Protein Sparing, Ketones and Physical Exercise

The fast seems to be going along classic textbook lines. Some hoarseness in the throat, mild headache, and slight discomfort in the lower back and the abdomen. My weight is down to 132 which doesn't seem to concern the doctor in the least. All of these symptoms are typical fasting effects which are associated with the detoxification that is taking place.

I've now transitioned into the "protein sparing" phase of the process. For the first 18 to 24 hours the body's energy comes from glucose that is converted from glycogen reserves stored in the liver. Then for the next 48 hours in men or 24 in women, the energy comes from fatty tissue. But this will not supply enough energy for the brain so muscle tissue is called on for the additional glucose for the nervous system.

By the third day, the body realizes that muscle tissue is being depleted too rapidly and the liver begins generating large quantities of ketones. Then the brain, heart and muscles start using ketones for energy instead of glucose. In this protein sparing phase, muscle is conserved and the maximum breakdown of fatty tissue and removal of toxins occurs. Now that I'm in the fourth day, the detoxification will begin in earnest. This is why short fasts are not useful for removing toxins.

No strenuous exercise is tolerated during this period. The most that we can do is mild stretching and a modest amount of walking. Physical excretion would actually lead to the destruction of even more muscle tissue. Following this plan, muscle loss is minimized and detoxification is maximized. When we return to the natural diet, regular vigorous exercise is strongly encouraged. Fuhrman is an exercise enthusiast since he is a former Olympic figure skating champion.

One patient had been fasting for two weeks before coming here. In addition he maintained his regular work schedule. The doctor began refeeding him yesterday since he was in no condition to continue the fast. This seems to illustrate the inadvisability of fasting without medical supervision and keeping up a normal physical routine. He probably hasn't received the optimal benefits of the program and has in addition loss more muscle tissue than was necessary for 14 days. I just saw him, and he looks much better today. He was on his way to eat his serving of watermelon for lunch!