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Going from 3 day to 5 day

So I seem to have a huge mental block and have never made it to five days, but would really like to this week. I’ve done several 72, even up to 80 or so, but usually 72 feels like an accomplishment and I talk myself out of continuing on. I also start to have some GI issues (diarrhea) after 72, and mentally start to freak myself out. For those of you who do 5 days, is there a huge difference between 5 and 3? Do you do anything specific to get through the last two days? Feel like I am missing something, but could just be willpower.

Answer

Much of fasting is a mental game. In fact, for me it’s the health benefits of 5 dayers and the reinforcement of mental fortitude that’s important. I don’t try to make it different or motivate myself, just be with whatever comes up. That way it’s a useful psychological exercise too, rather than increasing distraction skills. However, your must choose how you want to play it.

However, day 3 was always the worst and I think perhaps you aren’t giving yourself time to experience the enjoyment after that initial phase, although it’s not necessarily a constant with each fast. I think age, sex and other factors influence that.

The only worry is your diarrhoea. You certainly don’t need electrolytes for three days so if you are taking them I’d double check amounts. If you have any health issues then I’d talk to your doctor before anything else about this. Incidentally, I never took any for 10 days or anything less. There’s a small study of unwell, older men who fasted without them too and one did 102 days. He was low at the end, but there were no long lasting effects and his numbers returned to normal quickly.

Answer

For me personally, once I get to my third day I’m golden, the first couple of days are the most difficult. On the third day, I don’t feel hungry anymore, and this will pretty much persist.

Willpower is definitely a factor. For me, keeping busy is very important. If I have time to think, than I start pondering on my fast, but I’m busy doing something, then I don’t think about it. I get some diarrhea, and I think this is normal. I’m not an expert but you have to remember that the bacteria in your gut that is dying have to exit somewhere lol.