Fasting for Metabolic Reset
Discover the healing power of strategic fasting. Our evidence-based protocols combine Ayurvedic upvas traditions with modern metabolic science for optimal health and disease reversal.
What Happens When You Fast?
Your body undergoes remarkable metabolic transformations during fasting. Understanding these phases helps you maximize benefits and know what to expect at each stage of your fasting journey.
Fed State & Digestion
Your body is actively digesting and absorbing nutrients from your last meal.
What's Happening in Your Body
Hormone Levels
How You'll Feel
Full, possibly sleepy after large meals
Post-Absorptive State
Transition phase where your body shifts from using food energy to stored energy.
What's Happening in Your Body
Hormone Levels
How You'll Feel
Normal, hunger may start to appear
Early Fasting & Glycogen Depletion
Your body depletes glycogen stores and prepares for metabolic switching.
What's Happening in Your Body
Hormone Levels
How You'll Feel
Hunger peaks then often subsides, increased alertness
Metabolic Switch & Fat Burning
The magic begins! Your body enters ketosis and starts burning fat as primary fuel.
What's Happening in Your Body
Hormone Levels
How You'll Feel
Mental clarity, reduced hunger, increased energy
Autophagy Activation
Cellular cleanup begins - your body starts recycling damaged components for renewal.
What's Happening in Your Body
Hormone Levels
How You'll Feel
Enhanced mental clarity, possible euphoria, spiritual awareness
Deep Autophagy & Immune Reset
Maximum cellular repair and immune system regeneration (medical supervision required).
What's Happening in Your Body
Hormone Levels
How You'll Feel
Profound clarity, some may feel weak - hydration and electrolytes crucial
The Sweet Spot: 16-18 Hours
For most people, the 16:8 or 18:6 fasting protocol offers the best balance of benefits and sustainability. You get into fat-burning mode, start autophagy, and experience the metabolic benefits without the challenges of extended fasting. Our doctors can help you find the optimal fasting window for your goals and lifestyle.
Choose Your Fasting Protocol
Different protocols suit different goals and lifestyles. Select one to learn more.
16:8 Intermittent Fasting
Most Popular & Sustainable
Fast for 16 hours (including sleep), eat within an 8-hour window. Ideal starting point for beginners.
Daily Schedule
Key Benefits
Science-Backed Metabolic Benefits
Fasting triggers powerful biological processes that can transform your health at the cellular level.
Autophagy Activation
Begins at 16-24 hours
Your body begins cellular cleanup, recycling damaged proteins and organelles. This process is crucial for longevity and disease prevention.
Nobel Prize-winning research (2016) confirmed fasting triggers autophagy, essential for cellular health.
Insulin Sensitivity
Improves within days
Fasting gives your pancreas a break and allows insulin receptors to resensitize, dramatically improving blood sugar control.
Studies show 20-31% improvement in insulin sensitivity after just 2-4 weeks of intermittent fasting.
Ketosis & Fat Burning
12-16 hours into fast
Once glycogen depletes, your body switches to burning stored fat for fuel, producing ketones that power your brain efficiently.
Fat oxidation increases by 80% during extended fasting periods compared to fed state.
Growth Hormone Surge
Peaks at 24 hours
HGH levels can increase by 300-500% during fasting, preserving muscle mass while accelerating fat loss.
Essential for maintaining lean body mass during caloric restriction and promoting tissue repair.
Reduced Inflammation
Progressive improvement
Fasting reduces inflammatory markers like CRP and IL-6, addressing root causes of chronic diseases.
Inflammatory markers decrease by 40-50% with consistent intermittent fasting protocols.
Brain Health & Clarity
Noticeable within 2 weeks
Ketones provide efficient brain fuel, while fasting increases BDNF (brain-derived neurotrophic factor) for cognitive enhancement.
BDNF levels increase by 50-400% during fasting, supporting neuroplasticity and mental sharpness.
Fasting Safely
While fasting offers tremendous benefits, it is important to do it safely and know when to avoid it.
