{"id":9789,"date":"2020-10-01T18:54:17","date_gmt":"2020-10-01T18:54:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/?p=9789"},"modified":"2025-05-15T20:55:52","modified_gmt":"2025-05-15T20:55:52","slug":"fasting-for-3-days","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/stage.betterme.world\/articles\/fasting-for-3-days\/","title":{"rendered":"Fasting For 3 Days: Will It Get Your Metabolism Cranking At Full Speed?"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_75 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/stage.betterme.world\/articles\/fasting-for-3-days\/#What_Is_a_3-Day_Fast\" >What Is a 3-Day Fast?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/stage.betterme.world\/articles\/fasting-for-3-days\/#What_Are_the_Benefits_of_Fasting_for_3_Days\" >What Are the Benefits of Fasting for 3 Days?<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/stage.betterme.world\/articles\/fasting-for-3-days\/#May_lead_to_autophagy\" >May lead to autophagy<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/stage.betterme.world\/articles\/fasting-for-3-days\/#May_improve_insulin_and_leptin_sensitivity\" >May improve insulin and leptin sensitivity<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/stage.betterme.world\/articles\/fasting-for-3-days\/#May_lower_the_risk_of_chronic_diseases\" >May lower the risk of chronic diseases<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/stage.betterme.world\/articles\/fasting-for-3-days\/#May_increase_the_levels_of_%E2%80%98good_cholesterol_and_reduce_triglycerides\" >May increase the levels of &#8216;good&#8217; cholesterol and reduce triglycerides<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/stage.betterme.world\/articles\/fasting-for-3-days\/#May_help_lower_blood_pressure\" >May help lower blood pressure<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/stage.betterme.world\/articles\/fasting-for-3-days\/#May_help_ease_cancer_treatment_side_effects\" >May help ease cancer treatment side effects<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/stage.betterme.world\/articles\/fasting-for-3-days\/#How_Much_Weight_Can_You_Lose_Fasting_for_3_Days\" >How Much Weight Can You Lose Fasting for 3 Days?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/stage.betterme.world\/articles\/fasting-for-3-days\/#Is_a_3-Day_Fast_Enough_for_Autophagy\" >Is a 3-Day Fast Enough for Autophagy?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/stage.betterme.world\/articles\/fasting-for-3-days\/#What_Is_the_Difference_Between_Intermittent_Fasting_and_Fasting_for_3_Days\" >What Is the Difference Between Intermittent Fasting and Fasting for 3 Days?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/stage.betterme.world\/articles\/fasting-for-3-days\/#What_Are_the_Side_Effects_of_Fasting_for_3_Days\" >What Are the Side Effects of Fasting for 3 Days?<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/stage.betterme.world\/articles\/fasting-for-3-days\/#Malnutrition\" >Malnutrition<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-14\" href=\"https:\/\/stage.betterme.world\/articles\/fasting-for-3-days\/#It_wont_lead_to_fat_loss\" >It won\u2019t lead to fat loss<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-15\" href=\"https:\/\/stage.betterme.world\/articles\/fasting-for-3-days\/#May_lead_to_dehydration\" >May lead to dehydration<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-16\" href=\"https:\/\/stage.betterme.world\/articles\/fasting-for-3-days\/#May_lead_to_dizziness_when_standing_up\" >May lead to dizziness when standing up<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-17\" href=\"https:\/\/stage.betterme.world\/articles\/fasting-for-3-days\/#Hyponatremia\" >Hyponatremia<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-18\" href=\"https:\/\/stage.betterme.world\/articles\/fasting-for-3-days\/#Binge_eating_disorder\" >Binge eating disorder<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-19\" href=\"https:\/\/stage.betterme.world\/articles\/fasting-for-3-days\/#Sleep_Disturbances\" >Sleep Disturbances<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-20\" href=\"https:\/\/stage.betterme.world\/articles\/fasting-for-3-days\/#Who_Should_NOT_Try_a_Fasting_Diet_for_3_Days\" >Who Should NOT Try a Fasting Diet for 3 Days?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-21\" href=\"https:\/\/stage.betterme.world\/articles\/fasting-for-3-days\/#What_Can_You_Expect_When_Fasting_for_3_Days\" >What Can You Expect When Fasting for 3 Days?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-22\" href=\"https:\/\/stage.betterme.world\/articles\/fasting-for-3-days\/#What_Are_Some_Healthier_Alternatives_to_Fasting_for_3_Days\" >What Are Some Healthier Alternatives to Fasting for 3 Days?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-23\" href=\"https:\/\/stage.betterme.world\/articles\/fasting-for-3-days\/#FAQs\" >FAQs<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-24\" href=\"https:\/\/stage.betterme.world\/articles\/fasting-for-3-days\/#Is_It_Healthy_to_Fast_for_3_Days\" >Is It Healthy to Fast for 3 Days?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-25\" href=\"https:\/\/stage.betterme.world\/articles\/fasting-for-3-days\/#Do_People_Have_Stomach_Pain_When_Fasting_for_3_Days\" >Do People Have Stomach Pain When Fasting for 3 Days?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-26\" href=\"https:\/\/stage.betterme.world\/articles\/fasting-for-3-days\/#What_Happens_After_3_Days_of_Fasting\" >What Happens After 3 Days of Fasting?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-27\" href=\"https:\/\/stage.betterme.world\/articles\/fasting-for-3-days\/#How_Many_Days_Is_It_OK_to_Fast\" >How Many Days Is It OK to Fast?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-28\" href=\"https:\/\/stage.betterme.world\/articles\/fasting-for-3-days\/#The_Bottom_Line\" >The Bottom Line<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Fasting is a practice that has been part of the human experience for a very long time. Today, people all over the world abstain from food and drink (or both) for health, ritualistic, religious, or ethical reasons.