Water Fasting After The Holidays: What Are The Health Benefits?

Imposed since Antiquity for religious and medical reasons, water fasting has been linked with the physical purge of the body and therefore with spiritualization. In other words, by freeing itself from toxins (complete detox) which are the main cause of many diseases, the body is ready to restart. Let us leave aside the different fasting practices according to the religions of all over the world. Our article will focus on the length of the fast and how this reflects on health.

Water fasting, is it necessary and why?

Provided that fasting in general is a method of severely restricting food, but it has been practiced for thousands of years, one wonders what its impact on human health is. What deficiencies the body suffers, are they harmful or beneficial and at what level can they affect the different systems of the body.

If you want to reap the health benefits of fasting, try safer methods like intermittent fasting or two-day fasting which are more liberal and won't deprive you of essentials for survival.

Water fasting is a type of fast that restricts everything except water. It has become more popular in recent years as a quick way to lose weight. Especially after periods of celebration, when the digestive system is overloaded by the overconsumption of salty, sweet, carbonated and alcoholic drinks. Admit it! Your consciousness awakens and alarms you. So, you mobilize good designs and a firm will and you devote yourself body and soul to water fasting.

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Since the beneficial effect of water is indisputable and stimulates autophagy, it makes sense that the risk of certain chronic diseases should be reduced as much as possible. Since autophagy is a process that helps the body break down and recycle potentially harmful parts of cells, you are sure to get rid of toxins and wastes that cause disease. This physiological mechanism of cell destruction by its own lysosomes helps you regulate the proper functioning of all systems.

3-day water fast

Most water fasts last 1 to 3 days. You should not go on a water fast any longer without medical supervision. In fact, several studies have linked water fasting to impressive health benefits, including a lower risk of certain cancers, heart disease, and diabetes.

Drinking lemon water in the morning is a habit that is inspired by water fasting. Several times a day, you can swallow a mixture of lemon juice, water, maple syrup and cayenne pepper. While this is a beneficial practice in many cases, this restriction carries many risks and can be very dangerous if followed for too long.

Of course, hydration is essential for good health, but if you are one of the group of people with gout, diabetes (types 1 and 2), eating disorders, the elderly, pregnant women and children, do not dare to take the initiative of water fasting without medical supervision.

Preparing to fast after the holidays: water fasting for weight loss

If you have never practiced water fasting before, it is recommended that you spend 3 to 4 days preparing your body for lack of food. Indeed, after the festive abundance of tastes, an abrupt stop can have a negative impact on all systems. You can do this by eating smaller portions with each meal or by fasting for part of the day.

As we have already mentioned, the water fast should not be prolonged more than 72 hours. During this period, most fasting people drink up to three liters of water per day. There are some who exceed this amount.

When you finish the deprivation, the small portions return and you begin to prepare your body for the regular diet.

It is not recommended to drive or perform any work while fasting as it is possible to feel faint or dizzy.

If these symptoms persist during the day, it is better to stop the withdrawal. Introduce a smoothie or a light meal in small quantities.

Watch out for post-fasting

The post-fast phase is particularly important after longer fasts. This is because you may be at risk for refeeding syndrome, a potentially dangerous condition in which the body experiences rapid changes in fluid and electrolyte levels.

The adjustment period normally lasts a day, but people who fast for 3 or more days may need up to 3 days before they feel comfortable eating larger meals.

What effect after fasting for 7 days or two weeks

Without doubt, a long-term food deprivation should come under the supervision of the specialist. People with high blood pressure can be successful in lowering it by following a supervised fast. According to a study of 70 target people, a considerable percentage of them found that blood pressure had dropped to healthy levels (120/80 mmHg or less). In addition, the mean drop in blood pressure was 20 mmHg for systolic (the upper value) and 7 mmHg for the diastolic value (the lower value), which is significant. Unfortunately, short-term fasting doesn't have the same effect.

In short, if you want to lower your blood pressure, you must fast for more than three days, but not without medical supervision.

Can we improve insulin and leptin sensitivity?

Thanks to the role of the two hormones in the body's metabolism, vital functions are carried out regularly, for example: insulin helps the body store nutrients for the bloodstream, while leptin helps the body feel full. Both hormones become more sensitive and therefore more effective when the body is fasted.

In other words, being more sensitive to insulin means your body is better able to lower blood sugar. At the same time, being more sensitive to leptin might help your body process hunger signals more effectively and, in turn, lower your risk for obesity.

Can we reduce the risk of many chronic diseases by drinking only water?

There is some evidence that fasting on water can reduce the risk of chronic diseases like diabetes, cancer, and heart disease.

In one study, 30 healthy adults followed a water fast for 24 hours. After fasting, they had significantly lower blood cholesterol and triglyceride levels - two risk factors for heart disease. Analyzing the results of several laboratory studies, it is speculated that fasting for 7 or 14 days can protect the heart against damage caused by free radicals. Apart from the cells themselves, unreliable research shows that water fasting can suppress cellular genes and enhance the effects of chemotherapy.

A water fast for 3 weeks: is it possible?

Yes of course ! But before embarking on such a risky project, you should consult a doctor to map your physical condition at that time. Medical analyzes are not superfluous. Watch the video below to continue the 20 days of proof of will you need to show the decision made.

Are There Any Health Risks From Fasting?

By the way, the drainage of the body is favorable to be able to eliminate toxins and limit calories. As a result, you will lose a lot of weight quickly, (approximately one kilogram per day of fasting). However, much of the weight you lose can come from water, carbohydrates, and even muscle mass. It leads to severe dehydration even if it seems strange to you. This is because about 20-30% of your daily water intake comes from the foods you eat. If you drink the same amount of water but do not eat food, you may not be getting enough fluids.

Symptoms of dehydration include dizziness, nausea, headache, constipation, low blood pressure, and low productivity. To avoid dehydration, you may need to drink more than usual.

Another consequence of the rapid loss of body fluids is postural hypotension. It is expressed by a drop in blood pressure which occurs when you stand up suddenly. Dizziness, lightheadedness and you are in a daze. Driving point and work to avoid an accident.

Medical conditions that can be aggravated by even a short water fast

While fasting on water can have some health benefits, it comes with many risks and dangers. For example, it can put you at risk for muscle loss, dehydration, changes in blood pressure, and a variety of other health issues.

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Water fasting can increase the production of uric acid which is a risk factor for gout attacks.

Diabetes

There are a lot of unwanted side effects in type 1 and type 2 diabetes when fasting, including low blood sugar and therefore fainting.

Eating disorders

There is some evidence that fasting can encourage eating disorders like bulimia, especially in adolescents.

These risks are often linked. When the body does not have access to carbohydrates which are its preferred source of energy, it uses fat. Thus, a fast can lead to weight loss because the body uses fat for its energy.