Water Fasting...What's your experience?

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Replies

  • AliceDark
    AliceDark Posts: 3,886 Member
    There are reasons that lots of the world's spiritual traditions and religions incorporate fasting. Short-term fasts can be useful in a spiritual sense to help you do things like focus your intentions on a specific goal or problem in your life. If you approach it as a mental break or reset, you might find it useful for your life. Physically, though, it won't do anything in the long term. Our bodies are much tougher and much more flexible than we give them credit for.

    Keep in mind that fasting during summer is more taxing that fasting during other seasons, so pick a day when you can take it relatively easy. Don't go run around outside in full sun. You might also want to incorporate some salts or electrolytes into your water.
  • Rammer123
    Rammer123 Posts: 679 Member
    stanmann571 wrote: »
    If you're doing a 24-48 hour water fast for spiritual/psychological benefit. Be purposeful and deliberate.

    Prepare yourself physically and mentally. If caffeine is an issue, deal with that in the days previous to the fast.

    During the fast, take the time you would normally have spent preparing and eating your meals to devote to some other purpose, Pray, meditate, etc.

    That is in my opinion one major benefit of the fasting period, the extra time to put towards self growth or spiritual growth.

    Afterwards, set aside time to reflect on how you felt before, during, and after. If a "reset" is what you're looking for. take advantage of the experience to reset.

    Above all, remember, it's a discipline, not a punishment.

    This ^
  • LadyLilion
    LadyLilion Posts: 276 Member
    edited July 2017
    When I was in college in the 80's my roommate and I did this fad diet thing where we fasted three days a week and ate normally the other four (I think we drank water and juice). We lost weight...while we were doing it. Gained it back when we started eating 7 days a week though. I don't recall any ill effects, other than being hungry. It didn't last long though, because - food. Would I do it again? No. Because - food... and of course, any loss doesn't last.
  • StrongGirlFitGirl
    StrongGirlFitGirl Posts: 183 Member
    stanmann571 wrote: »
    If you're doing a 24-48 hour water fast for spiritual/psychological benefit. Be purposeful and deliberate.

    Prepare yourself physically and mentally. If caffeine is an issue, deal with that in the days previous to the fast.

    During the fast, take the time you would normally have spent preparing and eating your meals to devote to some other purpose, Pray, meditate, etc.

    That is in my opinion one major benefit of the fasting period, the extra time to put towards self growth or spiritual growth.

    Afterwards, set aside time to reflect on how you felt before, during, and after. If a "reset" is what you're looking for. take advantage of the experience to reset.

    Above all, remember, it's a discipline, not a punishment.

    This is such a well-articulated, thoughtful response! I personally don't water fast, but I understand the desire for a deliberate, sort of radical, event to inspire reflection and denote a change.
  • kimny72
    kimny72 Posts: 16,011 Member
    doggerland wrote: »
    stanmann571 wrote: »
    If you're doing a 24-48 hour water fast for spiritual/psychological benefit. Be purposeful and deliberate.

    Prepare yourself physically and mentally. If caffeine is an issue, deal with that in the days previous to the fast.

    During the fast, take the time you would normally have spent preparing and eating your meals to devote to some other purpose, Pray, meditate, etc.

    That is in my opinion one major benefit of the fasting period, the extra time to put towards self growth or spiritual growth.

    Afterwards, set aside time to reflect on how you felt before, during, and after. If a "reset" is what you're looking for. take advantage of the experience to reset.

    Above all, remember, it's a discipline, not a punishment.

    This is such a well-articulated, thoughtful response! I personally don't water fast, but I understand the desire for a deliberate, sort of radical, event to inspire reflection and denote a change.

    I agree (with you and with @stanmann571 post), but OP specifically stated she wanted to do it as a detox, because a friend said a water fast helped her detox her system which made living a healthier lifestyle easier. And OP has already radically changed her diet. I get that fasting can be a spiritual tool (though one that would not work for me because hangry LOL) but nothing OP has said would suggest this is her goal.
  • DharmainHeels
    DharmainHeels Posts: 94 Member
    I don't think this will get the support or answers you are looking for when most people are on health and fitness lifestyles which is usually the opposite of fasting. Spiritual groups might be more your thing for advice and support since those are the types who tend to do things like that.
  • stanmann571
    stanmann571 Posts: 5,727 Member
    awildwomanatheart wrote: »
    Hi Everyone,
    So recently I've been researching water fasting. Not just for my health, but I also feel very drawn to it for other personal reasons as well. An overall reset lets say. I was just wondering if anyone here has ever done one, and if so, what was your experience? In addition:

    How long did you fast for?
    What were your pros/cons?
    Overall, how did you feel during and after it?
    Would you do it again, why or why not?

