Phase 1: Preparation

Before starting the Scorch Protocol, you must get your body ready. Think of this as “turning on the lights” before the deep work begins. This phase involves testing your baseline health, fixing major deficiencies, and choosing the right diet to support your fast.

Are You Ready to Start?

Blood Tests Done:Have you tested your Thyroid (TSH, Free T3, Free T4), Complete Blood Count (CBC), Metabolic Panel, Vitamin D, B12, Iron, Ferritin, and Cortisol? This tells you what you are working with.

Body Temperature:Is your waking body temperature (taken before getting out of bed) below 37°C (98.6°F)? If yes, you almost certainly need T3 therapy as part of your preparation.

Liver Health:Are your liver enzymes (AST, ALT) within a normal range? A stressed liver makes fasting more dangerous. If they are high, prioritize liver support first.

Medications:Are you on any medications, especially ones that are hard on the kidneys or liver? Some medications make fasting dangerous or impossible. Consult your doctor.

Step 1: Baseline Testing

You cannot fix what you cannot measure. Get these tests done before starting:

Test	Why It Matters
Thyroid Panel	TSH, Free T3, Free T4. A low T3 or high TSH means your metabolism is suppressed — a key target of the protocol.
Complete Blood Count (CBC)	Checks for anemia, infection, and immune system status. Low white blood cells or hemoglobin can make fasting risky.
Metabolic Panel	Checks kidney and liver function. Your kidneys will be working hard during a dry fast, so they must be healthy.
Vitamin D & B12	Severe deficiencies in these can cause fatigue, nerve damage, and immune failure. Fix these before fasting.
Ferritin / Iron	Low iron (anemia) causes fatigue and makes fasting much harder. Your body needs iron to transport oxygen during healing.
Morning Cortisol	Low cortisol (adrenal fatigue) is very common in chronic illness. It affects how well your body handles stress, including fasting.

Step 2: Fix Critical Deficiencies

Based on your test results, address these common deficiencies. Do not start the fast with known, severe deficiencies — your body will not respond well.

Priority Supplements Before Fasting

Vitamin D3 + K2:If your Vitamin D is below 40 ng/mL, supplement aggressively (often 5,000–10,000 IU/day with K2) for at least 4–8 weeks before your fast.

B12 (Methylcobalamin):Critical for nerve function and energy. Low B12 is extremely common in chronic illness. Sublingual B12 is absorbed better than pills.

Magnesium (Glycinate or Malate):Most people are deficient. Magnesium is involved in hundreds of enzymatic reactions and is critical for proper insulin function and sleep.

Potassium:Ensure adequate intake from food (avocado, coconut water, fruit) before fasting. Low potassium during a dry fast can affect the heart.

Step 3: Dietary Preparation

What you eat in the weeks before the fast significantly affects how your body responds to it.

Option A: Ketogenic Pre-Fast Diet (Recommended for Sick Patients)

If you are dealing with significant chronic illness, fatigue, or have failed previous fasting attempts: eat a strict ketogenic diet (high-fat, very low carb) for 4–8 weeks before your fast. This trains your body to burn fat efficiently, making the transition into dry fasting much smoother. It also reduces inflammation and improves insulin sensitivity before you begin.

Option B: Standard Pre-Fast Approach (For Healthier Individuals)

If you are relatively healthy and doing a shorter fast (36–72 hours): a strict ketogenic diet for just 3–5 days before starting is sufficient. This depletes glycogen stores and puts your body into a mild ketogenic state, reducing the difficulty of the first 24 hours of the dry fast.

Step 4: Mental Preparation

Setting Your Intention

Write Down Your Why:Before you start, write down exactly why you are doing this. On day 2 or 3, when it feels hardest, you will need to revisit this.

Inform Your Support System:Tell someone you trust that you are doing this fast. For fasts over 72 hours, arrange daily check-ins with this person.

Clear Your Schedule:The fast works best when you can fully rest. Try to schedule it during a period where you have minimal responsibilities. This is not the time for work deadlines or social obligations.

Prepare Your Environment:Stock up on coconut water and soft foods for the refeed. Prepare a cool, comfortable space to rest. Remove temptations.

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