After studying the science behind prolonged fasting and listening to a number of interviews with Dr. Valter Longo, I decided to try my first prolonged fast.
I did a blood analysis before and after my 90 hour water-only-fast.
I mainly wanted to look at the white blood cell count after fasting. Dr. Valter Longo has explained that after about 72 hours of fasting, non-functioning senescent white blood cells are used up as an energy substrate. This is accourding to Longo very good because as white blood cells start to drop it triggers stem cells to produce new fresh cells and you end up with a "brand new" immune system.
I was very pleased with my IGF-1 levels (132 ng/mL before, 89 ng/mL after).
My growth hormone increased by 500% (blood test taken at the same time of day)
But my white blood cell count was essentially unchanged (Leukocytes 4.6 before and 4.4 after) and I was a little bit disappointed about this.
I was wondering if anyone else had a similar experience or know something about this?