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-sheets-root=\"1\" data-sheets-value=\"{&quot;1&quot;:2,&quot;2&quot;:&quot;&lt;a href=&quot;&quot;https:\/\/quiz.betterme.world\/en\/first-page-generated?flow=1443&amp;utm_source=Blog&amp;utm_medium=Blog&amp;utm_campaign=fasting_for_3_days&quot;&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;&lt;video autoplay=&quot;autoplay&quot; loop=&quot;loop&quot; muted=&quot;muted&quot; playsinline=&quot;playsinline&quot; width=&quot;777&quot;&gt;&lt;source src=&quot;&quot;https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/ezgif.com-gif-to-mp4.mp4&quot;&quot; type=&quot;video\/mp4&quot; \/&gt;&lt;\/video&gt;&lt;\/a&gt;&quot;}\" data-sheets-userformat=\"{&quot;2&quot;:256,&quot;11&quot;:3}\" data-sheets-formula=\"=replace(R[-12]C[0],SEARCH(&quot;LINK TO QUIZ&quot;,R[-12]C[0]),LEN(&quot;LINK TO QUIZ&quot;),R8C[0])\"><a href=\"https:\/\/quiz.betterme.world\/en\/first-page-generated?flow=1443&amp;utm_source=Blog&amp;utm_medium=Blog&amp;utm_campaign=fasting_for_3_days\" target=\"_blank\"><video autoplay=\"autoplay\" loop=\"loop\" muted=\"muted\" playsinline=\"playsinline\" width=\"777\"><source src=\"https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/ezgif.com-gif-to-mp4.mp4\" type=\"video\/mp4\" \/><\/video><\/a><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The practice of fasting for weight loss has gained popularity in the last decade or so. While short fasts are quite popular, longer or prolonged fasts have started gaining more attention with people wondering if they may be better.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Fasting for three days is one such example of prolonged fasting. If you\u2019re curious to know what a three-day fast is or what the weight loss effects, benefits, and dangers of fasting for three days are, then you should read on.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_Is_a_3-Day_Fast\"><\/span><b>What Is a 3-Day Fast?<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Also known as a water fast, it is the practice of liquid fasting for three days. People who participate in a water fast abstain from eating anything for the duration of the fast. They also don\u2019t consume any calories from drinks other than water for 72 hours (1).<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">While liquid fasting for three days is relatively common, some people choose to extend this period to five or even 40 days, typically under medical supervision. (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/books\/NBK534877\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">2<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">).<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Extended fasts cause the body to start breaking down muscle in an effort to get enough protein to keep you alive, as after seven days, your body\u2019s fatty acid reserves will be gone.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">With time, vital organs such as the heart, liver, and kidneys start to lose function, and eventually, the chance of death increases exponentially (3).<\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong>Lean and toned up body isn\u2019t just a far-fetched fantasy. Check out the BetterMe app and watch it <a href=\"https:\/\/quiz.betterme.world\/en\/first-page-generated?flow=1443&amp;utm_source=Blog&amp;utm_medium=Blog&amp;utm_campaign=fasting_for_3_days\">propel your weight loss journey <\/a> into high gear!<\/strong><\/p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_Are_the_Benefits_of_Fasting_for_3_Days\"><\/span><b>What Are the Benefits of Fasting for 3 Days?<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There may be some benefits, but it should be noted that most available research on the benefits of water fasting has been conducted on animals and not humans. The benefits of a <a href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/5-day-fasting-diet-meal-plan\/\">fasting diet<\/a> for three days can include:<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"May_lead_to_autophagy\"><\/span><b>May lead to autophagy<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A review from 2018 suggested that both fasting and calorie restriction may promote autophagy (4).<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Autophagy (meaning self-eating) is a process where the body breaks down old cells to reuse and repurpose as new cells. It is a recycling system that cleans out damaged parts of a cell (or the whole cell) to make newer healthier cells that work more effectively.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Some animal studies have suggested that without this process, the risk of cancer, neurodegeneration, muscle and heart disease, and infectious diseases can be higher and faster aging can occur (5). Autophagy also controls inflammation, so it may improve the outlook for people with infectious and neurodegenerative diseases, although more research is required(6).\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This process has also been found to be quite beneficial for the liver. Autophagy is implicated in numerous liver functions and, according to emerging research, may play a role in mitigating the risk of several liver conditions, including Wilson\u2019s disease, acute liver injury, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, and chronic alcohol-related liver disease. (7).<\/span><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/quiz.betterme.world\/en\/first-page-generated?flow=1443&amp;utm_source=Blog&amp;utm_medium=Blog&amp;utm_campaign=fasting_for_3_days\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-30039 size-large\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/8_1-1.png\" alt=\"fasting for 3 days\" \/>\u00a0<\/a><\/p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"May_improve_insulin_and_leptin_sensitivity\"><\/span><b>May improve insulin and leptin sensitivity<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Leptin is your body&#8217;s satiety hormone. This hormone reduces your appetite and makes you feel full. At the same time, insulin helps regulate blood sugar levels and excess glucose for energy to be used by the body.