Chhath Mahaparav is known for its devotion, discipline, and one of the most extensive fasts in India. The Chhath fast is a 36-hour nirjala fast, where devotees abstain from food and water. 

While the fast has a deep cultural significance, prolonged abstinence from food and water produces physiological changes in the human body. Dr. Asjad Ahmed Khan, Designation: BAMS, PGDEMS, says that understanding these changes is very important for women’s health because of hormonal status, the menstrual cycle, and how the body responds. 

What Happens In The Body Without Food And Water For 36 Hours?

The changes in the body without food and water are explained according to the timings below and how they affect nutritional intake, metabolic health, activity level, and body composition.

First 6 Hours Of The Fast

After the last meal (Kharna), the body primarily utilises circulating glucose and nutrients absorbed from the digestive tract. This later results in a decline in insulin levels, and the body starts to move from feeding to fasting mode. Most women feel normal in this phase, though thirst begins. 

Next 6-12 Hours Of The Fast

As blood glucose levels drop, the liver starts breaking down stored glycogen through a process called glycogenolysis to maintain blood glucose levels. In easy words, this is body’s backup battery. Women may start feeling hunger pangs, mild tiredness, and irritability in this phase, especially overnight.

What Happens After 12-24 Hours Of The Fast

Through gluconeogenesis, new glucose is formed from protein and other sources, which increases, and the body begins relying more heavily on fatty acids for energy. This is when many women feel weakness, headache, low energy, and increased thirst. The body is now conserving water and slowing down non-essential functions.

The Last 24-36 Hours of The Fast

Usha Arghya is the most challenging phase. Dehydration peaks here, urine output drops, the mouth becomes dry, and dizziness can increase. This is also when the body is most vulnerable to electrolyte imbalance.

What Happens To Women’s Bodies During These Hours?

Many women experience difficult responses to fasting, as it depends on hormonal status and menstrual cycle. 

1. Hormonal Regulation

Hormones such as oestrogen and progesterone influence appetite, fluid balance, and metabolic responses. Fasting during PMS, periods, or perimenopause can worsen mood swings, cramps, fatigue, and headaches.

2. Electrolyte Balance

Prolonged water deprivation can disturb sodium levels in the body; this can cause muscle cramps, palpitations, and extreme weakness. 

Who Should Avoid A Strict 36-Hour Fast?

A nirjala vrat is not advised for everyone. If you fall under any of these, avoid this strict fast:

  • Pregnant and breastfeeding women
  • Women with diabetes, especially those using insulin or sulfonylureas
  • Women with kidney or cardiovascular disease
  • Women with anemia, low BP, or recurrent fainting
  • Women who have fever, vomiting, or diarrhoea at the time of the fast

How To Support Your Body Before And After Fasting

Before Kharna: Hydrate well in the 24 hours before, and eat a balanced meal with complex carbs, protein, and salt. Avoid excess tea/coffee.

During Fast: Rest as much as possible, avoid direct sun, avoid heavy work, sit down while preparing prasad, and avoid standing for long.

After Fast: Break the fast in stages. Begin by drinking coconut water and eating fruit for hydration, and have the prasad. Then eat khichdi. 

Key Takeaways

Chhath fasting represents faith, discipline, and incredible willpower. But understanding the body's physiological response is essential. If you are observing the vrat, listen to your body. Devotion and health can go together - and a safe Chhath is a blessed Chhath.

(Image Credits: Pinterest)

Stay tuned for such stories on HerZindagi.