While intermittent fasting is used widely across the health and fitness industry, and for great reasons, there are some questions about the potential of water fasting.
- Is it safe for all?
- Does it get results?
- Does the positive outweigh the negative?
- How long should a water fast last?
What Is Water Fasting?
Just like the name indicates. Water fasting is staying with a program that only allows the person to drink water. Unlike intermittent fasting that can last anywhere usually from 12 to 20 hours, water fasting can commonly stretch up to 72 hours in length. This means the person would take in zero calories for three straight days. Needless to say, this takes quite a commitment and is not suitable for everyone. Refraining from any nourishment for that period of time is not recommended casually.
Benefits of Water Fasting
Besides getting rid of excess pounds, a water fast is also used for a detox cleansing to eliminate toxins from the body. While lowering both blood pressure and cholesterol levels can happen during a water fast, the person does take a considerable chance in staying with a water fast too long. It can affect mental clarity and those with eating disorders and kidney problems[1] should avoid water fasting or consult with a doctor before attempting.
Besides Water, What Else Can You Drink for Better Health?
If water fasting sounds a bit too extreme for you, and it usually does for most people, intermitten fasting should be right up your alley. During intermittent fasting, the person can drink water, water with lemon, black coffee, and types of tea while in the middle of a fasting period. Plus, intermittent fasting usually is only for 12 to 16 hours or so a day. This will still allow you to lose weight, detox appropriately over a length of time, and receive many other health benefits on top of it.
Slow and Steady
A water fast is something that a person would do once in a blue moon. It is not something people would attempt frequently as it can often do as much bad as good. There are risks that can accompany such a dramatic program.
On the other end, intermittent fasting could be completed day in and day out. When speaking of health advantages, the old adage “slow and steady wins the race” is something that pertains to intermittent fasting and commiting it to a lifestyle change instead of a one-and-done type thing. If wanting to attempt a water fast, definitely approach it smartly and speak to a medical professional before undertaking.
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References
- How to Do Intermittent Fasting Based on a Shift Work Schedule
- Do Nuts Break a Fast and a List of Nuts on Calories
- 5 Steps Starter Pack to Combine Mindful Eating with Intermittent Fasting
- Mindful eating
- Warrior Diet
