The Insane Benefits of Water-Only Fasting: Dr. Alan Goldhamer | Rich Roll Podcast

Comments · 13K

• FR

  @frisidasinani1805 · 2 years ago (edited)

  I’m currently on day 3/40 of my water fasting. I was diagnosed with leukemia 2 years ago, got cancer free for a year but now my blood tests are showing leukemia cells again. I’m praying that I will cure or at least help the cancer not to spread more. Please pray for me 😢🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼😔<br><br><br>Edit: I ended my water fasting on a day 26/40. I didn’t mind at all the fast heartbeat which I think i had it because of dehydration, but I started being concerned when I had body chills. Literally on the day 25 I was feeling so cold. The benefits are beyond imagination though. I lost 25 pounds, I was taking 2 bp medications and now I take None. My skin looks so smooth like I am 10 years younger and my vision is so much better. Now I am eating one meal a day OMAD because I am scared that leukemia will come back. I am determined to do a 3 days water fasting once or twice a month until I am completely cancer free! <br>Thank you all from the bottom of my heart for the prayers the support and love. I wish health, happiness and blessings to all of you guys! 🥰🥰🥰❤️❤️❤️❤️ God bless you all.<br><br>Hello again today is September 15th, 2024. First of I want to thank everyone from the bottom of my heart for all the wishes and advices. Second of all two days ago I had my last appointment with my Hematologist and my test came back negative, no cancer cells found 😭. I have done a 25 days water fasting a 21 days, and a 42 days since January of 2024. I have reverse my type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure and from 228 pounds I’m 167 lbs so far. Fasting is a God send medication that heals every disease and is totally free. Sending a big hug to every each of you who prayed for me ❤❤❤❤❤❤<br><br>New Update 😊 today is February the 19th of 2025. I had a follow up appointment with my Hematologist and today I received the results after 10 days. NO CANCER CELLS found. No signs of leukemia cells 😢😢 I don’t know if it is the water fasting, or the endless hours of praying to God to allow to live for my beautiful family. But so far it has worked for me. I continue to do a 72 hours water fasting every month. My weight is currently at 159 lbs and I have so much more energy. I’m beyond grateful for all of you beautiful and amazing people who prayed for me. I thank you with all my heart, and I wish health, love, abundance and everything your heart desires. I love you &nbsp;all ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤️❤️❤️❤️<br><br>New edit. Today is September 25th of 2025 and if you are still wondering I’m am doing great. Still cancer free. My last appointment with my hematologist was in last August and all my blood work came back negative, no leukemia cells detected. My next appointment will be in July of 2026th. I’m still doing intermittent fasting. Eating in 4 or 6 hours and water fasting the rest. I’m planning to do a few 72 hours once in a while. Thank you to all the amazing people who wished me the best on my health journey. I also wish love, health and happiness in your lives. God bless you all 😊😊❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

  2.3K

• 1L

  @1lost_sheep · 3 years ago

  It hilarious that god tells us some things can only be done through fasting and prayer and here we are listening to scientists saying fasting is the only thing that can help certain conditions. God has been so good to us.

  2.8K

• SU

  @susanturnbull9773 · 5 years ago

  Being overweight &amp; unhealthy is HARD. Being disciplined, fit &amp; healthy is HARD. CHOOSE YOUR HARD.

  7.4K

• FO

  @Fojande · 2 months ago

  Who is here 2026 fasting? 4 days in..

  101

• BR

  @brotherderek · 5 years ago (edited)

  I&apos;ve done many fasts and a 40 day fast once. After about 3 or 4 days, hunger goes away and you, actually, start to have a lot of energy. At some point, you aren&apos;t hungry anymore, but realize how much time you spend buying, preparing, thinking about and eating food. It is almost more about those things than being hungry. Anyway, I highly recommend fasting...and praying!

  7.6K

• JU

  @jude2005386 · 5 years ago

  Once you start fasting, &nbsp;you will learn that the meal is no longer the gift, the Fast is the Gift. &nbsp;-Dr. Mindy Pelz

  5K

• DA

  @Dauseana · 5 years ago

  This is my first 24hrs of fasting. I&apos;m aiming for 30days to get rid of the high blood pressure, cholesterol and borderline diabetes. Not excluding the excess weigh. Please pray for me. I need a change in my eating behaviors

  2.7K

• FA

  @FastingWisdom · 3 years ago

  I am on day 36 of my 40 day water fast. 44lbs lost so far. <br><br>I remember watching this video before starting. <br><br>I take a multivitamin, B complex, vitamin C, magnesium supplement, sea salt, and usually 2-3 liters of water every day. <br><br>I’ll likely hit 50lbs lost by the conclusion of this, which is 4 days away as of writing this. <br><br>I did this for more than weight loss. I woke one Sunday morning feeling depressed and sick of the direction my life was going. <br><br>It was the morning after a night of bad eating and drinking. <br><br>I was tired of being tired of being tired. I couldn’t stand looking at the person in the mirror, and I was tired of the toxic relationships I had with people who used you when they needed something, but were nowhere to be found when they were doing good. <br><br>A fast as a hard reset on my life was the best thing I could have ever done to find clarity in my life.