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">According to two studies from the <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Clinical Nutrition<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> journal and the <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">American Journal of Physiology-Endocrinology and Metabolism<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, fasting makes the body more sensitive to these two hormones (8, 9).\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Increased sensitivity means both leptin and insulin work better in their respective functions in the body. More satiety means you will eat fewer calories throughout the day, while better blood sugar control means the body stores less fat, meaning less weight gain.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"May_lower_the_risk_of_chronic_diseases\"><\/span><b>May lower the risk of chronic diseases<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">As mentioned above, prolonged fasting triggers autophagy, which lowers the risk of chronic illnesses such as heart disease and cancer.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">An older study published in the <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Cell Metabolism <\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">journal also showed intermittent or periodic fasting in rodents helps protect them against diabetes, several types of cancer, heart disease, and neurodegeneration.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In humans, abstaining from food can help reduce the risk of obesity, hypertension, asthma, and rheumatoid arthritis (10).<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Another recent study (2022) showed that prolonged fasting can reduce oxidative damage and inflammation. Oxidative damage not only damages cells, proteins, and DNA, it also causes inflammation, which increases the risk of chronic illnesses (11).<\/span><\/p>\n<p><i><strong>Read more: <\/strong><\/i><a href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/green-tea-intermittent-fasting\/\"><i>Green Tea Intermittent Fasting: Benefits and Side Effects<\/i><\/a><\/p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"May_increase_the_levels_of_%E2%80%98good_cholesterol_and_reduce_triglycerides\"><\/span><b>May increase the levels of &#8216;good&#8217; cholesterol and reduce triglycerides<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A randomized controlled trial on 30 healthy individuals found one-day fasting to increase high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol levels and decrease triglycerides and weight. This one-day water fast also increased the levels of the human growth hormone, hemoglobin, and red blood cell count (12).<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u2018Good\u2019 cholesterol helps maintain normal cholesterol levels in the body by absorbing the excess and taking it to the liver where it\u2019s then flushed out. The higher the \u2018good\u2019 cholesterol levels in the body are, the lower the risk of heart disease and stroke will be (13).<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Too many triglycerides in the body can harden the arteries or thicken their walls, thereby increasing the risk of stroke, heart attack, and heart disease.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If these levels continue rising unchecked, this can lead to acute pancreatitis, lipemia retinalis, multifactorial chylomicronemia syndrome, and damaged skin on the back, chest, arms, and legs (14).<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"May_help_lower_blood_pressure\"><\/span><b>May help lower blood pressure<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Clinically supervised water fasts that last for up to two weeks have been linked to lower blood pressure (15). This is further associated with the fact that you drink more water and don\u2019t consume salt when on a water fast.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">However, it should be noted that fasting for three days is unlikely to help lower blood pressure as this is only possible on longer, medically supervised fasts.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"May_help_ease_cancer_treatment_side_effects\"><\/span><b>May help ease cancer treatment side effects<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">As mentioned above, preliminary research has suggested that short-term and prolonged fasting may help reduce the risk of cancer.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">However, in people already suffering from and undergoing treatment for this illness, research has shown that prolonged fasting may increase the efficacy of cancer treatment, prevent resistance acquisition, and reduce the side effects of chemotherapy (16).<\/span><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/quiz.betterme.world\/en\/first-page-generated?flow=1443&amp;utm_source=Blog&amp;utm_medium=Blog&amp;utm_campaign=fasting_for_3_days\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-30039 size-large\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/6_1.png\" alt=\"fasting for 3 days\" \/>\u00a0<\/a><\/p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_Much_Weight_Can_You_Lose_Fasting_for_3_Days\"><\/span><b>How Much Weight Can You Lose Fasting for 3 Days?<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Not much. In fact, you won\u2019t lose any excess fat after a three-day fast.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Many people who are looking to shed a few extra pounds may look at this as a quick shortcut. Unfortunately, this is not one of the many potential health benefits of fasting for three days.