3-day Water Fast

As I embarked on my 3-day water fast, I didn’t just see it as a way to reset my body, but as a much-needed pause in my journey through menopause. For anyone going through this phase of life, you know how unpredictable and overwhelming it can be. Hot flushes, restless nights, mood swings—there’s no shortage of symptoms that challenge both mind and body. But during those 72 hours of fasting, something shifted for me. The reduction of hot flushes and the improved sleep I experienced were two immediate and welcome changes. It was as though my body, given the chance to rest from constant digestion, started to heal itself in small but significant ways.

One of the most surprising benefits was the reduction of inflammation. Inflammation naturally increases during menopause, often causing discomfort and contributing to health issues. But through fasting, I felt lighter, less swollen, and more at ease. I also knew that giving my digestive system a break was helping my gut to heal—a key part of managing symptoms during this transition. 

Of course, it wasn’t all easy. The second day, in particular, came with its own set of challenges—fatigue, dizziness, and hunger pangs. But what got me through, apart from sheer determination, was my tea. I drank both black tea for a gentle lift, Digest and Energise to calm the hunger, and Meno Balance tea, which became my constant companion throughout the fast. This blend, filled with powerful ingredients like red clover, sage, and ashwagandha, helped keep me grounded. Red clover’s oestrogenic properties, sage’s anti-inflammatory compounds, and ashwagandha’s calming effect provided the support my body needed to manage the fast while nourishing me from the inside out.

For me, this fast wasn’t just about the physical reset—it was a moment to take control of my health during menopause. By supporting cellular repair, reducing inflammation, and giving my body a chance to heal, I came out of the fast feeling more in tune with myself. It’s a reminder that sometimes, hitting pause is the best thing we can do for our bodies, especially during such a transformative time.

And while the benefits of fasting are widely recognised, from boosting mental clarity to resetting insulin sensitivity, it’s important to listen to your body. For anyone considering a fast, particularly during menopause, make sure you’re doing it safely and with the right support—because menopause doesn’t have to be a burden when you find tools that work for you.

What is a 3-day water fast?

Essentially, a 3-day water fast means abstaining from all food and drinking only water, tea or coffee for 72 hours. While it might sound extreme, this practice has been gaining traction due to its many health benefits—and for someone going through menopause like me, it offered a much-needed reset.

Cellular Repair and Autophagy

One of the most fascinating aspects of fasting is how it helps your body enter a state of autophagy. This is when your cells break down and remove damaged components, allowing for cellular repair. Think of it as your body’s natural clean-up crew. During menopause, when you can feel like everything is out of balance, this kind of deep cellular reset feels especially important. I knew I was doing something good for my body, potentially lowering the risks of age-related diseases, which was empowering.

Mental Clarity and Focus

I was also surprised at how much clearer my mind felt during the fast. Without the constant energy demands of digestion, my body had more resources to direct towards mental clarity. It was as though my mind finally had the space to breathe. For anyone dealing with menopause brain fog, this can be such a relief. The sense of sharpness and focus I felt was something I hadn’t experienced in a while.

Improved Insulin Sensitivity

Water fasting also has the benefit of resetting insulin sensitivity, which can be a game-changer. Menopause can often throw our bodies into disarray, and blood sugar management is one area that many of us struggle with. By giving my body a break from food—especially sugars and carbohydrates—I could feel my body responding more efficiently to insulin, a crucial factor in maintaining overall health.

Weight Loss and Fat Burning

Let’s be honest: many of us are looking for ways to shed those stubborn pounds that seem to accumulate during menopause. A 3-day fast jumpstarts fat burning by forcing the body to utilise stored fat for energy. I didn’t go into the fast solely for weight loss, but it was a welcome side effect, and more importantly, it felt like my metabolism was getting a much-needed boost.

Reduced Inflammation

Menopause often brings with it increased inflammation, which can exacerbate everything from joint pain to mood swings. Fasting for 72 hours allowed my body to rest and reduced those pesky inflammation markers. The difference was palpable—by the end of the fast, I felt less bloated and more at ease in my own body.

Rebooting the Immune System

It’s incredible to think that fasting can actually help regenerate the immune system. By clearing out old, damaged cells, the body starts producing new immune cells, giving your defences a much-needed boost. As we age, this kind of regeneration becomes even more essential for staying healthy.

Spiritual and Mental Reset

On top of the physical benefits, I also found the fast to be a mental and spiritual reset. I had time to reflect and reconnect with myself—something that is easily overlooked in the whirlwind of menopause. It felt like I was able to cleanse my mind just as much as my body.

Digestive System Rest

Fasting also gave my digestive system a break. Menopause can wreak havoc on gut health, leading to bloating and indigestion. By allowing my gut to rest, I could feel the difference in my overall digestion afterward, which was a huge relief.

Discipline and Resilience

Going through the fast wasn’t easy, but completing it was an accomplishment in itself. It taught me that I can take control of my health, even in the midst of menopause, building not just physical resilience but mental discipline, too.

Important Considerations

That said, a 3-day water fast isn’t for everyone. It’s essential to consult a healthcare professional before attempting something like this, especially if you have any underlying health conditions. But for me, when done thoughtfully and safely, it was a powerful way to reconnect with my body and mind.

So whether you’re looking to reset your health, clear your mind, or manage menopause symptoms, a 3-day water fast could be worth considering. For me, it was an experience that left me feeling lighter, more balanced, and ready to face the next chapter of this journey.