Intermittent fasting becomes more and more popular day by day. The only reason may not be to lose weight or weight control by low-calorie intake, fasting is also supporting cell renewal in our body easily and effectively.
Well, let’s take a look at a different fasting way which named as “Water Fasting”
Water fasting has been preferred in different religions or medical practices since ancient times. This fasting method by drinking just only water, and not consuming any food or liquid that will activate the metabolism for a period of time. If you are ready to hear more, have your cup of alkaline water, and let`s dig in!
Depending on the amount of water entering the body, a natural process in the body activates the detox mechanism and supports the removal of harmful toxins, healing, and cell renewal processes. Now we understand why doctors recommend this practice before surgery better than ever. Right?
Autophagy; which occurs in long-term hunger, is a vital process in which the body’s cells “clean out” any unnecessary or damaged components. “REGENERATE” the body and support the immune system much better. Studies show that water fasting can reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as Type 2 diabetes, blood pressure, and cancer.
Is Water Fasting Safe?
If water fasting is done properly it will be helpful for people especially who have chronic diseases for the cell renewal process, detoxifying the body, protecting the heart from free radicals, and of course, losing weight. Although water fasting may have some benefits, it comes with health risks such as losing the wrong type of weight, and has some symptoms of dehydration including dizziness, headaches, low blood pressure, uric acid production, and eating disorders.
Water fasting should be prescribed and monitored by a doctor and followed by a healthcare professional.
What are the Benefits of Water Fasting?
Our body needs water to survive. Water takes a long journey to reach cells and provide hydration to them. Absorption of water happens faster when we drink it on an empty stomach.
It is very important to maintain a healthy body and stay hydrated. Drinking enough water helps you have high energy and physical performance levels in your daily life, and strengthens your hair growth and skin.
Also by drinking enough water we are helping our cells to clean our liver tissues, which is so important for our detox mechanism.
Getting Your Body Ready
Once you are ready and get the green light from your doctor, you can prepare yourself for fasting.
Even a juicing diet may sound hard to you. So drinking only water during the day sounds probable way harder to do, right? But before you start water fasting, if you prepare yourself mentally and choose a goal to do, it will help you achieve a satisfying result at the end of your journey.
Before 3 to 4 days from the water fasting you should slowly reduce the food intake, stay away from animal proteins (especially meat), dairy products, refined sugar and other processed and maybe start fasting for part of the day.
It`s better not to consume acidic foods and drinks such as fried foods or coffee for to benefit from fasting more.
On the previous days its a good idea to prefer a plant-based whole foods diet with balanced protein, carb, and healthy fat intake
How Do You Water Fast? And Are There Any Tips?
During a water fast, we are not eating or drink anything besides water.
The average of water to drink during the day is two to three liters.
If it`s your first time, your fasting should last for 24 to 72 hours. You shouldn`t water fast for longer than this without medical supervision because of health risks.
Some people may feel weak or dizzy during a water fast and may want to avoid operating heavy machinery, heavy exercises, and driving to avoid causing an accident
Just having nothing but water can not be easy at the beginning. You can feel hungry or have a fasting headache as your body will be in a state of ketosis. But your body will start to get used to this new system and you will be able to maintain your fasting in a relaxed way. Thus, the benefits of water fasting will start to show themselves.
During fasting;
– If your body is not get used to doing hardcore exercises it`s better to prefer light jogging, yoga, or pilates instead of weight lifting or HIIT exercises
– Taking time to rest during the day
– Always be in contact with your doctor when you do not feel well
– And being sure that you are drinking enough water all day are also so important.
How long should I fast?
Water fasting can be done from 3 days to a whole month based on the need and capacity of the person. Again especially after 3 days, it should be done with medical supervision because of health risks.
Water fasting can be repeated several times during the year.
How to Break Fasting?
When breaking a fast, some ideal foods to prefer on day one are vitamin and mineral-rich juices, smoothies, vegetable soups, and coconut water. And on the following days, you can return to your healthy diet routine by adding foods such as fruits, vegetables, nuts, legumes, grains, and animal proteins such as eggs day by day
Last but not least! When you start eating again please remember to practice intuitive eating to approach the food in every little bite, feel full, and be satisfied with food. And also after this amazing journey don`t forget to celebrate yourself with lots of love and gratitude!
