Is long-term fasting safe? Is there really any evidence of harm from a 30-day zero-calorie diet?

Question

Some people seem to think that they will do severe damage to their health if they skip even one or two meals, and the conventional wisdom seems to be that skipping meals is a bad idea, and that a complete zero-calorie fast is life-threatening, even if it's only for a few days. However, I have been searching articles in the so-called "prestigious peer-reviewed medical journals," and I find almost no cases of any bad effects of fasting lasting up to 30 days and even longer. Does anybody know of any real evidence (or personal experiences) of any harm done by total fasts of up to 30 days? Please be specific.

In the medical literature, there are hundreds of reports of studies of long-term fasts, involving manythousands of patients. The studies consistently show that the patients lost weight, improved their diabetes control, improved rheumatoid arthritis, lowered their cholesterol, felt better, had a better attitude and even scored better on mental aptitude tests. Those results don't sound bad to me. I would like to know of even one case of even one person suffering any harm from a water-only fast of less than 30 days.

Okay, here is my evidence for the benefits of long-term fasting, taken from peer-reviewed medical journals:
http://fastingdiet.blogspot.com/2007/11/are-total-zero-calorie-fasts-safe.html

Anybody that disagrees, where's your evidence?

Answer 1

I can't give medical advice, but, I sure can give opinions and logic. The saying " Live off the fat of the land" is true. Just do it under the supervision of a physician. The bottom line is, if someone is grossly obese then do what needs to be done. Making sure to inform your personal physician.

You might want to explore the link below.
Long-term weight loss maintenance: assessment of a behavioral and supplemented fasting regimen.
http://www.pubmedcentral.nih.gov/articlerender.fcgi?artid=1350278

Answer 2

Please don't! Your brain needs blood sugar to function. Your body can break down fat and protein to create energy but your brain can't use this kind. This also produces a body chemical called ketones that damage tissues like your kidneys. Furthermore, the protein comes from muscles, including your heart.

Fasting for a few days is one thing but what you are proposing is down right dangerous. It is probably also pointless since I assuming you are trying to lose weight. Not eating would put your body on starvation mode, causing your metabolism to drop, and cause you to lose muscle that burns calories just by existing. It would also probably cause your body to pack the pounds on more easily later on.

Answer 3

i am muslim so i fast during ramadan.... One month, NO food, watter, or anything else during sunlight.... its hard, but funny thing is this... i feel HEALTHIER than usual when i do it, and i also gain about 5 lbs. so its not a good way to loose waight id say. no facts just straight up experience. to loose fat eats small meals duriing the day, not no meals at all and one big meal. o and never cut out minerals or carbs, or stuff like that for more than 3 days.

Answer 4

30 day 0 calories noting wrong with that as long as you dont mind dying.

your body organs need calories to burn to function. not to mention proteins, amino acids, carbs ect.

edit-- i worked witha guy who did ramadan too. we worked at a pepsi warehouse 4pm - 2am and as soon as the sun went down he had to eat something. he said the first year he was there he tried to wait till lunch which was 10pm for us but he said he would get anemic and shaky so he started eating protein bars at sundown

Answer 5

try to know the calorie counts before ordering dishes on restaurant

Answer 6

Better to avoid diet when you re under a lot of stress

Answer 7

try a pasta less spaghetti by mixing shredded zucchini veggie meatballs and raw tomato sauce seasoned with a dash of zesty oregano

Answer 8

soups can be both filling and comforting try making a garden or bean soup with low salt broth and store in portion sized cups for later

Answer 9

avocados can be your secret weight loss partners theyre high in fiber and healthy fats giving you a meaty tasting meat alternative

Answer 10

Eat snacks at your home bofore going to party