Tag: Digestion after fasting

After approximately 24 hours of fasting, the body's glycogen stores are depleted, causing a major metabolic shift from burning glucose to utilizing fat stores for energy. Understanding what happens at the end of fasting is crucial for a safe and effective transition back to eating, protecting your health and maximizing the benefits of your fast.

According to the Cleveland Clinic, introducing food too quickly after a period of malnutrition can cause refeeding syndrome, a potentially fatal metabolic complication. This same physiological reaction, though often less severe, can occur if you eat a lot of food after a fast of any significant length.