Laguna Gut Protocol 18:6 Fast
The Science Behind 18:6 Gut Reset Fasting
An integral part of the Laguna Gut Protocol Reset Program
Your Gut Needs a Break to Heal
Modern eating habits—snacking all day, late-night meals, processed foods—leave the digestive system in a constant state of overwork. The result? Gut inflammation, microbiome imbalances, and a breakdown of the protective gut lining, often referred to as leaky gut.
But when you stop eating for an extended period each day, your body doesn't shut down—it shifts into repair mode.
That’s where the 18:6 intermittent fast comes in.
What is 18:6 Fasting?
18:6 fasting means:
- 18 hours of fasting - no food, only gut-supportive drinks
- 6 hours of eating - your daily gut friendly meals fall within this window
Example schedule:
Last meal at 6:00 PM → First meal at 12:00 PM (lunch time the next day). Any 6 hour window works. Note: a large portion of the fasting time is during your sleep window.
This fasting protocol allows for a deeper metabolic reset than shorter fasts (like 14:10 or 16:8), and is especially beneficial for:
- IBD (Inflammatory Bowel Disease)
- Crohn’s disease
- Ulcerative colitis
- Leaky gut
- Chronic bloating
- Food intolerance-related inflammation
What Happens to the Gut During Fasting?
1. The Migrating Motor Complex (MMC) Kicks In
Every 90–120 minutes during fasting, the body activates the MMC—a housekeeping wave that clears bacteria, undigested food, and toxins from the small intestine. This keeps SIBO (small intestinal bacterial overgrowth) and bloating at bay.
2. The Gut Lining Repairs Itself
With no food coming in, the gut’s immune defenses can shift away from reacting and toward repairing tissue, reducing permeability, and rebuilding the mucosal barrier—critical for preventing inflammation and leaky gut.
3. Inflammatory Cytokines Decrease
Fasting reduces production of cytokines like TNF-alpha and IL-6, which are elevated in IBD and autoimmune gut conditions. This creates a calmer internal environment.
4. Microbiome Rebalancing
Harmful bacteria rely on frequent feeding. When fasting, these strains die off, and beneficial bacteria like Lactobacillus and Akkermansia can thrive—supporting mood, immunity, and nutrient absorption.
What Can You Have During Your Fast?
You're not starving your body—you're strategically allowing it to heal.
You can and should drink:
- Herbal teas like IBD Tea, Gut Repair Tea, Holy Basil, Better Brain, or Morning Glory (no added sugars)
- Filtered or mineral water - no sugar or artificial sweeteners.
- Warm water with a splash of ACV (apple cider vinegar) to stimulate digestion and detox gently
These promote hydration, soothe the gut, and reduce cravings—while still keeping you in a fasting state. Remember most of this time should be during your evening wind down period and sleep window.
Fasting Reduces Inflammation—Systemically
Fasting doesn’t just affect the gut. It also:
- Improves insulin sensitivity, reducing spikes that drive inflammation
- Triggers autophagy, a natural process that recycles old or damaged cells
- Reduces oxidative stress and free radicals
This makes fasting a whole-body anti-inflammatory protocol—not just a gut healing tool.
In Summary - Gut Reset Fasting
By practicing daily 18:6 fasting, you're doing more than skipping breakfast:
- You're clearing toxins from your digestive tract
- Giving your body time and space to heal
- Restoring microbiome balance
- Rebuilding gut lining integrity
- Reducing whole-body inflammation
- And ultimately laying the foundation for long-term gut health