Indian Boxer Nikhat Zareen's 48-Hour Fast Before Paris Olympics 2024: Know How It Affects Your Body

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Two-time world champion Nikhat Zareen's Olympic journey ended abruptly with a loss to China's Wu Yu in the pre-quarterfinals at the Paris Olympics. The defeat was a significant blow, especially given the high hopes placed on her. "I will come back strong," Nikhat repeatedly told PTI.

Nikhat's struggle was evident as she asked her coach for water after the match. "Sorry guys, I could not win a medal for the country. I have made a lot of sacrifices to reach here. I had prepared myself well mentally and physically for this Olympics," she said, reflecting on her time away from family and intense training sessions.

Challenges Leading Up To The Match

The days before the match were filled with immense pressure and physical strain. Nikhat revealed that she endured sleepless nights and skipped meals to meet weight qualifications. Despite these challenges, she entered the ring determined.

"I had not eaten in the last two days; I had to maintain weight. I did not even have water, and only after weigh-in did I have some water but no time to recover; I was first in the ring," Nikhat stated during a press conference. She had moved down from her preferred 52kg weight division as it wasn't included in the Paris Olympics.

The bout against Wu Yu was tough, with the Chinese boxer's speed and agility proving decisive. This left Nikhat visibly frustrated as she faced a stark reality check despite being seen as a strong medal contender.

Nikhat's resilience shone through even in defeat. "I ran continuously for one hour many times in the last two days. If I had won today, the effort would have been appreciated but it will now look like an excuse. I gave my best," she recounted her struggle.

How Waterless Fasting For 48 Hours Can Affect Your Body

Fasting has been practiced for centuries for religious, cultural, and health reasons. However, fasting for an extended period, especially without adequate hydration, can have significant effects on the body. When you go without food and water for 48 hours, your body undergoes various physiological changes as it strives to maintain essential functions.
Understanding these changes can help you make informed decisions about your health and well-being. Here, let us know the effects of not eating food and drinking water for two days.

1. Initial Dehydration

Within the first few hours of not consuming water, your body starts to experience mild dehydration. Water is essential for maintaining bodily functions, including temperature regulation, waste removal, and nutrient transportation. The absence of water intake leads to a decrease in blood volume, making your heart work harder to pump blood.

2. Glycogen Depletion

Your body relies on glycogen stored in the liver and muscles as a quick source of energy. During the first 24 hours of fasting, your body begins to deplete these glycogen stores. Glycogen is stored with water, so as it is used up, you also lose a significant amount of water, contributing further to dehydration.

3. Onset Of Ketosis

Once glycogen stores are depleted, usually around 24 to 48 hours into fasting, your body enters a state called ketosis. In ketosis, your body starts breaking down fat into ketones, which serve as an alternative energy source. This metabolic shift is crucial for survival during prolonged periods without food, but it can also cause side effects such as bad breath, fatigue, and dizziness.

4. Electrolyte Imbalance

Electrolytes, such as sodium, potassium, and magnesium, are essential for nerve function, muscle contractions, and maintaining fluid balance. Without food and water, your body cannot replenish these vital minerals. An electrolyte imbalance can lead to symptoms like muscle cramps, weakness, irregular heartbeat, and even life-threatening conditions if left unaddressed.

5. Decreased Cognitive Function

Hydration is critical for brain function. Dehydration, even at mild levels, can impair cognitive abilities such as concentration, alertness, and short-term memory. Prolonged fasting exacerbates these effects, potentially leading to confusion, mood swings, and difficulty in making decisions.

6. Reduction In Blood Pressure

As dehydration progresses, your blood volume decreases, leading to a drop in blood pressure. Low blood pressure can cause dizziness, fainting, and an increased risk of injury due to falls. It also puts extra strain on your cardiovascular system, which can be dangerous, especially for individuals with preexisting heart conditions.

7. Muscle Breakdown

In the absence of food, your body will eventually start breaking down muscle tissue to use as an energy source. This process, known as muscle catabolism, occurs because your body needs amino acids from proteins to sustain critical functions. Loss of muscle mass can lead to weakness, decreased physical performance, and a slower metabolism.

8. Impact On Metabolism

Prolonged fasting can slow down your metabolism as your body adapts to conserve energy. This metabolic slowdown is a survival mechanism but can have long-term implications for weight management and overall health. A slower metabolism means your body burns fewer calories at rest, which can make it harder to maintain a healthy weight once normal eating resumes.

9. Immune System Suppression

Proper nutrition is vital for a robust immune system. Lack of food and water impairs the production and function of immune cells, making you more susceptible to infections and illnesses. Prolonged fasting weakens your body's defenses, increasing the risk of complications from otherwise minor health issues.

10. Psychological Effects

Going without food and water for two days can have significant psychological impacts. Hunger and thirst can lead to irritability, anxiety, and a decreased ability to cope with stress. Prolonged fasting can also cause a preoccupation with food, leading to disordered eating patterns once normal eating resumes.

11. Gastrointestinal Issues

Fasting can affect the gastrointestinal system in several ways. Lack of food intake reduces the production of digestive enzymes and stomach acid, which can lead to digestive discomfort when you start eating again. Additionally, dehydration can cause constipation, as there is less water available to help move waste through the intestines.

12. Hormonal Changes

Fasting for an extended period can disrupt hormonal balance. For instance, levels of ghrelin, the hunger hormone, increase, making you feel more hungry. Cortisol, the stress hormone, also rises, which can exacerbate feelings of anxiety and stress. Over time, these hormonal changes can affect overall health and well-being.

13. Skin And Appearance

Dehydration and lack of nutrients can impact your skin's health. Without adequate hydration, your skin can become dry, flaky, and less elastic. Nutrient deficiencies can lead to dull skin, hair loss, and brittle nails, affecting your overall appearance and self-esteem.

14. Long-Term Health Risks

Repeated or prolonged fasting without adequate hydration can have serious long-term health consequences. It can lead to chronic kidney issues, heart problems, and weakened bones due to nutrient deficiencies. It's essential to understand the risks and ensure that any fasting practices are done safely and under medical supervision.

If you're considering a prolonged fast, consult with a healthcare professional to ensure it's appropriate for you and to receive guidance on how to do it safely. Your body needs both nutrients and hydration to function optimally, and understanding the potential impacts of deprivation is key to maintaining your health and well-being.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.