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When you step onto a scale after abstaining from food and surviving on water for 72 hours, the number you see will be lower than it was three days earlier. However, this is neither a cause for celebration nor proof that such a diet can help with weight loss.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Research on prolonged fasting has shown that any weight loss during this time is generally from water, carbs, and even a small amount of muscle mass, but not body fat (17). If you want to lose weight, you need patience and certainly more than three days.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For long-term, sustainable results, you\u2019ll need to reduce your calorie intake, eat healthy nutritious meals, work out using both cardio and strength training, and stay consistent over time.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Is_a_3-Day_Fast_Enough_for_Autophagy\"><\/span><b>Is a 3-Day Fast Enough for Autophagy?<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If autophagy is your goal, a three-day fast is actually too long. However, there is a lack of human research on autophagy, but if it\u2019s something you\u2019re looking to try, animal studies suggest autophagy may start between 24 and 48 hours, or possibly after just 12 hours. (18).<\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong>Looking for a way to <a href=\"https:\/\/quiz.betterme.world\/en\/first-page-generated?flow=1443&amp;utm_source=Blog&amp;utm_medium=Blog&amp;utm_campaign=fasting_for_3_days\">break the vicious cycle of weight loss <\/a> and tone up all the jiggly parts? Watch the extra pounds fly off and your muscles firm up with the BetterMe app!<\/strong><\/p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_Is_the_Difference_Between_Intermittent_Fasting_and_Fasting_for_3_Days\"><\/span><b>What Is the Difference Between Intermittent Fasting and Fasting for 3 Days?<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Intermittent fasting is an eating practice that involves periods of fasting and eating. With<a href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/mediterranean-diet-and-intermittent-fasting\/\"> intermittent fasting<\/a> (IF), you go through extended periods of fasting and have a few short hours (aka the feeding window) when you can eat (19). The most popular forms of IF include (20):<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Fasting for 16 hours with an eight-hour eating window. This ranks first on the list of most popular IF methods.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Fasting for 12 hours with a 12-hour feeding window.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The 5:2 diet. This is slightly different from all the other IF eating patterns. You consume food normally for five days a week and reduce your caloric intake to 600 calories (men) or 500 calories (women) for two days a week.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The 24-hour fast, aka the eat-stop-eat diet, means fasting completely for one or two days a week.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A three-day fast has no feeding or <a href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/fasting-windows\/\">fasting windows<\/a>. You simply don\u2019t eat anything for a full 72 hours. Apart from plain water, all drinks are forbidden.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_Are_the_Side_Effects_of_Fasting_for_3_Days\"><\/span><b>What Are the Side Effects of Fasting for 3 Days?<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Despite the aforementioned benefits of fasting for three days, this diet has several downsides and risks that anyone who is considering trying it needs to be aware of. The dangers of fasting for three days include:<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Malnutrition\"><\/span><b>Malnutrition<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Also known as nutritional deficiencies, malnutrition occurs when your body doesn\u2019t absorb nutrients or get enough nutrients from food to function properly.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Signs of malnutrition include unexplained fatigue, dry and brittle hair, damaged nails, an unusually pale or swollen tongue, chronic diarrhea, mood swings, and lack of appetite (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/books\/NBK580496\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">21<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">).\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">These nutrient deficiencies can lead to a variety of health problems, such as digestion problems, skin disorders, stunted or defective bone growth, and dementia.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"It_wont_lead_to_fat_loss\"><\/span><b>It won\u2019t lead to fat loss<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">While some people do this diet for the potential health benefits, many are attracted to fasting for three days as a way of losing weight. However, as previously mentioned, most of the weight loss is <a href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/how-to-lose-water-weight\/\">water weight<\/a> and not fat loss.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Older research suggests that longer fasts (more than a week to a month) can lead to an average of 0.9 kg of weight loss per day at first and approximately 0.3 kg by the third week (22). However, this weight loss is most likely due to the loss of water weight and muscle mass.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"May_lead_to_dehydration\"><\/span><b>May lead to dehydration<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Many people assume that water fasting means you will remain well hydrated throughout. However, many people tend to forget that 20% to 30% of our daily water intake comes from food (23).