How many of us are aware of the fact that not eating food for 3 continuous days could strain metabolism, result in nutritional deficiencies, mental/physical fatigue etc?
Yes. It is true that not eating for 3 days can affect both our bodies as well as our overall health. It is noteworthy that there are some persons who do not eat for many days continuously under medical supervision for achieving certain specific health based goals. Point is that initially our body would use the stored glycogen from carbohydrates for energy. Later on, muscle tissue would be broken down for fuel leading to muscle loss and body weakness etc. There are certain symptoms we could get if we do not eat for 3 continuous days like dizziness, fatigue and other health complications like seizures etc. These symptoms could occur due to low blood sugar levels.
If we don`t eat food for 3 days, these will happen
Body shifting to ketosis:
Ketosis occurs when our body uses up stored glucose or glycogen and starts to break down fat into ketones for energy. Though this metabolic switch would keep brain and muscles functioning but it might come with brain fog, fatigue etc also.
Drop in the blood sugar levels:
There would be a drop in the blood sugar levels if we don`t consume food for 3 continuous days. Symptoms like weakness, dizziness etc could occur. Truth is that those who are diabetic could experience more severe consequences.
Feeling weak and fatigued etc:
By slowing down the metabolic process, the body conserves energy. By this, we could have low energy levels, muscle weakness, tiredness etc. Our physical stamina or strength would decline as glycogen gets depleted. We would find it difficult to perform eve our daily tasks etc
Mood and mental focus get affected:
The steady supply of glucose would make the brain thrive or prosper is known. Bitter fact is that prolonged starvation or not eating food, we could have poor memory, poor mood and poor focus etc. By not hydrating well, we might also feel irritated, lightheaded etc.
Muscle loss etc:
There might be muscle loss in us if we do fasting for prolonged duration without consuming proteins. Body might break down some muscle protein for essential amino acids and this happens when fat turns out to be the major energy source.
More chances of dehydration:
Food has water in it and by not eating food for 3 days continuously we might be missing out on water present in the food. Dehydration happens if we don`t drink enough quantities of fluids or water. Truth is that dehydration could lead to issues like headaches, reduced kidney function, worsening of fatigue and BP increase etc.
Electrolyte imbalance can occur:
If fluids are not supplemented by electrolytes, then sodium, potassium levels could come down due to fasting. By this, we could get muscle cramps, irregular heartbeats, confusion etc.
Slowing down of digestive system:
The absence of food intake for 3 continuous days can lead to reduced activity of the GI tract. This could lead to reduced bowel movements and issues like constipation, bloating etc.
Weakening of immune response:
Our immune system could become weak due to prolonged fasting. Our body`s ability to fight infections and diseases would decrease if we do not eat foods rich in vitamins and minerals etc.