cell. 2014 Jun 5; 14(6): 810–823. PMID: 24905167
2. Wu, S. Fasting triggers stem cell regeneration of damaged old immune system. USC News. Link Here
3. Marziali, C. Fasting weakens cancer in mice. USC News. Link Here
4. Buono, R, Longo, VD. When fasting gets tought, the tough immune cells get going-or die. Cell. 2019 Aug 22;178(5):1038-1040. PMID: 31442398
5. Anft, M. Don’t feed your head. John Hopkins Magazine. Link Here
6. Traba, J, Geiger, SS, Kwarteng-Siaw, M, Han, K, Ra, OH, Siegel, RM, Gius, D, Sack, MN. Prolonged fasting suppresses mitochondrial NLRP3 inflammasome assembly and activation via SIRT3-mediated activation of superoxide dismutase 2. J Biol Chem. 2017 Jul 21;292(29):12153-12164. PMID: 28584055
7. Haas JT, Staels B. Fasting the Microbiota to Improve Metabolism? Cell Metab. 2017; 26(4): 584-585. PMID: 28978420
8. Pietrocola F, Pol J, Kroemer G. Fasting improves anticancer immunosurveillance via autophagy induction in malignant cells. Cell Cycle. 2016; 15 (24):3327-3328. PMCID: 5224452
9. Mihaylova MM, et al. Fasting Activates Fatty Acid Oxidation to Enhance Intestinal Stem Cell Funciton during Homeostasis and Aging. 2018 May; 22(5): 769-778. PMID: 29727683
10. Brands MW, Manhiani MM. Sodium-retaining effect of insulin in diabetes. Am J Physiol Regul Integr Comp Physiol. 2012; 303(11):R1101-9. PMCID: 23034715
11. Mehanna HM, Moledina J, Travis J. Refeeding syndrome: what it is, and how to prevent and treat it. BMJ. 2008; 336 (7659):1495-8. PMCID: 2440847
Thanks for the tips on the “sweet drink” to help with fasting. I’m kind of sensitive to stevia though. Can I substitute kombucha (diluted) instead? Thanks!
Unfortunately not if you are trying to do a water fast as the sugar in the kombucha will elevate your insulin. If you are doing a juice fast or a partial fast this is fine!
I’m confused. Is coffee allowed on the fast? Assuming black w no MCT oil?
Yes as long as you feel good with it and it doesn’t increase cravings for you.
Thanks, this is a good concise and clear set of guideliness.
What are your thoughts on whether fasting is contraindicated in cases of the following conditions: chronic fatigue, high toxic load, hyopthyroid, fatty acid oxidation disorder, adrenal dysregulation?
Yes there is a lot of gray areas in these conditions but I do think fasting can be done but proper precautions need to be taken for these individuals.
I take a lot of supplements should I curtail them? And I also start my morning with a drink of warm water a squeezed lemon some squeezed ginger and apple cider vinegar should I stop that too. Thank You
You can do the morning drink as that is great and here is a helpful article on fasting supplements https://drjockers.com/fasting-supplements/
i get this information very useful keep it up. would you please share me your book for free; i coudn’ t have the access to buy it .
Do you know of any place/retreats that hosts a guided 3 day fast?
Hope you had a nice birthday, Dr. Jockers!
The very first fast I ever did, I couldn’t stop reading – cookbooks! Eventually I found some Christian prayer and fasting books, like those by Jentezen Franklin. I find a tongue scraper to be very helpful. I got mine on Amazon very inexpensively. It’s a stainless steel U-shaped, flexible little device for getting the fur off the tongue. In a pinch, a spoon will work as well. Also, dry skin brushing with a natural bristle brush feels lovely. I think the bone broth fast would be easier.
Thanks for sharing!!
but the indians recommend a copper scrapper or if you are rich, a silver one.. i don’t wash my hands before eating, even after public transport and touching money…doesn’t matter what…and never had a problem until i was at hospital, went in for an unrelated condition A, there i gained a condition B and got poisoned and started vomiting..lesson learned.. there wouldn’t be a problem if hospitals still used copper surfaces, but since they maliciously stopped that, there is the place where you definitely have to wash…
Thanks for sharing!
Just wondered if I continue to take my levothyroxine during a 3 day fast? as I know this spikes my blood sugar after wearing a blood sugar monitor. And I have just read you mention the fast lowers the need for thyroxine. Thanks look forward to your thoughts
I didn’t make it to a 3 day water only fast. I did perhaps 2+. I had to stop because of elevated heart rate, dizziness even with mg, K and NaCl in plenty of water. I checked my blood glucose and it was 19! Ketones of course were high ca. 4.5
I had resorted to sips of bone broth on day 2, which I sorely needed. Of course I was cold, but I understood that.