<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Therefore, if you don\u2019t increase the amount of water you drink during the fasting period, you\u2019ll end up dehydrated.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/quiz.betterme.world\/en\/first-page-generated?flow=1443&amp;utm_source=Blog&amp;utm_medium=Blog&amp;utm_campaign=fasting_for_3_days\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-30039 size-large\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/5-1.png\" alt=\"fasting for 3 days\" \/>\u00a0<\/a><\/p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"May_lead_to_dizziness_when_standing_up\"><\/span><b>May lead to dizziness when standing up<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This is also known as orthostatic hypotension and is the result of an unsafe and sudden fall in blood pressure that occurs when you stand up quickly.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In addition to dehydration, this condition can be caused by anemia, heart conditions, long-term bed rest, blood pressure medications, and nervous system disorders (24).<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Hyponatremia\"><\/span><b>Hyponatremia<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Also known as water intoxication, this is a condition that occurs when the level of sodium in the blood is too low. Salt is lost through sweat and this is why working out is discouraged while you\u2019re doing a water fast.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Binge_eating_disorder\"><\/span><b>Binge eating disorder<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This is a serious eating disorder that causes a person to regularly consume unusually large amounts of food and feel as if they cannot stop eating.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Binge eating disorder can affect people who are fasting or who have undergone a very low-calorie diet plan. One five-year study from 2010 revealed that prolonged fasts &#8211; those that last for longer than 24 hours &#8211; increased the risk of binge eating (25).<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Sleep_Disturbances\"><\/span><b>Sleep Disturbances<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Some research has also found that individuals can experience sleep disturbances as a result of fasting, but overall the research is mixed (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC6314618\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">26<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC7828375\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">27<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">).<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Who_Should_NOT_Try_a_Fasting_Diet_for_3_Days\"><\/span><b>Who Should <\/b><b>NOT<\/b><b> Try a Fasting Diet for 3 Days?<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">While fasting for three days is relatively safe for the majority of people, it can be quite dangerous for some people, including (28):<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Patients with diabetes, as it can lead to dangerous dips and spikes in blood sugar.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pregnant women, new moms, or women who are breastfeeding.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Anyone who is ill, taking medication, or suffers from uncontrollable migraines.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Older adults, children, or teenagers.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">People with heart problems.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">People with eating disorders. As mentioned above, fasting has been linked to an increased risk of binge eating and bulimic pathology (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC2850570\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">11<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">). The risk of triggering such disorders becomes worse for anyone who has an existing eating disorder.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Active individuals whose needs are greater than the general, sedentary population.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_Can_You_Expect_When_Fasting_for_3_Days\"><\/span><b>What Can You Expect When Fasting for 3 Days?<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Fasting for long periods can result in vitamin and mineral deficiencies, muscle breakdown, and diarrhea.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Denying your body food for 72 hours can lead to dizziness, headaches, low blood sugar, muscle aches, weakness, and fatigue.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Anyone who fasts for longer than this may experience anemia, a weakened immune system, liver and kidney problems, and an irregular heartbeat.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><i><strong>Read more: <\/strong><\/i><a href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/intermittent-fasting-and-running\/\"><i>Intermittent Fasting and Running: A Winning Combination or a Terrible Mistake? <\/i><\/a><\/p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_Are_Some_Healthier_Alternatives_to_Fasting_for_3_Days\"><\/span><b>What Are Some Healthier Alternatives to Fasting for 3 Days?<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Fasting for three days may be a relatively safe practice for some, but it is still an extreme and high-risk option for improving health or losing weight. Instead of doing this, you could choose an alternative route such as:<\/span><\/p>\n<ol>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Go on a calorie deficit &#8211; Not only is this the main answer to weight loss, it can also help lower cholesterol and reduce inflammation (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC8017325\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">29<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">).