I went on a hunger strike for 4 days and didn't feel hungry anymore

The disappearance of hunger after a 4-day hunger strike is a compensatory physiological response in the human body, mainly related to reduced gastric acid secretion, adaptation to ketone body energy supply, decreased basal metabolism, changes in hormone levels, and psychological adaptation mechanisms.

1. Decreased gastric acid secretion:

In a long-term fasting state, the stomach reduces gastric acid secretion to protect the gastric mucosa. The digestive system enters a dormant state, the contraction frequency of the stomach decreases, and the transmission of hunger signals weakens. This physiological change may cause some people to experience acid reflux or stomach discomfort, and attention should be paid to gradually restoring their diet.

2. Ketone body energy supply adaptation: After continuous fasting for 48 hours, the liver begins to break down fat to produce ketone body energy supply. When the blood ketone concentration exceeds 4mmol/L, ketones will inhibit the secretion of hunger hormones and directly act on the hunger center of the hypothalamus. This metabolic conversion is common in ketogenic eaters, but may be accompanied by reactions such as fatigue and bad breath.

3. Decreased basal metabolism:

In response to energy shortages, the body automatically lowers its basal metabolic rate by 15-30%. The level of thyroid hormone T3 decreases, muscle tissue reduces glycogen consumption, and the thermoregulatory function weakens. This self-protection mechanism can slow down the rate of weight loss and lead to metabolic rebound after resuming diet.

4. Hormone level changes:

Hunger hormone secretion gradually decreases after reaching its peak 24 hours of fasting, and leptin sensitivity increases. At the same time, the continuous increase of glucagon suppresses appetite, and when blood sugar stabilizes in the range of 3.5-5mmol/L, the brain misjudges it as a state of sufficient energy. This hormonal fluctuation may affect a woman's menstrual cycle.

5. Psychological adaptation mechanism:

The brain secretes endorphins to alleviate hunger and pain, forming a state similar to "fasting pleasure". Long term dieters may experience a decrease in taste sensitivity and a shift towards indifference towards food cravings. This psychological compensation can easily develop into eating disorders, and one should be alert to the risk of overeating. Extreme fasting can lead to health risks such as muscle loss and electrolyte imbalances. It is recommended to use intermittent fasting as an alternative to long-term hunger strikes, ensuring a daily intake of 1200 calories, and supplementing with complex vitamins and branched chain amino acids. During the recovery period, priority should be given to digestible foods such as pumpkin Congee and steamed egg custard, and low intensity exercises such as brisk walking and yoga should be used to maintain metabolic activity. If symptoms such as palpitations and edema occur, seek medical attention immediately and have liver and kidney function tested.