Sorry to hear that! It appears that your body is glucagon resistant and isn’t raising up your blood sugar where it needs to be. I think a bone broth fast would be best for you to keep your blood sugar more stable!
Anyone have any info on as to why my blood sugar drops so low while fasting…..I do not have diabetes. Normal blood sugar is around 80-90. Usually after fasting for 48 hrs blood sugar dips in the 60’s. This last time 54.
Only Med I take is levothyroxine.
Thanks for any comments !
This is completely normal on a fast. Your body will increase its energy production from fat/ketones and your blood sugar will drop down. For some people, it gets into the 40-50’s which is ok, as long as they feel good. If you feel excessively tired, have anxiety, trembling, headaches, nausea, etc. than that would be a sign your body isn’t getting the ketones and the sugar is dropping and causing problems.
Hi Dr Jockers, I heard that intermittent fasting is also good for prevention of cancer, and those having been diagnosed. Does it depend on the type of cancer? Also have you got some info on what to eat for those diagnosed with cancer… I’m referring to spindle cell.. quite rare I believe. Thank you for taking the time to answer and also for all the info you put out there. God bless you.
Yes fasting is absolutely amazing for cancer. Here is a helpful article: https://drjockers.com/fasting-strategies-cancer/
Hello Dr. Jockers,
I see you have pregnant women on the do not fast list. What about nursing mamas? My 3 month old is exclusively breast fed, so I don’t want to risk the food source. In past years I did an annual week-long fast in January, but planned to skip it until I am done breastfeeding. Could I manage a 3 day fast or is it best to wait?
Thanks!
Yes I would not recommend any extended fasting for nursing mothers. I would wait until done with nursing.
Would fasting be beneficial to reset the immune system for persons with rheumatoid arthritis?
Yes absolutely! Extremely helpful!
Dr. – I really appreciate your in-depth articles and tips, and I am always eager to see what your daily newsletter has in store for me. But that being said, I really wish you (and the other health gurus) would stop pushing stevia as a ‘natural alternative’ sweetener.
About a year ago, I started replacing sugar with Stevia in my coffee and other beverages. Within a month’s time, I was experiencing serious respiratory problems: I have asthma and allergies, but haven’t had any episodes since avoiding triggers and using inhalers to manage it. I’m also very in tune with my body and its food sensitivities.
The real problem with Stevia is that is comes from a family of plants that are related to ragweed – you know, the ragweed whose pollen causes so much distress for so many during early Spring and Summer. While not everyone is sensitive to ragweed, a large percentage of us are. I can’t tell you how frustrating it is to see so many health and wellness supplements (as well so called organics) who list Stevia as a sweetener ingredient. Frankly, at the very least, there needs to be a major caveat concerning consuming Stevia in place of sugar. After all, Aspertame and Sucralose are also zero
calorie alternatives, but no one in their right mind would endorse those neurotoxins as a way to avoid calories and insulin spikes. And I would like to push for all food and supplement manufacturers to put a mandatory warning label on any product which contains Stevia, for the safety of all of us committed to a healthy lifestyle.
Two questions
1. Can I do this if I believe that I have NAFL/NASH? I have consistent daily liver pain that intensifies during my cycle with migraines (I would fast the first part of the month (not during that time)).
2. Do I take my rx high bp meds during that 72 hours?
Thank you.
Yes absolutely you can do the 3 day fast with NAFL and it will help your body heal. I would simply monitor your blood pressure and if it is getting high take your meds while you are on the fast. Many people notice that their BP goes down a lot on the fast (in which case the RX could cause the BP to drop too low). So best to self monitor.
Hi, what about a person with only one Kidney experiencing stable kidney disease 3a… it is recommended as long as the proper salt and minerals are being taken during those 3 days?
Yes it is always best to discuss with your physician but this should be fine!
How would this work if you have low blood sugar?
You want to get your blood sugar more stable first. Here is a helpful article: https://drjockers.com/hypoglycemia-natural-solutions/
I have AMD And low thyroid. I take Synthroid and numerous vitamins for my eyes. Is it OK to take Synthroid, fish oil, zinc, lutine, zeanthin, Vitamin E, vitamin k, Vitamin D, saffron, Copper, Co Q 10… While fasting
Hello Barbara,
No, I wouldn’t take these while fasting other than the Synthroid.
Can you do intermittent fasting if you suffer from Hypothyroidism? Love and enjoy all your articles, thank you.
Yes you can and it will help your body heal. Here is a helpful article: https://drjockers.com/fasting-autoimmune-diseases/
Reynauds syndrome: will fasting help and how?