    Just hoping to gain some insight, so that I can make a well informed decision. Thanks so much. I hope you all are having a great day and your journey is awesome :)
    kimny72 wrote: »
    doggerland wrote: »
    stanmann571 wrote: »
    If you're doing a 24-48 hour water fast for spiritual/psychological benefit. Be purposeful and deliberate.

    Prepare yourself physically and mentally. If caffeine is an issue, deal with that in the days previous to the fast.

    During the fast, take the time you would normally have spent preparing and eating your meals to devote to some other purpose, Pray, meditate, etc.

    That is in my opinion one major benefit of the fasting period, the extra time to put towards self growth or spiritual growth.

    Afterwards, set aside time to reflect on how you felt before, during, and after. If a "reset" is what you're looking for. take advantage of the experience to reset.

    Above all, remember, it's a discipline, not a punishment.

    This is such a well-articulated, thoughtful response! I personally don't water fast, but I understand the desire for a deliberate, sort of radical, event to inspire reflection and denote a change.

    I agree (with you and with @stanmann571 post), but OP specifically stated she wanted to do it as a detox, because a friend said a water fast helped her detox her system which made living a healthier lifestyle easier. And OP has already radically changed her diet. I get that fasting can be a spiritual tool (though one that would not work for me because hangry LOL) but nothing OP has said would suggest this is her goal.

    Nothing there about detox.
  • stanmann571
    stanmann571 Posts: 5,727 Member
    ashliedelgado wrote: »
    RAD_Fitness wrote: »
    ashliedelgado wrote: »
    awildwomanatheart wrote: »
    Christine_72 wrote: »
    @awildwomanatheart I guess it would help to explain why you want to do this water fast, and what you're hoping to accomplish by doing it? :smile:

    Well first of all, I haven't decided yet to do one, but my initial interest was drawn by some friends of mine who have done so before. They talked about how it, in their words, helped to detox/reset their systems, start their new lifestyles fresh, and for one over time has helped her maintain a healthy lifestyle. I've already changed my habits, sticking mainly to proteins, veggies, fruit and only water. No added sugars or processed foods, and already I feel a lot better. I was only considering a fast for a day or two just to perhaps help detox a bit more. Nothing extreme, I assure you.

    If you have healthy kidneys and a healthy liver, you do not need to reset or detox, and you're buying into the bs the diet/health industry is selling you. You ARE following trends.

    Water fasting is not a trend.

    "detoxing" and "resetting" are trends that are fed to us by the diet industry. Again, barring health issues, the body does all the detoxing it needs on its own and doesn't need help.

    Yes, but water fasting is something 99% of world religions have done for millennia.
  • ashliedelgado
    ashliedelgado Posts: 814 Member
    awildwomanatheart wrote: »
    Christine_72 wrote: »
    @awildwomanatheart I guess it would help to explain why you want to do this water fast, and what you're hoping to accomplish by doing it? :smile:

    Well first of all, I haven't decided yet to do one, but my initial interest was drawn by some friends of mine who have done so before. They talked about how it, in their words, helped to detox/reset their systems, start their new lifestyles fresh, and for one over time has helped her maintain a healthy lifestyle. I've already changed my habits, sticking mainly to proteins, veggies, fruit and only water. No added sugars or processed foods, and already I feel a lot better. I was only considering a fast for a day or two just to perhaps help detox a bit more. Nothing extreme, I assure you.

    Her initial interest was sparked by people who used it to "detox and reset their systems".
  • ashliedelgado
    ashliedelgado Posts: 814 Member
    edited July 2017
    Edited because double post.
  • kimny72
    kimny72 Posts: 16,011 Member
    awildwomanatheart wrote: »
    Christine_72 wrote: »
    @awildwomanatheart I guess it would help to explain why you want to do this water fast, and what you're hoping to accomplish by doing it? :smile:

    Well first of all, I haven't decided yet to do one, but my initial interest was drawn by some friends of mine who have done so before. They talked about how it, in their words, helped to detox/reset their systems, start their new lifestyles fresh, and for one over time has helped her maintain a healthy lifestyle. I've already changed my habits, sticking mainly to proteins, veggies, fruit and only water. No added sugars or processed foods, and already I feel a lot better. I was only considering a fast for a day or two just to perhaps help detox a bit more. Nothing extreme, I assure you.

