Shocking simulation shows what happens stage-by-stage when fasting for 72 hours

A sobering simulation has revealed what happens to your body when you fast for 72 hours straight.

While people will pull out all the food-related techniques to cut their intake down, with the likes of intermittent fasting rising in popularity in recent years, fasting is still a method used by many to lose weight.

But as made clear by health professionals, fasting may not be for everyone and like most fitness-related things, it can vary from person to person, according to News in Health.

Many are aware of the benefits that come with fasting for 24 hours or even 48, but what if you were to go three days straight without eating?

It sounds almost impossible and it isn't recommended due to the increased likelihood of dizziness and fatigue, as your body needs nutrients, vitamins and minerals daily to function.

Fasting for 72 hours can be detrimental to your health (YouTube/MedBright)

But some people don't seem to care, going ahead with their 'deep body cleanse' by fasting for days on end, with many claiming its benefits.

So if you were to try this yourself, what could you expect?

Six to 10 hours

According to a simulation uploaded to YouTube channel MedBright, carbohydrates taken in from your last meal would be gone by this point, resulting in your pancreas releasing glucagon.

This causes your liver and muscles to release stored glucose into the blood, which increases the hunger hormone 'ghrelin', with cravings hitting you like a truck.

More than 10 hours

While our ancestors were used to irregular meals, the majority of us aren't so at this point, your pituitary gland, which is located below the brain, boosts the human growth hormone.

Just two hours after this, your body enters mini-ketosis mode, which is where ketone bodies are produced and used, turning fat into fuel - Healthline explains that while this can result in decreased appetite and weight loss, fatigue may also be an outcome.

16 hours

Now, fat burning becomes your main fuel, and something called 'autophagy' activates.

This is the process where cells clean themselves by degrading and recycling its own old or unnecessary components, such as protein.

Your body will start to break its own cells down for energy (YouTube/MedBright)

24 to 48 hours

Glycogen reserves, where the main form of glucose in the body is stored, are now empty, meaning that your body is using energy generated from fat, while slowing protein breakdown to protect your muscles.

More than 48 hours

At this point, it's explained that mental clarity improves, with the majority of people feeling calmer, sharper, and even more focused - though they may be drooling for a bite or two.

72 hours

This is where your body starts to break nutrients down more aggressively, as you start to jeopardise your long-term health.