\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Try intermittent fasting &#8211; As mentioned above, if you really want to try fasting, this is a much less extreme way to fast, in terms of both health benefits and weight loss. With this option, you go through a continuous cycle of eating and stopping rather than not eating and only consuming water for three days. However, intermittent fasting is not a suitable choice for everyone. It\u2019s a good idea to work with a registered dietitian to determine the best approach for you.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Eat a healthy diet and exercise &#8211; Many health problems can be solved by making minor but impactful changes to your diet and increasing physical activity<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/quiz.betterme.world\/en\/first-page-generated?flow=1443&amp;utm_source=Blog&amp;utm_medium=Blog&amp;utm_campaign=fasting_for_3_days\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-30039 size-large\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/5_1.png\" alt=\"fasting for 3 days\" \/>\u00a0<\/a><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"FAQs\"><\/span><b>FAQs<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2><ul><li><h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Is_It_Healthy_to_Fast_for_3_Days\"><\/span><strong>Is It Healthy to Fast for 3 Days?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3><\/li><\/ul><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">No, it is not.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">While the practice is considered to be relatively safe and has some health benefits, almost all of these benefits can be achieved by fasting for just 12 hours a day (or 24 hours at most).<\/span><\/p>\n<ul><li><h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Do_People_Have_Stomach_Pain_When_Fasting_for_3_Days\"><\/span><strong>Do People Have Stomach Pain When Fasting for 3 Days?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3><\/li><\/ul><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Yes, they often do.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you experience abdominal pain during a fast, this means you should stop immediately. Some other symptoms that tell you to suddenly end your fast include dizziness, nausea, loss of consciousness, vomiting, chest pain, and diarrhea (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/diarrhea-during-fasting\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">10<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">).<\/span><\/p>\n<ul><li><h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_Happens_After_3_Days_of_Fasting\"><\/span><strong>What Happens After 3 Days of Fasting?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3><\/li><\/ul><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">After three days of not eating, you will most likely be very hungry, dizzy, weak, fatigued, and experiencing muscle aches and a headache.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul><li><h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_Many_Days_Is_It_OK_to_Fast\"><\/span><strong>How Many Days Is It OK to Fast?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3><\/li><\/ul><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It is advisable to go no longer than 24 hours without food.<\/span><\/p>\n\n<p><span data-sheets-root=\"1\" data-sheets-value=\"{&quot;1&quot;:2,&quot;2&quot;:&quot;&lt;a href=&quot;&quot;https:\/\/quiz.betterme.world\/en\/first-page-generated?flow=1443&amp;utm_source=Blog&amp;utm_medium=Blog&amp;utm_campaign=fasting_for_3_days&quot;&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;&lt;video autoplay=&quot;autoplay&quot; loop=&quot;loop&quot; muted=&quot;muted&quot; playsinline=&quot;playsinline&quot; width=&quot;777&quot;&gt;&lt;source src=&quot;&quot;https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/ezgif.com-gif-to-mp4-12.mp4&quot;&quot; type=&quot;video\/mp4&quot; \/&gt;&lt;\/video&gt;&lt;\/a&gt;&quot;}\" data-sheets-userformat=\"{&quot;2&quot;:256,&quot;11&quot;:3}\" data-sheets-formula=\"=replace(R[-12]C[0],SEARCH(&quot;LINK TO QUIZ&quot;,R[-12]C[0]),LEN(&quot;LINK TO QUIZ&quot;),R8C[0])\"><a href=\"https:\/\/quiz.betterme.world\/en\/first-page-generated?flow=1443&amp;utm_source=Blog&amp;utm_medium=Blog&amp;utm_campaign=fasting_for_3_days\" target=\"_blank\"><video autoplay=\"autoplay\" loop=\"loop\" muted=\"muted\" playsinline=\"playsinline\" width=\"777\"><source src=\"https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/ezgif.com-gif-to-mp4-12.mp4\" type=\"video\/mp4\" \/><\/video><\/a><\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_Bottom_Line\"><\/span><b>The Bottom Line<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">While a three-day fast may seem like a good option for improving your health and losing weight, it really isn\u2019t worth it. It\u2019s an incredibly unhealthy and potentially fatal way of trying to improve your life.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Rather than fasting for three days, you could try intermittent fasting or other more sustainable approaches to improving your lifestyle. You should always consult your doctor or registered dietitian before you make any drastic changes to your diet, particularly if you have any underlying conditions or chronic illnesses.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Fasting is a practice that has been part of the human experience for a very long time. Today, people all over the world abstain from food and drink (or both) for health, ritualistic, religious, or ethical reasons.