What is a 48 hour detox?

A 48-hour fast involves abstaining from eating for 2 consecutive days, usually done once or twice per month. It's important to drink plenty of fluids during the fast and slowly reintroduce food afterward.

healthline.com - 48-Hour Fast: How-To, Benefits, and Downsides - Healthline

What can I eat at night for weight loss?

The following are some of the best snacks for weight loss. Hummus and vegetables. Hummus is a traditional Mediterranean dish that people make from...

Last updated Oct 22, 2018

What is the healthiest sprout?

Edible sprouts such as alfalfa, broccoli, mung bean, and radish sprouts, are excellent sources of antioxidants, essential amino acids, and a...

Last updated Oct 18, 2020

Traditional “juice” activates 24/7 fat-burning

A scrumptious morning smoothy based on the diets of among the healthiest, longest-living hamlet in the world.

Learn More »

Promotion

We include products we think are useful for our readers. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission. Here’s our process. How we vet brands and products Healthline only shows you brands and products that we stand behind. Our team thoroughly researches and evaluates the recommendations we make on our site. To establish that the product manufacturers addressed safety and efficacy standards, we: Evaluate ingredients and composition: Do they have the potential to cause harm?

Do they have the potential to cause harm? Fact-check all health claims: Do they align with the current body of scientific evidence?

Do they align with the current body of scientific evidence? Assess the brand: Does it operate with integrity and adhere to industry best practices? We do the research so you can find trusted products for your health and wellness. Read more about our vetting process. Intermittent fasting is an eating pattern that alternates between periods of fasting and eating. It has gained popularity in recent years and is linked to health benefits like increased insulin sensitivity, cellular repair, and weight loss ( 1 , 2 , 3 ). While shorter-duration fasts tend to be more common, some people prefer to fast for longer periods. A 48-hour fast is the longest duration commonly practiced with intermittent fasting. Despite the noted benefits, you should take its drawbacks into consideration. This article explains all you need to know about 48-hour fasting, including how to do it and its benefits and downsides. Share on Pinterest How to do a 48-hour fast In theory, a 48-hour fast is simple — you merely give yourself a full, two-day break from eating. One common method is to stop after dinner on the first day and begin eating again at dinnertime on the third. Contrary to popular belief, you can still drink zero-calorie fluids, such as water, black coffee, and tea, during the fasting period. It’s vital to drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration, which is one of the major potential complications of longer fasts ( 4 ). Afterward, it’s important to gradually reintroduce food. That way, you avoid overstimulating your gut, which may lead to bloating, nausea, and diarrhea ( 5 ). Your first meal post-fast should be a light snack, such as a handful or two of almonds. This would be followed by a small meal one or two hours later. On non-fasting days, you would maintain your usual eating pattern, making sure to refrain from overindulging in higher-calorie foods. It’s most common to do a 48-hour fast 1–2 times per month as opposed to once or twice per week, as required by other fasting methods. Appropriately spacing out your 48-hour fasts may offer greater health benefits ( 1 , 2 , 3 ). As 48-hour fasting is not advisable for everyone, you should try shorter fasts, such as the 16:8 or alternate-day methods, before doing a 2-day session. This will help you understand how your body responds to a lack of food. Summary A 48-hour fast involves abstaining from eating for 2 consecutive days, usually done once or twice per month. It’s important to drink plenty of fluids during the fast and slowly reintroduce food afterward. Health benefits of 48-hour fasting Although the health benefits of intermittent fasting are well documented, specific research on 48-hour fasting is limited. That said, several studies examine prolonged fasting, which is defined as more than 24 hours ( 6 ). May slow cell aging Cellular repair is your body’s natural way of replenishing its cells. It may help prevent disease and even delay tissue aging ( 7 , 8 ). Improved cellular repair and delayed tissue aging have been shown to support overall longevity, though this research is mostly limited to animal studies ( 9 ). Still, many studies indicate that 48-hour fasting can improve cellular repair more than other fasting methods ( 1 , 10 ). May reduce inflammation Temporary inflammation is a normal immune response, but chronic inflammation can have serious health consequences, such as cancer, heart disease, and rheumatoid arthritis ( 11 ). Fasting for more than 24 hours may lower inflammation by reducing oxidative stress in your body’s cells ( 2 ). Improves insulin sensitivity and blood sugar levels Insulin serves as the storage hormone for carbs, protein, and fats. Carbs and fats are your body’s preferred source of energy. During a fast of 24 or more hours, glycogen — the storage form of carbs — is depleted and insulin levels are reduced. This allows your body to burn mostly fat for energy, making stored body fat more available for use ( 3 , 12 , 13 ). Many studies note that various types of fasting, including 48-hour fasting, may decrease insulin levels. What’s more, they improve insulin sensitivity, which allows your body to transport blood sugar more efficiently ( 14 ). One study in 10 people with type 2 diabetes found that 12–72-hour fasting decreased fasting blood sugar levels by up to 20% after a single fast ( 15 ). Lastly, fasts lasting longer than 24 hours may have additional benefits for blood sugar control beyond those linked to shorter fasts (16). May aid weight loss Intermittent fasting may boost weight loss, though studies on 48-hour fasts specifically are lacking ( 17 , 18 , 19 ). A 48-hour fast once or twice per month will reduce your calorie intake by up to 8,000 calories per month, which can promote weight loss. Just make sure you don’t overcompensate for these lost calories during your periods of eating. Still, fasting has been shown to increase metabolic rate by 3.6–14%, which translates to an additional 100–275 calories burned daily. This effect seems to diminish if you’re fasting longer than 72 hours ( 20 , 21 ). As 48-hour fasts should only be done 1–2 times per month, they may be best for individuals who would prefer to fast less frequently but still want to lose weight. Summary Fasting for 48 hours may boost your health by promoting weight loss, improving insulin sensitivity, and reducing inflammation. It may also help you live longer by delaying cell aging. Drawbacks of 48-hour fasting It’s also important to be aware of the downsides of a 48-hour fast. This duration is not suitable for everyone. The longer the fast, the greater the potential for side effects. If you feel unwell, it’s always ok to stop fasting. Hunger and dizziness The main drawback of 48-hour fasting is severe hunger, although many people claim that this feeling is temporary. In one study in 768 people fasting for at least 48 hours, 72% of participants experienced side effects, including hunger, fatigue, insomnia, and dizziness. Therefore, it’s important to work your way up to a longer fast, starting with shorter durations. Always proceed with caution while fasting ( 22 ). Exhaustion and sluggishness While fasting, stored carbs drop after 24 hours, prompting your body to burn fat for energy. As such, you may feel sluggish after the first 24 hours, especially if this is your first time trying a longer fast ( 3 , 12 , 13 ). Due to its duration, a 48-hour fast may be more difficult to stick to than other fasting methods. You may want to start with a shorter fast, especially if you’re concerned about exhaustion ( 19 , 23). May interfere with social eating Any type of fasting can interfere with social eating, such as going out for meals with friends or dining with your family on holidays. Food plays a major role in many cultural practices, so you should consider whether you’re willing to curtail your social eating to fast. That said, social eating may not be as big of a factor if you stick to the recommended 1–2 fasts per month for 48-hour fasting, as this is less of a time commitment than that of other fasting methods. At-risk populations While fasting may benefit your health in general, it is not for everyone. Those with certain medical conditions should consult their medical practitioner before fasting, while others should not fast at all. Several populations should not engage in a 48-hour fast, including ( 24 ): people with type 1 diabetes

