The 4th Phase of the Complete Fasting Cycle

Fasting has an Anti-Aging and Regeneration Capacity that is achieved via stem cell genesis.

Stem cells are special human cells that are able to develop into many different cell types. (University of Rochester Medical Center)

Genesis can be defined as the origin or coming into being of something.

Fasting can initiate the creation of special human cells (stem cells) that can then develop into almost any type of cell needed in the body.

As the ideas and potential are limitless, this is ultimately why I practice and teach functional fasting.

Like any apparent, “too good to be true” story, this one has some fine print that is most often overlooked. The gift of eternal youth in these new stem cells comes to us through a process that is hard to come by, and when we manage to make them, they are hard to keep and put to work. When saying this, teenagers for some reason come to mind.

The key to “locking in” these cells into our tissues and organs permanently is made possible during the fourth phase of the complete fasting cycle. I call this the reinforcement phase as it simply won’t happen unless the first 3 phases have been completed first.

Phase 1 is the planning and preparation phase that builds up to the targeted extended, multi-day fast. The plan starts with insulin-friendly eating and entry-level modified fasting strategies, such as meal timing, spacing, alternate day variables, and specific eating windows. Once the metabolic ball is rolling and the hormonal gatekeepers for hunger, the stress response, and sleep have been calmed, we can move on.

Reducing or eliminating caffeine well before the extended fast and loading up on mineral stores are important, as are resilience practices and regular exercise before, during, and after the fast.

The second phase is the fast itself, and it can last anywhere from 3 to 7 days. When the first phase is executed successfully, the fast will be surprisingly comfortable and easy to manage.

The third phase is the refeeding phase during which food is reintroduced a little at a time. It is best done by using low digestive residue foods (fats and protein), together with minimal plant foods or astringent spices and oils.

At this point, stem cell production is at its highest, and maintaining a “repair” metabolic state is crucial as the process can be stopped by a “fed” state that is triggered by insulin spikes from eating processed foods, grains, and starchy carbs.

Continuing with a functional lifestyle is important as sleep and exercise are two of the biggest promoters of stem cell differentiation, integration, and reinforcement.

Rotating fasts and maintaining an insulin-friendly lifestyle enhances the effectiveness of this process and will reduce concerns of losing muscle by increasing the efficiency of amino acid recycling during protein turnover.

Bypassing or “hacking” this 4 phase cycle reduces the benefits and healing potential that you went to all this effort for in the first place. If you’re going to do that, why would you then fast at all? Simply buy a T-shirt and go home.

To all my friends who are going through this process now, here’s to your stem cell reveal party after your next extended fast!

We can do better!