During fasting, several physical effects occur, evolving over time. The first three days are often the most difficult, marked by physical discomfort, strong hunger pains, and detoxification. As the body eliminates accumulated poisons, one may experience headaches (especially from caffeine withdrawal), a coated tongue, and bad breath. This period is part of the body's cleansing process. By the fourth day, the initial hunger pains begin to lessen, but feelings of weakness and occasional dizziness may set in. This weakness can be significant, requiring ample rest, and is considered by many to be the most challenging phase. Moving slowly can help with temporary dizziness. Around the sixth or seventh day, a shift occurs; individuals often begin to feel stronger and more alert, with hunger continuing to decrease. By the ninth or tenth day, hunger pains become only a minor issue. The body has largely eliminated toxins, leading to a feeling of well-being and a sharpened sense of concentration. This phase is often described as physically the most enjoyable, with a feeling of being able to continue indefinitely. However, after twenty-one to forty days or longer, a critical point is reached: hunger pains return, signaling the first stage of starvation. This means the body's reserves are depleted, and it's beginning to consume its own living tissue, indicating the fast must end. Beyond this specific timeline, fasting is broadly understood as a discipline that subdues the physical body and its appetites, making it a fitter instrument for spiritual purposes and preventing it from hindering the soul. It helps lessen internal conflict, aids self-control, and can contribute to a greater sense of mastery over various instinctive impulses. While challenging and potentially exhausting, it can also lead to feelings of being refreshed and reinvigorated, particularly when combined with prayer.

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