Fitness trainer goes 13 days without food, says ‘could feel water churning in my stomach’

Fitness trainer Sara Kachhara undertook a 13-day fast, reporting a sensation of water churning in her stomach. The experience began with a three-day fast, which intensified around the 10th day. While the changes in her body were noticeable, her primary focus was on the impact on her mind, according to a post on Instagram. Clinical nutritionist Gulnaaz Shaikh explained that fasting can alter how the body utilizes energy, but a 13-day fast differs significantly from shorter fasting periods.

As the body runs low on food, it shifts from using glucose to burning stored fat. Some individuals may feel lighter or less bloated, but this does not necessarily mean the fast is healthy. The body relies on stored glycogen for energy initially, but as these reserves deplete, fat becomes a more critical energy source, leading to increased ketone production.

In extreme cases, protein and muscle tissue might also be broken down, posing health risks. While some may experience improved energy levels and mental clarity during fasting, these benefits are not guaranteed and can vary greatly among individuals. People with certain health conditions, such as diabetes, kidney or liver disease, eating disorders, low blood pressure, or nutritional deficiencies, should avoid prolonged fasting.

Pregnant, breastfeeding women, children, and older adults also have unique nutritional needs and should not attempt such extreme fasting without medical supervision. For those seeking the purported benefits of fasting, a safer approach involves adopting a sustainable eating pattern with adequate protein, vegetables, whole grains, healthy fats, and sufficient fluids.

Choosing a moderate intermittent fasting or time-restricted eating approach tailored to individual health, routine, and nutritional needs is recommended over adopting extreme fast challenges from social media.