    @stanmann571 She posted this later in the thread. So I guess mixed messages.
  • lemurcat12
    lemurcat12 Posts: 30,886 Member
    edited July 2017
    stelafaro wrote: »
    Intermittent fasting can be very helpful to weight loss. Many studies show that it can have powerful effects on your body and brain, and may even help you live longer.

    Intermittent fasting is not the subject of the thread.

    It is helpful for some, but because it helps reduce calories/keep a deficit.
  • Iamnotasenior
    Iamnotasenior Posts: 235 Member
    Intermittent fasting (up to two non-consecutive days per week) has been shown to improve brain function and ward off the brain deposits that accompany altzheimers. Like anything, you should ease into it a little at a time, so going five days without any food is not a good idea. Here is the article about the studies being done on fasting from Johns Hopkins University. http://www.johnshopkinshealthreview.com/issues/spring-summer-2016/articles/are-there-any-proven-benefits-to-fasting
  • inertiastrength
    inertiastrength Posts: 2,343 Member
    Once I did a fast for 24 hours for a fundraiser. Was hell
  • awildwomanatheart
    awildwomanatheart Posts: 89 Member
    rybo wrote: »
    Has the OP ever stated the length of the fast? There's really nothing unhealthy about going 24-36 hours without eating

    Yes, I was thinking for 24-48hrs.
  • savithny
    savithny Posts: 1,200 Member
    If you want to fast for spiritual benefit, you do it for that. Not for weight loss, not for some kind of mythical "system reset."

    Several religious groups in the US have issued a call to a monthly fast to respond to efforts to cut anti-poverty programs. Many people are responding positively. But to try to turn that into "how much weight can I lose?" seems to miss the point of spiritual fasting.
    How do we fast? We are calling for prayer, fasting, and advocacy. Fasting is an effort to clear our bodies, our hearts, and our minds from the distractions around us so that we may draw closer to God. Fasting from food is one option that many will choose. But we invite people to take on the discipline of self-denial, which will help them rely more fully on God. Some may fast from technology, social media, or television.
  • Momepro
    Momepro Posts: 1,509 Member
    If you are otherwise healthy, then a fast for a couple of days probably won't cause any long term, serious damage. Make sure you have a Dr,s ok first, because you don't want to have a low insulin reaction or pass out from hypoglycemia, or low blood pressure. They are done for religious reasons all the time, largely because it is a sacrifice that the majority of people can do without a ton of preparation or destroying thier life.
    However, for health and diet reasons, as has been pointed out, there is no real benefit, and several possible adverse affects. So it is probably not worth the extra effort and discomfort.
  • lemurcat12
    lemurcat12 Posts: 30,886 Member
    edited July 2017
    rybo wrote: »
    Has the OP ever stated the length of the fast? There's really nothing unhealthy about going 24-36 hours without eating

    That was the first thing I asked her.

    Agree no health issue with an occasional 24-36 hour fast. (24 is really just basically OMAD, as someone else mentioned.)

    Worth understanding it's not a great weightloss strategy (well, OMAD can be, but would not usually be called water fasting) and doesn't detox you. Whether it has spiritual benefits depends on the person and how it is approached, so it certainly could be worthwhile for that, IMO, but then I wouldn't focus on it in a diet context.
  • Psychgrrl
    Psychgrrl Posts: 3,177 Member
    awildwomanatheart wrote: »
    Christine_72 wrote: »
    @awildwomanatheart I guess it would help to explain why you want to do this water fast, and what you're hoping to accomplish by doing it? :smile:

    Well first of all, I haven't decided yet to do one, but my initial interest was drawn by some friends of mine who have done so before. They talked about how it, in their words, helped to detox/reset their systems, start their new lifestyles fresh, and for one over time has helped her maintain a healthy lifestyle. I've already changed my habits, sticking mainly to proteins, veggies, fruit and only water. No added sugars or processed foods, and already I feel a lot better. I was only considering a fast for a day or two just to perhaps help detox a bit more. Nothing extreme, I assure you.

    The benefits of a "reset" are purely psychological. There is nothing that happens in a biochemical way to "reset" your body due to a water fast or any other kind of alleged "jump start."
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