Water fasting

JerseyGirlHeart

So, I heard of this interesting craze and I know some people who do it, but in moderation. For instance, water fast for one day, or two days straight. Is there actually any benefits to this what so ever, or should it be avoided at all costs.

Setof2Keys

AVOID!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I'm not sure if you're only taking in water or if you're fasting from water but either way there are no benefits!!! Im glad you're asking, that is what we're here for!!!

_JPH_

I heard it gives the body time to clean dead cells instead of processing calories.

echoica

I have fasted several times (for up to 2 weeks at one point) but any benefits you think you get are very short-lived. I would not recommend it for weight loss as it can be a slippery slope to disordered eating behaviours. If you just want to feel good for a social event then I don't think it is such a big deal.

mrsamyhicks

Bump.... inquiring minds.....

rml_16

I've been water fasting now for two whole hours! I feel great! ;-)

LisaWeir74

Honestly, I would pass out if I did this.......I can't imagine.

_SusieQ_

I am saying this with the utmost compassion, but this scares me to see. I believe you just posted something yesterday about ED's, so to see you now post about water fasting makes me a little concerned. I don't believe any kind of fasting is a healthy way to lost weight long term, and I do not profess to have a great knowledge of eating disorders. But this sets off a lot of red flags. Please be careful.

jbahrami

Remember the key element to health...moderation. Anything in excess is not healthy.

hottottie11

I heard it gives the body time to clean dead cells instead of processing calories.

:huh: I think our bodies is pretty efficient at "cleaning" dead cells and processing calories...at the same time, give it some credit. In fact, what you do you think fuels cell turn-over?

I always thought of fasting as spiritual thing, not particularly for weight loss, what are you trying to accomplish?

brybre0413

A grape fast of 3 days is actually much more effective. It really cleans out your system. You can look it up but mainly you want dark grapes with seeds and drink plenty of water as well. You will get a lot more vitamin benifits and cleansing benefits from a grape fast.

Sublimely_Self_Righteousreused

It's about as effective as going on a fried chicken only diet.

rml_16

A grape fast of 3 days is actually much more effective. It really cleans out your system. You can look it up but mainly you want dark grapes with seeds and drink plenty of water as well. You will get a lot more vitamin benifits and cleansing benefits from a grape fast.

Grapes are woefully low in fiber, so I have no idea how they could effectively clean one's system. Water is great, but on its own will not "cleanse" the way the body needs.

We need fiber and water to do that. Give your body what it needs and there's no reason to do anything crazy. As someone else said, our bodies are very effective at doing what they need to do.

snowbune27

It's about as effective as going on a fried chicken only diet.

Shweedog

It has been shown in many empirical, scientific studies that fasting can improve health and help to eliminate a variety of diseases. Although some fasting methods use juice or various amounts of food, the health of such methods is questionable, according to Dr. Joel Fuhrman. A true fast, he contends, consists of an intake solely of water, and can last (healthily) for extended periods of time when undertaken with the correct knowledge. Any fasts of such nature should be preceded and followed by a healthy diet, and should also be supervised by a knowledgeable physician to make sure that deficiencies of any nutrients do not take place and detract from the healthful benefits of such a fast.

*Fuhrman, Joel, MD, Fasting and Eating for Health : A Medical Doctor's Program for Conquering Disease

tamaraland

just be careful about it. there are a few instances in which it's good (my doctor suggested it to me at the start of my new health regime change partly because I was close to being diabetic). make sure you are exercising during that time and working your muscles because it's easy to wind up losing muscle weight. since you're essentially putting your body in starvation mode be careful not to over-eat when you have your first meal, and eat really good to let your body soak up those nutrients, it will store as much of whatever you eat as it can since you've been depriving it. When I did it for 2 days I lost about 11 pounds, exercised every minute of it I could spare, but be prepared to gain some of it back. Do it only if you've really acquired all the information you can about the pros and cons of it.

Shweedog

Grapes are woefully low in fiber, so I have no idea how they could effectively clean one's system. Water is great, but on its own will not "cleanse" the way the body needs.

We need fiber and water to do that. Give your body what it needs and there's no reason to do anything crazy. As someone else said, our bodies are very effective at doing what they need to do.

