Opinions on the positive effects of water fasting?

ataraxial

I have been reading a lot about the topic and there is a ton of controversy. I read that (obviously) it's not a good solution to permanent weight loss, but I also have read a lot of positive effects i.e. alleviating food addictions and detoxification. Just curious what everyone things. thanks =]

jwdieter

Do a search for "water fast", and you'll see a lot of negative feedback and closed threads. Dangerous and pointless approach.

ataraxial

I'm well aware of the negative feedback, but there is also a lot of positive. I am not referring to fasting for weight loss; more detox and such, also assuming that you are doing it correctly.

ldrosophila

Fasts have always put my food addiction in to high gear. I remember having vivid dreams about food when I was fasting, and the minute the fast was over I'd spend $200 just in binge food at the grocery store.

Mia_RagazzaTosta

I don't know of any positives. There is no such thing as detoxing unless you are a drug addict. You have organs that "detox" you every minute of every day.

bcattoes

I'm well aware of the negative feedback, but there is also a lot of positive. I am not referring to fasting for weight loss; more detox and such, also assuming that you are doing it correctly.

There can be positives to short term fasting. How long do you plan to do it?

RGv2

Holly_Roman_Empire

You'd be hard pressed to find positive reviews of "water fasting" on a fitness site where people mostly try to go about it the healthy way. Detox? Don't even get me started. Unless you've just ingested arsenic, there's nothing to detox. Even then, you'd need more than a water fast to help you.

bcattoes

I don't know of any positives. There is no such thing as detoxing unless you are a drug addict. You have organs that "detox" you every minute of every day.

http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/04/04/regular-fasting-may-boost-heart-health/?_r=0

dayone987

I'm well aware of the negative feedback, but there is also a lot of positive. I am not referring to fasting for weight loss; more detox and such, also assuming that you are doing it correctly.

I'm not aware of much positive unless maybe for religious reasons.
How does one do a water fast correctly?
BTW your body detoxes naturally using your kidney, liver, bowels, and lungs, so going without food is not necessary.

BrianSharpe

I'm well aware of the negative feedback, but there is also a lot of positive. I am not referring to fasting for weight loss; more detox and such, also assuming that you are doing it correctly.

Detoxing meaning??

BrianSharpe

I don't know of any positives. There is no such thing as detoxing unless you are a drug addict. You have organs that "detox" you every minute of every day.

http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/04/04/regular-fasting-may-boost-heart-health/?_r=0

The study showed only an association between fasting and better heart health, which means it’s possible that fasting may not have a direct effect but might just be more common among people who are healthier to begin with. Devout Mormons, for instance, abstain from alcohol, smoking and caffeine, which are all factors that could affect heart health.

at best correlation but more likely selection bias

bcattoes

I don't know of any positives. There is no such thing as detoxing unless you are a drug addict. You have organs that "detox" you every minute of every day.

http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/04/04/regular-fasting-may-boost-heart-health/?_r=0

The study showed only an association between fasting and better heart health, which means it’s possible that fasting may not have a direct effect but might just be more common among people who are healthier to begin with. Devout Mormons, for instance, abstain from alcohol, smoking and caffeine, which are all factors that could affect heart health.

Yeah, I read it. An association between fasting and better heart health is a positive in my book.

And yeah, I also know that correlation does not prove causation. But it doesn't disprove it either.

odusgolp

gabbygirl78

Hauntinglyfit

I have an oxygen addiction, I wonder if a water fast would alleviate that.

Holly_Roman_Empire

The most fitting gif for this thread!

RekindledRose

I think that the best thing you can get from a short term water fast is the mental and spiritual benefits of it. You're overcoming a desire that has a strong hold on you; the desire to eat to fill the emptiness inside.

The emptiness can be emotional or spiritual, but by fasting you can focus on better ways to fill that emptiness. Some people use the time they would normally eat to instead pray, read the Bible or books of encouragement, to meditate or to journal.

Just be careful not to let it become an addiction to fast. Some people here like the Intermittent Fast for health benefits. I'd suggest searching the 'groups' section for them and asking questions there.

Best wishes.

bcattoes

I don't know of any positives. There is no such thing as detoxing unless you are a drug addict. You have organs that "detox" you every minute of every day.

http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/04/04/regular-fasting-may-boost-heart-health/?_r=0

The study showed only an association between fasting and better heart health, which means it’s possible that fasting may not have a direct effect but might just be more common among people who are healthier to begin with. Devout Mormons, for instance, abstain from alcohol, smoking and caffeine, which are all factors that could affect heart health.

at best correlation but more likely selection bias

It's so cute when people think they know more than researchers without actually doing any research.

Wetcoaster

Apr. 26, 2013 — Intermittent fasting is all the rage, but scientific evidence showing how such regimes affect human health is not always clear cut. Now a scientific review in the British Journal of Diabetes and Vascular Disease published by SAGE, suggests that fasting diets may help those with diabetes and cardiovascular disease, alongside established weight loss claims.

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/04/130426115456.htm


Also

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/fasting-diet/AN02161

KANGOOJUMPS

I am all for it!
good fasting groups on here.