Yes absolutely! Here is a helpful article: https://drjockers.com/fasting-autoimmune-diseases/
Also, here is a helpful article on Raynauds: https://drjockers.com/raynauds-phenomenon/
With Hashimoto’s and Graves, I am afraid to fast to cause a worsening of thyroid problems. Can you explain safety of fasting when one already has “autoimmune” disease?
I have a low BP issue and postural hypotension. Is fasting something I can still take up? Because I feel very weak plus my work covers 9-10 hours in front of my laptop screen. There’s a lot of mental energy that goes into my work. A lot of typing, etc. I only get a Sunday to myself. Your advice would truly help me.
Hello Patricia, yes I wouldn’t jump right into a 3 day fast. I would work with a functional health practitioner to customize a plan for you to improve your energy and blood pressure first. https://drjockers.com/functional-nutrition-tips-to-find-a-great-health-coach/
I cannot sleep when I fast(although I’m not a great sleeper regularly). Any suggestions?
I would do a lot of magnesium and melatonin can help as well!
God bless you. Will finish 4 day fast with lunch only today. Mabe broth for dinner. I am trying to recover from long covid. Bmi below 18 and even with feeling great I will stop instead of going until God says stop( up to 20 days) have low grade fever(+2 degrees). Please send prayers and advice. Sent from therasage with methylene blue in me. Weight training next. Thank you. Cindy
Praying for a great fast and healing!
Three days ago, I finished doing another 21 day fast. I’m currently in the middle of experimenting on my health and trying to figure out how to cure myself from this seborrheic dermatitis. Once again, 75% of this rash has gone away. This time around, instead of jumping straight into a variety of food in which it took a good 3 weeks for the rash to come back with a vengeance, I’m just going to eat nothing but avocados for a week, then eat nothing but steamed broccoli for week 2, followed by each and every other organic fruit and vegetable I consume until I figure out which food or foods is causing this rash. They say there’s no cure for seborrheic dermatitis, but I refuse to believe that. I will find a cure whether it takes me the rest of my life. I will never stop experimenting with my health until this rash on my face, neck, shoulders and the back of my neck fully clears up.
Awesome article and very inspiring. Pretty sure this will be my next step up from Intermittent fasting. Thank you for writing this.
You are very welcome Debra! Blessings to you!
I want to encourage Mark from November 3, 2022 to not give up. I have almost the exact same symptoms and have improved a lot working with a local functional doctor. We found 11 lymphatic blockages and since walking more, infrared saunas, water fasting, elimination diets, manual lymphatic massage, reducing caffeine have reduced them to 3. Still more to be done, but continuing to pray my through for continued guidance. Hope this has help as it is good to know you’re not alone.
Linda
Thank you for sharing and we are praying for you!
Hello Doctor,
Thank you so much for your efforts.
I am sure you heard about Muslims fasting in Ramadan month (30 days), they fast from early morning till sundown (about 14-17 hours per day depend on the country), they also do not drink water during the fasting? is it healthy?
Many Muslims are also fasting 2 days a week on the same way, out of Ramadan.
Many thanks
H. Dalati
Yes you can do a dry fast and there are some benefits but I think that water fasting is safer to do.
I thought what better way to do a fast as I came down with the chills – the subsequent nausea and vomiting from a migraine and then I just continued my fast for another day. 3 day fast and I ended up with what seems a semi loss of taste and smell, a mild (chronic?) sinus condition, a bilateral eye infection, let me see, no otherwise all looks OK. Not overly much energy but not to the point that I don’t get anything done. I’m about to give Ivermectin a try, just for the heck of it.
I really want to fast for 3 days for my gut health and for religious reasons but I just don’t know how I would be able to do this with working and stuff. I get very weak when I don’t eat and I also strength train frequently so I’m hungry a lot. Any tips to prepare? Do you think a 24 hour fast would suffice?
Hey Kate, a 24 hour fast is wonderful for you and don’t workout until the end of the fast as that will make it easier!
What medications are contraindicated with fasting?
I’ve done multiple 3 day facts over the years. One thing I’ve noticed every SINGLE time Is my vision improves. Everything is so crisp and clear. I wish someone could explain this to me. I eat healthy, no processed foods, almost non existent sugar use. Take vitamin C regularly and use herbs and supplements snd natural foods for healing. Haven’t taken s prescription drug in 8+ years. I’m 65
How often do you recommend doing a 3 day fast? Would doing it once per month be advisable? Appreciated the great info in your article. Thank you!
How often should one do the 3-5 day fast?
I am wondering the same as the commenters above. How often can a 3 to 4 day fast be done? I feel like I’d like to do that once a month. Or could it even be done every other week? Especially if a week of bad food is consumed??
This post is incredibly enlightening! I had no idea a 3-day fast could have such profound effects on the immune system. I’m definitely tempted to try it but will do more research first. Thank you, Dr. Jockers, for sharing this valuable information!