  1.1K

• OL

  @olefella7561 · 5 years ago

  Have you ever noticed when you go to bed hungry you wake up feeling fine, but go to bed after eating a giant meal and you wake up starving? &nbsp; &nbsp;😊

  3.9K

• LI

  @LisaLisa-ui4iu · 5 years ago (edited)

  I fasted no food just water and plain tea with lemon for 46 days and just recently broke it. I lost almost 50 pounds and my body completely reset itself, regenerated and restored from the inside out. I’d suddenly started dealing with blood pressure issues and other health problems which the doctor prescribed me medication for that I absolutely refused to take so I prayed about it and God led me on what I thought was a 21 day fast of no food just water but it was actually a 46 day fast instead. My body completely changed as if it was repaired to new. I’m currently on zero medications and my blood pressure previously 180/99 is currently 117/80 with a normal pulse and no other issues in my body, completely healthy, PRAISE GOD! I also have a lot of energy and I definitely sleep better now and longer. Once I broke it I had to start off eating very light because my stomach could only handle a very small portion of food. Of course I thought eating vegetables were ok but, NOT. I thought I was going to die after I ate little of them so I started throwing up nonstop which was the worst feeling and my stomach was turning flips amongst other things which I won’t mention and I almost passed out. FYI, after a long period of fasting a little bone broth would probably be better once it’s broken. Since breaking my fast about 2 weeks now I’ve only been eating one meal a day drinking just water with lemon and eating no junk foods, fast foods nor sweets. I eat organic everything, lots of vegetables, I cook all of my meals now because I know what going in them. I buy only organic grass fed meat which I still don’t eat a lot of (meat that is) My whole lifestyle of eating has completely changed without the slightest cravings for any of the mess I was addicted to eating before. I don’t even miss it. Fasting is definitely one of the greatest benefits to having a healthier body. Denying your body the thing it craves most is actually giving your body what it need most and that’s no food for an extended period of time. Be blessed on your journey to becoming a better and healthier you through fasting.

  2.3K

• CH

  @chrischangfong3873 · 3 years ago

  Currently on day 22 of 30. Lost 50 lbs. It&apos;s tough, but I&apos;ll see it through.

