I don't know if there is research into the 36 hour limit (there might be) or
just a common sense sort of idea that without protein intake your body will
start to dip into muscle stores eventually to get the amino acids it needs
for repairs and upkeep and so on.  There really might be more to it than
that, but I have no personal interest in longer fasts so I never looked into
it.

I can tell you that my body responded better to fasts after 6 months than it
did right away, and now I don't even feel hungry in the mornings or
afternoons unless I ate poorly the previous night (which for me means too
many carbs).
On Wed, Dec 17, 2008 at 1:51 PM, Andrea Hughett <[log in to unmask]> wrote:

> Thanks. Lots of good sources to follow up - I'll get back to you if I have
> questions after I've done that. The 36-hour limit to avoid muscle wasting -
> do you know what research that number is based on?
>
> Did it take awhile for your body to get on program? This is my third day of
> fasting (interspersed with low-calorie, <40g carb days) and my bg on awaking
> was 60. Okay, a little low...but after half an hour of cardio it had risen
> to 81, and after a tablespoon of coconut oil with my supplements it had
> risen to 95! Not only is that higher than the research-endorsed goal of 83,
> it doesn't make sense. Anyone have similar experiences?
>
> Andrea
>