I am going to do something that many will consider radical. That is OK, I do a lot of radical stuff. 😉
Really and honestly, I am actually already in the middle of doing it.
What am I going to do?
I am going to fast continuously for about 10 days. Well, I am going to try to fast for nearly 10 days. Can I do it? I think I can. What I know for sure is that I am going to do my best to achieve this.
In the past month of Intermittent Fasting, I have enjoyed it and found it pretty easy to do. I am eating just one meal per day these days. But, I want to go nearly 10 days without eating at all.
Why am I going to do this?
Well, on Saturday, March 25, I have an appointment with my Endocrinologist, Dr. Ho. That is 10 days from March 15. I started this fast on March 15 at 7 PM. At the time this article is published that means I have been fasting 40 hours.
Dr. Ho knows that I have been eating a Ketogenic diet for about a year now. He does not know that I started Intermittent Fasting in February. Last time I saw him was in January.
Dr. Ho has been concerned for about 7 or 8 months that my blood sugar is too low. He worries that I am going to experience hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) because my glucose level has been maintained at a low level. This has not been a concern for me, I find my glucose level to be good and have not experienced episodes of hypoglycemia. But, it is a concern to him.
I am pretty sure that when I see Dr. Ho on the 25th, he is going to be very concerned about the fasting, especially because of his fear of hypoglycemia. However, I feel that if I walk into his office, tell him that I have been fasting for nearly 10 days (just a few hours short), and my blood sugar is normal, what can he say? Ten days of fasting, no hypoglycemia, and a normal level of blood glucose when I see him. That cannot be disputed.
So, this is why I decided to do 10 days of fasting. Actually, it gave me a reason to do it.. truth is that I have been wanting to do a prolonged fast for a couple weeks now. What I had in mind was a 5 day fast, but I’m going to try to make it for 10 days! I have heard and read that on a long fast like this the hardest day is day 4, so I am preparing myself for that!
Is it Dangerous?
I don’t feel that it is dangerous. This, though, is a question that a lot of people have asked me. I have not really told others about this, except for my family. Each person that I have told has expressed concern.
Thing is, I will be monitoring important things like my blood sugar. If my blood sugar goes too low, I will know it. Firstly, because there are symptoms that I am familiar with. Secondly, because I check my blood sugar several times each day.
If I start feeling bad, I will re-evaluate. Truth is, though, since I started fasting I am feeling better than I have felt in decades. I am enjoying the fasting, it is making me feel great, and that is why I want to see if I can prolong it. I think it is a good thing, not a dangerous thing.
One of the doctors that I follow online has a patient in his care who did fasting for more than 300 days with no side effects. So, I think that with a 10 day fast I will be good! But, I will be watching for any signs that it is causing a problem.
Floyd Bowles
To what extent is your fasting, Bob? Water only?
Bob Martin
Yes usually water only, but from time to time I will drink a cup of Bulletproof Coffee.
Floyd Bowles
If you start getting light headed or anything, please reevaluate. Want to be sure you aren’t expelling too many vitamins and minerals. Potassium comes to mind first.
Bob Martin
Thanks, Floyd. I am monitoring things closely,a and am feeling good. I am on day 2 of the 10 day fast right now, and I have noticed that my blood pressure has dropped a lot. I am going to see my doctor about adjusting the bp meds that I am taking.
Bebe Grace
Watch your sodium too… can cause dizziness when low.
Bob Martin
Good tip, Bebe!
Jim
Doesn’t sound healthy Bob, that is a long time with no calories, you might be pretty weak at the end, but you know your own body best.
Bob
The doctors that I follow on this topic say that a 10 day fast is not a big deal. In fact they recommend for a prolonged fast you should go for 30 days, some recommend 5 days. I don’t think it is a problem.
Bebe Grace
Keep us posted. You can do it.
Bob Martin
I plan to post an update post daily! I just posted my Day 1 update! 🙂
Bebe Grace
Read that…good job. I’ve done 24 hour fasting. Someday I’ll fast longer.
Bob Martin
I really had an urge to try it!
Marv Neva
Good luck. I have done this a number of time. I did not enjoy it, but felt great after.
Bob Martin
Hi Marv. I am in the middle of day three, and I’m actually finding a very easy. I’m enjoying it.
Dan Massey
Lol, I cant get past 48 hours… My wife keeps convincing me to have dinner after the second day. Next week I am determined to do 5 days!
Bob Martin
My wife is behind me. At first she was skeptical, but now she’s a Believer also. I’m already will be on 48 hours, and experiencing no problems, so I’m sure I can do it!
Michael Boo
All the best 2 success for u Bob
Bob Martin
Thank you Michael! So far so good, I am on day 3 and still going strong!