  1.2K

• CA

  @CAPraveenAdiga · 1 year ago

  Prolonged fasting may provide the following potential benefits: <br> 1. Stem cell regeneration – Fasting stimulates stem cell production and repair mechanisms, which in medical treatments can cost ₹5–35 lakhs (2025 costs). Why: Depletes energy, forcing stem cell activation for tissue renewal; how: Shifts to fat metabolism releases factors like polyamines during refeeding. <br> 2. Human Growth Hormone (HGH) boost – Levels of HGH may rise significantly (some studies report up to 20-fold increase), promoting repair, fat metabolism, and muscle preservation. Why: Body conserves resources in starvation mode; how: Pituitary gland ramps up secretion as insulin drops, enhancing lipolysis <br> 3. Autophagy activation – The body begins “self-eating,” breaking down damaged proteins, toxins, dead or precancerous cells, and stored fat. This may reduce disease risk and enhance cellular health. Why: Nutrient scarcity inhibits mTOR, triggering lysosomal breakdown; how: Cells engulf and digest internals, clearing waste and sparing healthy tissue <br> 4. Reduced inflammation – Fasting lowers inflammatory markers, which may help prevent or improve conditions linked to chronic inflammation (e.g., cardiovascular disease, autoimmune issues). Why: Ketones suppress inflammasomes; how: Shift from glucose metabolism reduces oxidative stress over time <br> 5. Disease improvements – Many individuals claim reversal or improvement of arthritis, high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, depression, and even some cancers, though strong scientific proof is limited. Why: Holistic resets target root causes like insulin resistance; how: Extended deprivation allows organ repair without constant processing. <br> 6. Anti-aging effects – By improving cellular repair and reducing oxidative stress, fasting may slow aspects of biological aging. Why: Autophagy clears senescent cells; how: Lowered IGF-1 and oxidative damage during ketosis <br> 7. Mental clarity &amp; mood stability – Many report sharper focus, reduced anxiety, and improved overall well-being. Why: Clears brain fog from inflammation; how: BDNF increase and ketone energy post-48 hours <br> 8. Reduced food cravings – Taste buds reset, hunger signals normalize, and addictive cravings may decline. Why: Breaks addiction cycles; how: Hypothalamic adaptation after 3 days. <br> 9. Weight control – Sustained fat loss occurs, along with improvements in metabolic flexibility. Why: Depletes glycogen, forces fat burning; how: Ketosis and lowered set point. <br> 10. Immune system reset: Fasting can recycle old immune cells and generate new ones. &nbsp;It reduces immune aging, regenerating white blood cells via stem cells. &nbsp;Why: Clears inefficient cells; how: Autophagy and post-fast stem cell activation <br> 11. Improved insulin sensitivity: Stronger effect than intermittent fasting, very helpful for metabolic health. Why: Prolonged depletion resets signaling; how: Lowered glucose forces adaptation <br> 12. Gut microbiome reset: Post-fasting, gut bacteria composition may shift toward healthier balance. &nbsp;Why: Gut rest heals lining; how: No food input allows beneficial shifts during refeeding. <br> 13. Blood pressure reduction – Sustained fasting often lowers blood pressure naturally. &nbsp;Why: Reduces sodium/inflammation; how: Ketosis relaxes vessels <br> 14. Cholesterol improvement – Reduction in LDL (“bad cholesterol”), triglycerides, and increase in HDL (“good cholesterol”). &nbsp;Why: Fat mobilization clears excess; how: Liver processes during ketosis <br> 15. Improved mitochondrial health – Fasting triggers mitochondrial biogenesis (new energy-producing units inside cells), improving energy efficiency. &nbsp;Why: Stress adaptation; how: Ketones signal new mitochondria formation <br> 16. Better skin health – Autophagy clears damaged skin cells, which can improve skin clarity and reduce acne/eczema in some cases. Why: Clears debris; how: Cellular recycling post-48 hours <br> 17. Enhanced longevity in animals – Studies in mice, worms, and monkeys show fasting extends lifespan. Why: Delays aging processes; how: Reduced calories mimic scarcity. <br> 18. Cancer therapy support – Early studies suggest fasting before chemotherapy protects healthy cells while making cancer cells more vulnerable (“differential stress resistance”). Why: Cancer cells rely on glucose; how: Ketosis starves them selectively. Why: Cancer cells rely on glucose; how: Ketosis starves them selectively. <br> 19. Neuroprotection – Can reduce risk of Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and cognitive decline by boosting BDNF (Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor). Why: Ketones as brain fuel; how: Reduces plaques via autophagy <br> 20. Hormonal balance – Better regulation of leptin and ghrelin (hunger hormones), sometimes stabilizing menstrual cycles in women. Why: Resets sensitivity; how: Insulin drop normalizes signals <br> 21. Joint pain relief – Beyond arthritis, some report general reduction in musculoskeletal pains. Why: Reduced cytokines; how: Ketones inhibit pain pathways, Inflammation drop eases pains. <br> 22. Detoxification support – While the body always detoxifies naturally, fasting can accelerate clearance of old metabolic waste. Why: No intake focuses on internals; how: Liver/kidneys process stored toxins. <br> 23. Increased antioxidant capacity: Boosts total antioxidants, protecting against oxidative damage. Why: Cellular stress response; how: Fasting upregulates defenses like Nrf2 pathway <br> 24. Polyamine production for cell proliferation: (It is the process where cells synthesize polyamines, which are essential for cell growth and division, problems in this process is linked to cancer, neurodegenerative disorders, and metabolic disorders) Post-fast, mTOR activation increases polyamines, aiding regeneration. &nbsp;Why: Growth support; how: Refeeding triggers synthesis from stem cells. <br> 25. Improved tissue healing in surgery: Animal data shows reduced damage. Why: Regeneration; how: Stem cells activate pre/post-op. <br> 26. Electrolyte balance adaptation: Body stabilizes minerals long-term. Why: Conservation; how: Kidneys adjust during ketosis <br> 27. Organ-specific adaptations: Multi-organ protein changes after 3+ days, improving function (e.g., heart, liver). Why: Systemic response; how: Fasting/refeeding cycles optimize metabolism. <br> 28. Fear extinction and reduced fear return: Enhances retention of fear unlearning, aiding PTSD/anxiety. Why: Metabolic switch; how: 16+ hours alters amygdala responses <br> 29. Improves mood &amp; may reduce depression – Fasting increases levels of serotonin, dopamine, endorphins, and BDNF (Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor), which support better mood, resilience to stress, and emotional stability. Some clinical trials show fasting can reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety. Early research hints at possible benefits in complex conditions like schizophrenia. Enhances mood via BDNF/endorphins; trials show depression/anxiety relief; old/ketogenic studies hint at schizophrenia benefits (e.g., 60% remission in cases).Why: Neurotransmitter boosts; how: Ketosis stabilizes brain chemistry. <br>Spiritual/discipline benefits: Many people describe fasting as improving willpower, discipline, and even spiritual clarity. Why: Overcomes urges; how: Hunger phases build resilience and focus inward

  28