In particular I would like to know is it really necessary to use laxatives? Or other supplements? Or do you just stop eating and then start slowly again 5 days later.
I have just done a 3 day water fast to give it a try. With mixed results.
I would suggest starting gradually. Initially I think I did 48hr fasts. After a couple of years I upped to three days. Following Longo's stuff last year I moved to five.
No supplements. Definitely no laxatives ;-)
I don't start eating again particularly slowly. But I don't binge either.
The most amazing thing to me is that I don't get hungry. I haven't eaten since Sunday night, and I feel fine.
It's a sales pitch so obviously needs caution here, but I'm curious - what do you know about a "fasting mimicking diet"? Is it at all effective?
[edit] btw I suggest using google scholar rather than google. intermittent fasting, periodic fasting, prolonged fasting, calorie restriction. Lots of interesting stuff in there.
He (obviously) was an author, not a nutritionist or medial professional. But he was a "fasting practitioner" and has an interesting perspective on this topic.