FAST FOR HEALTH

It's a community-driven 3-day water-only fast running April 13–15, 2026. Each day features a live stream at 11 AM PT on YouTube where Robert Lufkin MD guides you through the science, answers questions, and keeps you motivated. Thousands of people participate together.

Yes, the challenge is completely free. Just RSVP on this site and show up for the daily live streams on YouTube. You'll also receive a free fasting guide when you sign up.

RSVP is not strictly required, but we highly recommend it. You'll receive your free fasting guide, preparation emails before the challenge, and daily encouragement emails during the fast. It also helps us plan and build community.

The fast runs from April 13 through April 15, 2026 (3 full days). Most participants begin their fast the evening of April 12 after dinner and break their fast on the morning of April 16.

Daily live streams are at 11:00 AM Pacific Time on all three days (April 13, 14, and 15). Join at youtube.com/@robertlufkinmd/live.

For most healthy adults, a 3-day water fast is generally safe. However, fasting is not appropriate for everyone. If you have any health concerns, please consult your physician before participating. We keep this safe, responsible, and totally doable so you can experience the incredible benefits without the risks.

Please do not attempt the fast without medical supervision if you have: gout, diabetes (Type 1 or 2), eating disorders, are pregnant or nursing, have a significant medical condition, or are under 18 years old.

Yes, especially if you take medications, have any chronic health conditions, or have never fasted before. Your doctor can advise you on whether a 3-day water fast is appropriate for your situation and whether any medication adjustments are needed.

This is something you must discuss with your doctor. Some medications need to be taken with food, and some (like diabetes or blood pressure medications) may need dosage adjustments during a fast. Never stop or change medications without medical guidance.

This is a water fast, so water is the primary beverage. You can add a pinch of sea salt or electrolytes to your water, which is actually recommended to maintain mineral balance. Some participants also include plain sparkling water. If you're new to fasting, bone broth on the first day can help ease the transition while still providing most of the fasting benefits.

For a strict water fast, the answer is water only. However, some people choose to include plain black coffee or unsweetened herbal tea. Be aware that caffeine on an empty stomach can cause discomfort, and ideally you should reduce caffeine in the days leading up to the fast to avoid withdrawal headaches.

Electrolytes are highly recommended during an extended fast. A pinch of quality sea salt in your water helps maintain sodium levels. You can also supplement with magnesium and potassium. This helps prevent headaches, dizziness, and fatigue. Our free fasting guide covers this in detail.

Mild dizziness can be normal, especially when standing up quickly. Try adding more salt and electrolytes to your water, stay well-hydrated, and move slowly when changing positions. If dizziness is severe or persistent, consider breaking your fast and consult your doctor.

Gentle movement like walking, light stretching, or yoga is fine and even encouraged. However, avoid intense workouts, heavy lifting, or strenuous exercise. Your body is doing deep repair work — let it focus on that. Listen to your body and rest when needed.

That's completely okay. Any amount of fasting provides benefits. Even a 24- or 48-hour fast activates meaningful health pathways. Listen to your body, and if you need to break early, do so gently with broth or light food. There's no failure here — only progress.

Go to youtube.com/@robertlufkinmd/live at 11:00 AM PT each day. No special software or account is needed — just click the link and you're in. We recommend subscribing to the channel so you get notified when we go live.

At the end of each daily live stream, we spin the Wheel of Names to select a winner from everyone who participated in the YouTube live chat during that day's stream. You must post at least one comment in the live chat to be entered. We announce the winner live on screen.

After we announce your YouTube name as the winner, go to our prize claim page and enter your YouTube display name along with your email. We'll verify it and send you a unique claim link via email. Click the link to provide your U.S. mailing address. Prizes currently ship to U.S. addresses only — global shipping coming soon.

Break your fast gently. Start with bone broth, diluted juice, or a small cup of light soup. After a few hours, move to soft, easily digestible foods like steamed vegetables or avocado. Gradually return to normal meals over the next 24–48 hours. Your digestive system needs a gentle restart.

For at least 24 hours after breaking your fast, avoid large meals, dairy, processed foods, fried foods, alcohol, and high-sugar items. Eating too much too quickly can cause digestive discomfort. Go slow — your body will thank you.