Re: muscle loss

Yes Fonty, I think bluedisc is basically right as well. (Been away for a couple of days and have been out of it a little).

Muscle tissue does not atrophy while fasting ie...waste away or become useless.
There are many many cases of fasters who have gone for 40 to 60 or more days with mostly bed rest when seriously ill, and have been able to regain their health and rebuild muscular strength & tone post fast.
There is absolutely no doubt about that.
You are also right fonty in that this (sort of) hibernation in complete physiological rest will make it easier post fast, if you have the energy while doing so, to keep your muscles toned with exercise, depending on the degree of enervation (if any) of the patient. For those of us who are fortunate to have a strong constitution (which I don't) then exercise would be very beneficial during the fast I am certain.
This was true in my own case where I needed absolute rest during my first 25 day fast.

Couldn't agree with you more Fonty about fasters gaining in strength up to about the first 20 days or so...Dr Tanner is a great case in point during his first 40 day fast.

Regards
Chrisb1 Tweet