Water fasting is becoming popular in social media and people are blindly following this trend for weight loss. When you search it on social media you will get a lot of videos on water fasting and influencers making it an approved practice for weight loss. So what exactly is happening here, and why is this ancient practice suddenly getting viral?
A water fast is basically only having water for a whole day. No food, no juice, no coffee, just water. While fasting has been a spiritual and religious practice for millennia, the modern wellness world has connected it with different reasons like weight loss, cellular renewal, metabolic reset, and even longevity.
Let’s know more about water fasting and is it really safe to do?
What is water fast?
A water fast is a practice where a person only drinks water for 24 to 72 hours. During these hours a person only drinks plain water and nothing else. The practice is not new. Cultures across the world have used fasting for thousands of years for religious purification, spiritual discipline, and as a precursor to medical procedures. Only the way of framing has changed, otherwise it is the same practice done many years ago. People now have made this practice more related to science instead of spiritual practice.
Few reasons why people fast are:
- religious or spiritual reasons
- to lose weight
- for detoxing
- for its health benefits
- preparing for a medical procedure
How to do water fast properly
- Prepare your body before 2-3 days for fasting
- Don’t eat big meal after water fast
- Break your fast with smoothie or small meals
- Water fast only for 24-72 hours.
What are the scientific benefits of water fasting?
The health benefits of water fasting are real, though often overstated online. The benefits of water fasting are:
Although more research is needed to support all these claims.
The Risks You Shouldn't Scroll Past
The risks of a water fast are real, and for some people, it can be dangerous.
The most commonly reported side effects include:
- Headaches
- Fatigue
- Difficulty in sleeping
- Nausea
- Dry mouth
- Irritability and hunger.
These are typically mild to moderate and resolve after eating food.
More serious concerns include:
- Electrolyte imbalances
- Eating syndrome
- Abnormal liver function
- Decreased bone density
Who should avoid water fasting?
People who should avoid water fasting entirely include:
- Pregnant and breastfeeding women
- Children and teenagers
- Older adults
- Those with type 1 or type 2 diabetes
- People with eating disorders
- Anyone on medication that must be taken with food
For these groups, the risks significantly outweigh any potential benefit.
Final Thoughts
Water fasting is not a new trend but it is the practice that was followed in ancient years and still people are following. It was the practice which was related to spirituality but now it is more related to science and its benefits. People who are unaware follow the trend blindly and think it’s something new. Well, there are potential benefits of water fasting but it can be really dangerous for few people so if you want to try water fasting make sure you go through its risks and other factors too. Following water fasting for 24-72 hours is genuine but if you want to extend the time limit then seek advice from a health professional.
Frequently Asked Questions
Signs to stop water fasting?
If you feel dizziness, severe fatigue, rapid weight loss, dark urine or irregular heartbeat stop water fasting immediately.
What not to do while water fasting?
While water fasting, don't exercise, avoid caffeine, don’t drive if feeling weak, avoid stressing yourself and don’t fasting if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Is water fasting good for you?
Water fasting has many benefits like autophagy and weight loss.
References
- Healthline (What are the benefits and dangers of water fasting)
- MedicalNewsToday (Water Fasting: Benefits, Risks, and how to do it)
- National Institute of Health (Is water only safe?)
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