This past week, I gave myself the gift of a five-day water fast. From Sunday evening until Friday night, I committed to drinking only water and nettle tea infusions. No food, no snacks, no distractions - just a quiet reset for my body and mind.
An aid I used if I felt hungry was to speak out loud, giving gratitude for the delicious food I imagined I had just consumed. This tricked my brain into believing it was satiated, and it helped a lot.
By Friday, I will admit, I felt weak. My legs were heavy, my energy low, and all I wanted was to curl up and rest. But here is the truth: every moment of that weakness was worth it for the deep reset I experienced. I did not focus on food, only on the outcome I knew it would achieve. On Tuesday night, my attention did turn to food, as my daughter’s school friend of 20 years ago appeared as a competitor on the new series of The Great British Bake Off. Even so, watching did not make me miss eating at that time.
Let me share the many benefits I noticed, and the science behind why fasting for five days can be so powerful.
1. Autophagy: Your Body’s Natural Spring Clean
During fasting, something remarkable happens: autophagy begins. This is the process where your body clears out old, damaged cells and creates space for new, healthy ones. Think of it as a deep clean, sweeping away clutter so your system runs more smoothly.
2. Stem Cell Renewal
After about three days of fasting, research shows that stem cell production increases. These are the “blank canvas” cells that help repair and regenerate tissues. By day five, I knew my body was quietly repairing itself in ways I could not see, giving me fresh potential for healing.
3. Reduced Inflammation
Aches, pains, and fatigue are often linked to inflammation. Fasting naturally lowers this fire in the body. I noticed how calm I felt, how my joints felt looser, and how my skin looked clearer by midweek.
4. Improved Immunity
As my digestive system rested, my immune system had the chance to recharge. Nettle tea supported this process beautifully, providing minerals such as iron, magnesium, and calcium to strengthen the blood and bones while I rested.
5. Mental Clarity and Emotional Reset
The early days brought some tummy rumbles, but I knew this meant the body’s “cleaners” were active. By day three, my mind felt sharper. Fasting shifted me into stillness and presence. With fewer ups and downs from food, I experienced a deep sense of calm and clarity that reminded me of meditation.
6. Weight Release and Digestive Rest
Yes, fasting naturally helps release extra weight, although this was not my purpose. More importantly, it gave my digestive system a complete pause. Instead of constantly working, my gut could repair, restore balance, and reset for the days ahead.
7. A Spiritual Connection
By the end, even as my body felt weak, I felt happy and strong. It was as though my deeper self was saying, “You can do hard things. Trust the process.” Fasting is not just about the physical – it is a whole-being reset.
Why Feeling Weak by Friday Was Worth It
By Friday, the fatigue reminded me that my body was doing the hard inner work. Instead of fighting it, I surrendered. That surrender taught me patience, humility, and trust in the wisdom of nature.
When I finally broke my fast with simple, nourishing food – a small amount of seasonal marrow and carrot – every bite tasted so juicy and sweet, like a blessing. I felt grateful not only for food, but for the resilience of my body and spirit.
Final Thoughts
Fasting is not about punishment. It is about giving your body the rest it rarely receives in today’s busy world. Five days may sound daunting, but it is a profound act of self-care and healing.
Yes, by Friday I was weak. But weakness was not failure; it was proof that my body was deeply engaged in renewal. As I emerged, I felt lighter, clearer, and more aligned than before.
Sometimes, the most powerful reset is found in the pause.
⚠️ Precaution: This account is based on my own personal experience and should not be taken as medical advice. Fasting is not suitable for everyone. Please consult with your doctor or healthcare provider before attempting any extended fast, especially if you have underlying health conditions or are taking medication.