The Physiology of Fasting

The integration of mind, body, and spirit is a principal concern of transpersonal psychology (Daniels, 2005; Rogers, 1961; Tart, 1997; Washburn, 1994). Fasting addresses this relationship in a unique manner because it simultaneously alters the person psychologically, physiologically, and spiritually. Gandhi explained the connection as follows:

Just as there is an identity of the spirit, so there is an identity of matter and in essence the two are inseparable. Spirit is matter rarefied to the utmost limit. Hence, whatever happens to one's body must affect the whole matter and the whole spirit. (Gandhi, 2001, p. 50)

When considering how fasting is transformative as a spiritual practice, it is useful to look at the effect it has on the body. There has been little biological change in the human race in the last 100,000 years, compared to the rapid change that occurred over the previous 2,000,000 years (Boulding, 1979). From a historical perspective, many of the physiological changes noted in current research most likely occurred in those who fasted in the distant past. Whether fasting is done for medical, psychological, or spiritual reasons, the physiological changes that happen during a fast represent a major part of the transformational aspect of fasting.

Fasting has four distinct physiological stages (Goldberg, 1994). Stage 1 is a period of general excitation of the involuntary nervous system, major detoxification, and increased electrical activity, which can be observed with an electroencephalogram (EEG). Blood pictures reveal an increased number of white blood cells that occur as serum fats are lowered and thinner blood permits increased oxygenation of tissues. This stage lasts about 3 days, although the detoxification and increased oxygenation continues throughout the fast.

Stage 2 is a time of body toxicity reduction, acidosis (excessive acid), hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), psychomotor depression (fatigue or loss of energy), and loss of appetite. Immune function improves, partially because the digestive tract is not inflamed due to allergic food reactions. During this stage, the body experiences a state called “ketosis.” Ketosis works by replacing glucose as the body’s main fuel source. The human body normally uses glucose to survive, but by the third day of a fast, glucose levels drop significantly. In response, the liver produces ketones for the body to use as fuel, which significantly limits muscle wasting. With ketosis, the body spares essential tissue, such as vital organs, while utilizing non-essential tissue such as fat, muscle, and ketones for fuel (Murray, 1997). Stage 2 begins in 3 to 7 days, although ketosis lasts throughout the fast.

Stage 3 is a normalization period marked by a feeling of increased well-being that surpasses any preexisting the fast. This state is usually reached during the second week of the fast and lasts about a week. However, those who fast regularly can make a conscious choice to arrive at this stage by the first day or two. The exceptional human experiences associated with fasting often begin during this phase.

Stage 4 is usually accompanied by a vast improvement in energy, clarity of mind, and a heightened sense of contentment. It begins anywhere from 4 days to 7 days and, once reached, it generally lasts throughout the remainder of the fast. During this period, the participant may experience an increase in intuitive abilities and other transpersonal ways of knowing. If fasting has been done as a preparatory measure for other spiritual practices, such as meditation or healing, this phase is the foundation for those events.

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