Water fasting involves consuming only water and abstaining from solid food for a short period.
There may be health benefits to this practice, but there are also drawbacks and potential dangers.
Water fasting may cause several harmful side effects, though, and isnt appropriate for everyone.
Silvia Bianchini / Getty Images
Silvia Bianchini / Getty Images
What Is Water Fasting?
Water fasting is when you consume nothing but water for a day or more.
This means abstaining from all solid food.
Fasts typically last anywhere from 24 to 72 hours, but some people may fast for longer.
In general, fasts can be broken into the following two phases: water fast and post-fast.
Some studies recommend drinking water whenever you want; others are more specific about the amount you should drink.
Longer duration water fasting can be dangerous and should not be attempted without significant medical supervision.
Post-Fast (1 to 3 Days)
Once fasting is complete, the post-fast phase begins.
During this time, you could slowly reintroduce small meals into your day.
This is called refeeding.
That said, several studies have shown positive effects on your health.
This rebuilding process helps your cells withstand stresses and fight against invading pathogens.
Initial studies show that the process of autophagy is accelerated in individuals who are fasting.
Blood Pressure
Another purported benefit of short-term water fasting is the claim that it lowers blood pressure.
Putting you at risk for hyperglycemia or uncontrolled diabetes.
If you have diabetes or trouble controlling your blood sugar, this means fasting may be beneficial.
The reduction of leptin impacts you beyond the three-day fast.
Several risks and dangers are associated with this practice.
However, counter arguments say that increasing physical activity may offset this issue.
Dehydration
It may seem counterintuitive that drinking only water canleave you dehydrated.
However, much of the water in your body comes from the food you eat.
Deviating from your normal diet can dramatically reduce your internal water levels.
This results in rapid metabolic changes and can be fatal.
Orthostatic Hypotension
If water fasting causes dehydration, it may also lead toorthostatic hypotension.
Most people who try a water fast do so because it can cause quick reductions in body weight.
Keep in mind, however, that this reduction may be primarily from a loss in water weight.
A small amount may also be attributed to the breakdown of your bodys muscle mass.
In addition, water fasting can lead to several adverse and potentially dangerous side effects.
As a result, eating abalanced dietand regularly exercising may be a healthier way to lose weight.
Summary
Water fasting can cause quick weight loss, but it is not without its dangers.
Consult a healthcare provider before beginning any throw in of fast.
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