What Happens When You Fast 36 Hours: The “Deep Cleanse” Simulation Explored

Stocks take a breather as valuations look “rich”

The quick scan: After a three-day run of gains and record highs, U.S. stock markets paused sharply on Tuesday. The mood shifted toward caution as tech stocks pulled back and investors questioned how much more upside remains.

S&P 500: Fell ~0.6% to 6,656.92, pressured by losses in high-flying tech names.
Dow Jones: slipped ~0.2% to 46,292.78, helped slightly by strength in industrials and energy.
Nasdaq: dropped ~0.9% to 22,573.47, as tech and mega-caps cooled off.

What’s driving it: Investors are growing wary that recent gains may have gotten ahead of themselves, especially after Fed Chair Powell warned that stock prices look “fairly highly valued.” Rising bond yields and inflation expectations also add to the concern, pushing some bargains out of reach.

Bottom line: For L-Plate Retirees, this pullback isn’t a crisis — it may even be healthy. Use dips like this as a chance to review your portfolio, ensure allocation and risk exposure are aligned with your goals, and resist reacting to “fear of missing out.” Stability over momentum tends to serve longer term.

What a 36-Hour Fast Does Inside Your Body

The scoop: Fasting isn’t just about skipping meals—it’s about triggering hidden processes in your body that scientists say could clean, repair, and reset you from the inside out.

Ever wonder what your body goes through when you fast—not just overnight, but for a day and a half? A recent simulation from Health Way TV, featured in LADbible, breaks it down hour by hour to show what might happen during a 36-hour fast. It’s important to remember this is a simulation—not medical advice—but the patterns resonate with what some scientific studies suggest.

Here’s a timeline of the changes your body might go through:

• Around 4 hours: Digestion of your last meal finishes up. Insulin levels begin to drop. The body starts relying on stored sugar (glycogen) for energy.

• 8–12 hours in: Blood sugar decreasing, glycogen stores are used up. By 12 hours or so, your body starts to shift into fat burning and begins producing ketones.

• 16 hours: A process called autophagy kicks in—this is your body’s built-in recycling program. Old or damaged cell parts are broken down and cleared out, making space for new, healthier components. Think of it like spring cleaning at the cellular level.

• 24 hours: The state of repair is deeper. Inflammation tends to come down. Insulin sensitivity improves. Fat burning accelerates.

• 30 hours: Growth hormone levels rise, which helps protect muscle while also pushing fat burning.

• 36 hours: The simulation says this is where you hit “maximum” autophagy. Cell clean-ups are in full swing, tissue regeneration is in progress, and metabolism gets a boost. The body’s reset mode is active.

If this feels familiar, it should. In a recent Weekend Musings, we talked about fasting as a kind of “fuel switch” — where the body moves from burning carbs to tapping fat reserves, almost like flipping to a back-up generator. The 36-hour mark takes that process further, layering on deeper cellular repair and hormonal boosts. It’s essentially the next chapter of the same story: fasting as more than just skipping meals, but a physiological reset button.

What the Science and Experts Say

While the simulation presents a compelling story, real human studies are mixed. Some of the observed effects—like improved insulin sensitivity, lower inflammation, and fat loss—have resonance in human trials. But key caveats remain:

• Much of the strong evidence for autophagy comes from animal studies. Data in humans, especially for longer fasts, is less robust.

• Extended fasting isn’t safe for everyone—people with certain medical conditions like diabetes, pregnant or nursing women, or those prone to eating disorders should avoid long fasts or do them only under supervision.

• Side effects can include fatigue, hunger, mood swings, dizziness, or digestive discomfort. Some people may feel worse rather than better, depending on their health status, hydration, and prior fasting experience.

Actionable Takeaways for L-Plate Retirees:

• Start small. If you’re new to fasting, start with shorter fasts—like 12- or 16-hour windows—before trying 36 hours.

• Stay hydrated. Always stay well hydrated. Water (or electrolyte water) is essential during fasts.

• Break the fast gently. After 36 hours, your body will appreciate a light, nutritious meal—not a big feast.

• Monitor how you feel. Energy, mood, digestion—if something feels off, it’s okay to stop.

• Consult a healthcare professional before attempting a fast this long, especially if you have medical conditions or take regular medications.

Your Turn:
I’d love to hear how this lands with you:
Would you consider trying a 36-hour fast if done safely?
What fasting window do you feel most comfortable with right now—12, 16, or maybe 24 hours?
If your body could get a “reset” like the simulation suggests, what’s the first health goal you’d want it to support—better energy, clearer thinking, weight loss, or something else?

👉 Hit reply and share your thoughts — your answers could inspire fellow readers in future issues.