\u00a0 The practice of fasting for weight loss has gained popularity in the last decade or so. While short [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":29,"featured_media":72884,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[150],"tags":[],"coauthors":[109,233],"class_list":["post-9789","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-fasting-diet"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v20.2.1 (Yoast SEO v25.4) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>Fasting For 3 Days: Will It Get Your Metabolism Cranking At Full Speed? - BetterMe<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Should you try \u2605 FASTING FOR 3 DAYS \u27a4? Is it healthy? Can it help you lose weight in the long term? Check out this article to find out the benefits of water fasting.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"noindex, nofollow\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Fasting For 3 Days: Will It Get Your Metabolism Cranking At Full Speed?\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Should you try \u2605 FASTING FOR 3 DAYS \u27a4? Is it healthy? Can it help you lose weight in the long term? Check out this article to find out the benefits of water fasting.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/stage.betterme.world\/articles\/fasting-for-3-days\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"BetterMe Blog\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:publisher\" content=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/betterme.health.coaching\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2025-05-15T20:55:52+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/stage.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/Fasting-For-3-Days_-Will-It-Get-Your-Metabolism-Cranking-At-Full-Speed_-1-1024x640.png\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"1024\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"640\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/png\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"\u0421. Kamau, Ellen Landes, RDN, MS, ACSM-CPT\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:creator\" content=\"@betterme\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:site\" content=\"@betterme\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"\u0421. Kamau, Ellen Landes, RDN, MS, ACSM-CPT\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"12 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"Article\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/stage.betterme.world\/articles\/fasting-for-3-days\/#article\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/stage.betterme.world\/articles\/fasting-for-3-days\/\"},\"author\":{\"name\":\"\u0421. Kamau\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/stage.betterme.world\/articles\/#\/schema\/person\/2c549bb96df2bbb55aaa51a2ba3b25ea\"},\"headline\":\"Fasting For 3 Days: Will It Get Your Metabolism Cranking At Full Speed?\",\"dateModified\":\"2025-05-15T20:55:52+00:00\",\"mainEntityOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/stage.betterme.world\/articles\/fasting-for-3-days\/\"},\"wordCount\":2460,\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/stage.betterme.world\/articles\/#organization\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/stage.betterme.world\/articles\/fasting-for-3-days\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\/\/stage.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/Fasting-For-3-Days_-Will-It-Get-Your-Metabolism-Cranking-At-Full-Speed_-1.png\",\"articleSection\":[\"Fasting\"],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"articleBody\":\"<span style=\\\"font-weight: 400;\\\">Fasting is a practice that has been part of the human experience for a very long time. Today, people all over the world abstain from food and drink (or both) for health, ritualistic, religious, or ethical reasons.\u00a0<\/span>\\r\\n\\r\\n<span data-sheets-root=\\\"1\\\" data-sheets-value=\\\"{&quot;1&quot;:2,&quot;2&quot;:&quot;[video-shortcode link=\\\\&quot;https:\/\/quiz.betterme.world\/en\/first-page-generated?flow=1443&amp;utm_source=Blog&amp;utm_medium=Blog&amp;utm_campaign=fasting_for_3_days\\\\&quot; mp4=\\\\&quot;https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/ezgif.com-gif-to-mp4.mp4\\\\&quot;]&quot;}\\\" data-sheets-userformat=\\\"{&quot;2&quot;:256,&quot;11&quot;:3}\\\" data-sheets-formula=\\\"=replace(R[-12]C[0],SEARCH(&quot;LINK TO QUIZ&quot;,R[-12]C[0]),LEN(&quot;LINK TO QUIZ&quot;),R8C[0])\\\"><\/span>\\r\\n\\r\\n<span style=\\\"font-weight: 400;\\\">The practice of fasting for weight loss has gained popularity in the last decade or so. While short fasts are quite popular, longer or prolonged fasts have started gaining more attention with people wondering if they may be better.<\/span>\\r\\n\\r\\n<span style=\\\"font-weight: 400;\\\">Fasting for three days is one such example of prolonged fasting. If you\u2019re curious to know what a three-day fast is or what the weight loss effects, benefits, and dangers of fasting for three days are, then you should read on.<\/span>\\r\\n<h2 style=\\\"text-align: center;\\\"><b>What Is a 3-Day Fast?<\/b><\/h2>\\r\\n<span style=\\\"font-weight: 400;\\\">Also known as a water fast, it is the practice of liquid fasting for three days. People who participate in a water fast abstain from eating anything for the duration of the fast. They also don\u2019t consume any calories from drinks other than water for 72 hours (1).<\/span>\\r\\n\\r\\n<span style=\\\"font-weight: 400;\\\">While liquid fasting for three days is relatively common, some people choose to extend this period to five or even 40 days, typically under medical supervision. (<\/span><a href=\\\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/books\/NBK534877\/\\\" ...\"},{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/stage.betterme.world\/articles\/fasting-for-3-days\/\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/stage.betterme.world\/articles\/fasting-for-3-days\/\",\"name\":\"Fasting For 3 Days: Will It Get Your Metabolism Cranking At Full Speed? - BetterMe\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/stage.betterme.world\/articles\/#website\"},\"primaryImageOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/stage.betterme.world\/articles\/fasting-for-3-days\/#primaryimage\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/stage.betterme.world\/articles\/fasting-for-3-days\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\/\/stage.