Meta Information

ID:water-fasting

Name:Water Fasting

Schema Version:1.5

Title

Water Fasting

Alternate Names

• Prolonged Fasting
• Extended Fasting

Intervention Type

dietary_practice

Expected Cost Mean

Low Cost:

0

High Cost:

5000

Cost Type:

one time

Description:

Cost ranges from free (self-administered) to medically supervised clinical stays.

Summary

Water fasting involves abstaining from all food and consuming only water for a period exceeding 24 hours. This profound caloric deficit forces a metabolic switch to deep ketosis, significantly downregulates mTOR and IGF-1 pathways, and induces potent cellular autophagy. This process of cellular cleaning and renewal is a core mechanism targeted for healthspan extension.

Purpose

Induces deep autophagy and cellular renewal through prolonged caloric restriction.

Card Summary

A multi-day fast consuming only water to induce deep autophagy, cellular renewal, and reset key metabolic pathways for longevity.

Drug Class

Drugs In Class

Empty Array

Impact

Score:

7.5

Justification:

Potent induction of autophagy and resetting of key metabolic signaling pathways.

Evidence

Grade:

B

Score:

6.5

Justification:

Strong mechanistic and animal data, but limited large-scale human longevity trials.

Safety

Score:

6.5

Justification:

Requires medical supervision due to risks of electrolyte imbalance and refeeding syndrome.

Flags

• Requires medical supervision, especially for fasts longer than 48 hours.
• Contraindicated for individuals with eating disorders, who are underweight, or pregnant.
• Risk of refeeding syndrome, which can be life-threatening if not managed properly.
• May interact with medications for diabetes, blood pressure, and heart conditions.
• Significant muscle loss can occur without proper management or if performed too frequently.

Verdict

A potent but high-risk tool; requires careful medical supervision.

Created

2026-04-24T00:18:20.301842Z

Model

Gemini 3.1 Pro (High)

Delivery

Route:

none

Scope:

• systemic

Indication

Focus:

healthspan

Description:

Water fasting involves abstaining from all food and consuming only water for a period exceeding 24 hours. This profound caloric deficit forces a metabolic switch to deep ketosis, significantly downreg...

Typical Protocol

• A medically supervised fast of 3-7 days, performed 1-4 times per year to induce deep autophagy.
• A 24-48 hour fast performed weekly or monthly for less intense metabolic benefits.