What color pee is healthy?

Normal urine color ranges from pale yellow to deep amber — the result of a pigment called urochrome and how diluted or concentrated the urine is....

Last updated Dec 7, 2021

Does magnesium deplete calcium?

As magnesium competes with calcium at doses higher than 250mg, if your calcium levels are already low it might cause you to develop a calcium...

Last updated Mar 1, 2019

Tasty juice “eats through” 54lbs of thick flab

This effective juice jolts the metabolism, boosts energy and burns fat all day.

Learn More »

Promotion

people with low blood pressure

those who are underweight or have a history of eating disorders

women who are pregnant, breastfeeding, trying to conceive, or have a history of amenorrhea those taking certain medications, such as insulin, blood pressure, blood thinners, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) If you’re taking any medications, make sure to check with your healthcare practitioner before starting a fast. Summary The main drawbacks of 48-hour fasting are hunger and fatigue. This practice may not be appropriate for people with type 1 diabetes, those with a history of eating disorders, or women who are pregnant or breastfeeding. How to minimize side effects Several common fasting side effects can be prevented with proper strategies. Fasting for extended periods can lead to dehydration if you don’t drink enough fluids and consume electrolytes. Sodium, magnesium, potassium, and calcium are essential electrolytes that can be quickly depleted if you’re abstaining from food. Therefore, it’s best to supplement with these nutrients if you’re fasting for longer than 24 hours (25). Here are a few methods to prevent complications during your fast ( 26 ): Stay hydrated by drinking water with a pinch of salt or electrolyte tablets, which you can easily buy online. Drink black coffee or green tea to help reduce hunger levels. Flavored, non-calorie sparkling water can also be a great hydration option. Keep your mind busy to prevent obsession with hunger. Distractions may include taking a walk, watching a movie, reading a book, or listening to a podcast. Summary It’s necessary to drink plenty of fluids during a 48-hour fast to stay hydrated. Keeping your mind busy can also stop you from obsessing over hunger.

healthline.com - 48-Hour Fast: How-To, Benefits, and Downsides - Healthline

Which fruit has the least sugar?

Learn which fruits have the lowest sugar content to satisfy your sweet tooth without breaking the sugar bank. Lemons and limes. High in vitamin C,...

Last updated Dec 10, 2018

Who needs vitamin C the most?

Smokers or those who are around secondhand smoke at any age should increase their daily amount of vitamin C an additional 35 mg per day. Women who...

Last updated Nov 5, 2019

Fizzy juice “eats through” 59lbs of stubborn fat

This effective juice jolts the metabolism, boosts energy and burns fat all day.

Learn More »

Promotion

What is the highest vegetable in vitamin C?

Fruits and vegetables are the best sources of this vitamin. Citrus (oranges, kiwi, lemon, grapefruit) Bell peppers. Strawberries. Tomatoes....

Last updated Dec 10, 2021

Purple weed obliterates 72lbs of flab

The main ingredient for a potent powdered supplement, based on the diets of among the healthiest, longest-living hamlet in the world.

Learn More »

Promotion

What should I drink if I dont like water?

Juice, smoothies, iced coffee, ice tea, protein shakes, milk, and other drinks can be excellent alternatives to water. You should avoid relying too...

Last updated Oct 1, 2022