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/Fasting-For-3-Days_-Will-It-Get-Your-Metabolism-Cranking-At-Full-Speed_-1.png\",\"dateModified\":\"2025-05-15T20:55:52+00:00\",\"description\":\"Should you try \u2605 FASTING FOR 3 DAYS \u27a4? Is it healthy? Can it help you lose weight in the long term? 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Check out this article to find out the benefits of water fasting.","robots":{"index":"noindex","follow":"nofollow"},"og_locale":"en_US","og_type":"article","og_title":"Fasting For 3 Days: Will It Get Your Metabolism Cranking At Full Speed?","og_description":"Should you try \u2605 FASTING FOR 3 DAYS \u27a4? Is it healthy? Can it help you lose weight in the long term? Check out this article to find out the benefits of water fasting.","og_url":"https:\/\/stage.betterme.world\/articles\/fasting-for-3-days\/","og_site_name":"BetterMe Blog","article_publisher":"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/betterme.health.coaching","article_modified_time":"2025-05-15T20:55:52+00:00","og_image":[{"width":1024,"height":640,"url":"https:\/\/stage.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/Fasting-For-3-Days_-Will-It-Get-Your-Metabolism-Cranking-At-Full-Speed_-1-1024x640.png","type":"image\/png"}],"author":"\u0421. Kamau, Ellen Landes, RDN, MS, ACSM-CPT","twitter_card":"summary_large_image","twitter_creator":"@betterme","twitter_site":"@betterme","twitter_misc":{"Written by":"\u0421. Kamau, Ellen Landes, RDN, MS, ACSM-CPT","Est. reading time":"12 minutes"},"schema":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"Article","@id":"https:\/\/stage.betterme.world\/articles\/fasting-for-3-days\/#article","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/stage.betterme.world\/articles\/fasting-for-3-days\/"},"author":{"name":"\u0421. Kamau","@id":"https:\/\/stage.betterme.world\/articles\/#\/schema\/person\/2c549bb96df2bbb55aaa51a2ba3b25ea"},"headline":"Fasting For 3 Days: Will It Get Your Metabolism Cranking At Full Speed?","dateModified":"2025-05-15T20:55:52+00:00","mainEntityOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/stage.betterme.world\/articles\/fasting-for-3-days\/"},"wordCount":2460,"publisher":{"@id":"https:\/\/stage.betterme.world\/articles\/#organization"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/stage.betterme.world\/articles\/fasting-for-3-days\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/stage.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/Fasting-For-3-Days_-Will-It-Get-Your-Metabolism-Cranking-At-Full-Speed_-1.png","articleSection":["Fasting"],"inLanguage":"en-US","articleBody":"<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Fasting is a practice that has been part of the human experience for a very long time. Today, people all over the world abstain from food and drink (or both) for health, ritualistic, religious, or ethical reasons.\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\n<span data-sheets-root=\"1\" data-sheets-value=\"{&quot;1&quot;:2,&quot;2&quot;:&quot;[video-shortcode link=\\&quot;https:\/\/quiz.betterme.world\/en\/first-page-generated?flow=1443&amp;utm_source=Blog&amp;utm_medium=Blog&amp;utm_campaign=fasting_for_3_days\\&quot; mp4=\\&quot;https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/ezgif.com-gif-to-mp4.mp4\\&quot;]&quot;}\" data-sheets-userformat=\"{&quot;2&quot;:256,&quot;11&quot;:3}\" data-sheets-formula=\"=replace(R[-12]C[0],SEARCH(&quot;LINK TO QUIZ&quot;,R[-12]C[0]),LEN(&quot;LINK TO QUIZ&quot;),R8C[0])\"><\/span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The practice of fasting for weight loss has gained popularity in the last decade or so. While short fasts are quite popular, longer or prolonged fasts have started gaining more attention with people wondering if they may be better.<\/span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Fasting for three days is one such example of prolonged fasting. If you\u2019re curious to know what a three-day fast is or what the weight loss effects, benefits, and dangers of fasting for three days are, then you should read on.<\/span>\r\n<h2 style=\"text-align: center;\"><b>What Is a 3-Day Fast?<\/b><\/h2>\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Also known as a water fast, it is the practice of liquid fasting for three days. People who participate in a water fast abstain from eating anything for the duration of the fast. They also don\u2019t consume any calories from drinks other than water for 72 hours (1).<\/span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">While liquid fasting for three days is relatively common, some people choose to extend this period to five or even 40 days, typically under medical supervision. (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/books\/NBK534877\/\" ..."},{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https:\/\/stage.betterme.world\/articles\/fasting-for-3-days\/","url":"https:\/\/stage.betterme.world\/articles\/fasting-for-3-days\/","name":"Fasting For 3 Days: Will It Get Your Metabolism Cranking At Full Speed? - BetterMe","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/stage.betterme.world\/articles\/#website"},"primaryImageOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/stage.betterme.world\/articles\/fasting-for-3-days\/#primaryimage"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/stage.betterme.world\/articles\/fasting-for-3-days\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/stage.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/Fasting-For-3-Days_-Will-It-Get-Your-Metabolism-Cranking-At-Full-Speed_-1.png","dateModified":"2025-05-15T20:55:52+00:00","description":"Should you try \u2605 FASTING FOR 3 DAYS \u27a4? Is it healthy? Can it help you lose weight in the long term? 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