Who Should Avoid Fasting
- Pregnant or breastfeeding women
- Children and adolescents
- People with eating disorder history
- Those with certain medical conditions (consult doctor)
- People taking medications that require food
Safe Fasting Tips
- Stay well hydrated with water, herbal tea, black coffee
- Break fasts gently with easily digestible foods
- Listen to your body - stop if you feel unwell
- Ensure adequate nutrition during eating windows
- Consult healthcare provider before starting
Ayurvedic Fasting Traditions
Long before modern science discovered the benefits of fasting, Ayurveda prescribed it as powerful medicine. Our approach honors these ancient traditions while incorporating modern research.
Upvas (उपवास)
Staying Close to the Divine
Traditional Ayurvedic fasting practiced for thousands of years. Upvas literally means 'to stay close' – fasting brings us closer to our true nature by giving the digestive system rest and allowing the body to heal itself.
Langhanam (लङ्घनम्)
Therapeutic Lightening
Ayurveda prescribes Langhanam as therapy for various conditions. It literally means 'to make light' and is used to reduce Ama (toxins) and balance Kapha dosha. This is the foundation of Panchakarma treatments.
Ekadashi Fast
11th Day Lunar Fast
Observed twice monthly on the 11th day of each lunar fortnight. Scientific studies show the moon affects body fluids and metabolism. Ekadashi fasting aligns with these natural rhythms for optimal cleansing.
“लङ्घनं परमौषधम्”
“Langhanam Paramaushadham”
“Fasting is the supreme medicine” — Charaka Samhita
How Fasting Fits into Our 3F Protocol
Fasting is the 'F' that powers our revolutionary approach to metabolic health. Combined with Food (low glycemic, traditional diet) and Fitness (personalized exercise), fasting accelerates healing and disease reversal.
Fasting
Strategic time-restricted eating that allows your body to shift from storage mode to healing mode
Food
Low glycemic, whole foods that nourish without spiking insulin – traditional Indian diet optimized
Fitness
Movement that enhances insulin sensitivity and complements your fasting protocol
Breaking Your Fast: The Right Way
How you break your fast is just as important as the fast itself. Follow these guidelines to maximize benefits and avoid digestive discomfort.
Warm Lemon Water
Start with warm water and fresh lemon to gently awaken digestion
Bone Broth / Vegetable Soup
Rich in electrolytes and easy to digest, perfect for longer fasts
Fresh Fruits
Papaya, watermelon, or soaked dates provide natural sugars gently
Steamed Vegetables
Soft, easily digestible vegetables like zucchini, spinach, or bottle gourd
Khichdi
The ultimate Ayurvedic healing food - rice and dal cooked together with spices
Coconut Water
Natural electrolytes and gentle on the stomach
Recommended Progression (After Extended Fasts 16+ Hours)
Foods to Avoid When Breaking Fast
Fasting Success Stories
Real patients who transformed their health with our guided fasting protocols
“After 3 months of guided intermittent fasting with Mayura's doctors, my HbA1c dropped from 9.2 to 6.8. I've reduced my medication by 70% and feel more energetic than I did in my 30s!”
Results Achieved:
“The 16:8 protocol combined with Ayurvedic diet changes has been life-changing. My periods are regular now, and I've lost the stubborn weight I couldn't lose for years.”
Results Achieved:
“My liver enzymes were dangerously high. With structured fasting and the 3F protocol, my fatty liver has completely reversed in 4 months. The doctors were amazed!”
Results Achieved:
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about fasting answered by our medical experts
Will I lose muscle if I fast?
Can I exercise while fasting?
Is fasting safe for diabetics?
What can I consume during the fasting window?
How long before I see results?
What's the difference between fasting and starving?
Can I take my medications while fasting?
How is Ayurvedic fasting different from regular intermittent fasting?
Ready to Start Your Fasting Journey?
Our doctors will create a personalized fasting protocol based on your health goals, medical history, body constitution (Prakriti), and lifestyle. Get expert guidance every step of the way.
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