There's no single maximum fasting time applicable to everyone. The appropriate duration depends heavily on the context and individual factors. Let's examine different contexts:
Fasting for Medical Tests
For blood tests, the recommended fasting period is typically between 8 and 16 hours (no less than 8, no more than 16 hours). https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/fasting-for-medical-tests This ensures accurate results.
Intermittent Fasting
In the context of intermittent fasting, a 48-hour fast is the longest duration commonly practiced. https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/48-hour-fasting Longer fasts are possible, but require careful consideration and may not be suitable for everyone. Studies have examined prolonged fasting exceeding 24 hours, https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/48-hour-fasting but the maximum safe duration varies widely among individuals.
Extended Fasting (Therapeutic Fasting)
Research shows that periodic fasting lasting 4 to 21 days can be safe and well-tolerated for some individuals under medical supervision. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6314618/ However, fasting beyond 3 days risks the body breaking down organ tissue for fuel. https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/what-optimum-fasting-length-time-maximum-health-safety-stooker
Important Note: Any extended fasting should be undertaken under the guidance of a healthcare professional to mitigate potential risks.