Fiber is not the only thing that helps to cleanse our bodies. If you are defining "cleanse" as going to the bathroom and removing waste then yes. But there are several nutrients, antioxidants, etc that help to cleanse different parts of our bodily systems. Grapes happen to contain some of these, some of which have been studied in regards to fighting cancer.

infamousmk

just be careful about it. there are a few instances in which it's good (my doctor suggested it to me at the start of my new health regime change partly because I was close to being diabetic). make sure you are exercising during that time and working your muscles because it's easy to wind up losing muscle weight. since you're essentially putting your body in starvation mode be careful not to over-eat when you have your first meal, and eat really good to let your body soak up those nutrients, it will store as much of whatever you eat as it can since you've been depriving it. When I did it for 2 days I lost about 11 pounds, exercised every minute of it I could spare, but be prepared to gain some of it back. Do it only if you've really acquired all the information you can about the pros and cons of it.

I'm no doctor, but I drink Dr. Pepper ..... and telling someone to exercise while fasting seems like a dangerous and foolhearty suggestion. Are you trying to get OP killed?

Artemis_Acorn

I have fasted for 24 hours one day a month since I was a teenager with the exception of times I was pregnant or nursing. My purpose is for spiritual reasons, not weight loss, however I am very familiar with the health benefits associated with periodic fasting that is not extreme in nature.

Since I have been logging on MFP, my weight has consistantly dropped by one pound after this fast, but that is unimportant in terms of the long-term impacts.

1.) According to two recent studies (2008, 2011), evidence shows that people who fast routinely have a lower prevalence of coronary disease.

2.) Another finding of the study was that levels of human growth hormone increased dramatically after the fasting period, as much as 20 times in men and 13 times in women. This hormone is known to be released during periods of fasting, it is presumed in order to trigger the burning of fat stores and protect lean muscle mass.

3.) Fasting gives the body a break from exposure to sugar, allowing cells to “resensitize” to sugar (helping to regulate insulin).

4.) Fasting resets the metabolic rate.

5.) A brief fast enables the body to do a little catch-up on the elimination of bodily toxins, so it is good for the elimanative organs like the colon, liver, kidneys and skin.

These are documented health benefits, but as I mentioned, I do it for spiritual reasons, and can attest that after my fast, I feel more centered, focused and at peace. "I also feel lighter", which I would describe as the opposite of feeling bloated or weighed down.

Pregnant women, nursing women, diabetics, hypoglycemics, those with eating disorders and people who take medications that require food are NOT good candidates for fasting. If a person has not fasted before, the prudent course would be to check with their doctor before they start.

Trechechus

I get dizzy when I don't eat enough within a few hours. Going for days at a time not eating sounds like a recipe for disaster (and passing out.)

odusgolp

I can't take it.... Exercise every second you can, don't eat, and don't drink water. Does this seriously sound right?

chocolateandvodka

I have fasted for 24 hours one day a month since I was a teenager with the exception of times I was pregnant or nursing. My purpose is for spiritual reasons, not weight loss, however I am very familiar with the health benefits associated with periodic fasting that is not extreme in nature.

Since I have been logging on MFP, my weight has consistantly dropped by one pound after this fast, but that is unimportant in terms of the long-term impacts.

1.) According to two recent studies (2008, 2011), evidence shows that people who fast routinely have a lower prevalence of coronary disease.

2.) Another finding of the study was that levels of human growth hormone increased dramatically after the fasting period, as much as 20 times in men and 13 times in women. This hormone is known to be released during periods of fasting, it is presumed in order to trigger the burning of fat stores and protect lean muscle mass.

3.) Fasting gives the body a break from exposure to sugar, allowing cells to “resensitize” to sugar (helping to regulate insulin).

4.) Fasting resets the metabolic rate.

5.) A brief fast enables the body to do a little catch-up on the elimination of bodily toxins, so it is good for the elimanative organs like the colon, liver, kidneys and skin.

These are documented health benefits, but as I mentioned, I do it for spiritual reasons, and can attest that after my fast, I feel more centered, focused and at peace. "I also feel lighter", which I would describe as the opposite of feeling bloated or weighed down.

Pregnant women, nursing women, diabetics, hypoglycemics, those with eating disorders and people who take medications that require food are NOT good candidates for fasting. If a person has not fasted before, the prudent course would be to check with their doctor before they start.

*applauds. Solid, sensible, and correct.

Artemis_Acorn

I can't take it.... Exercise as every second you can, don't eat, and only drink water. Does this seriously sound right?

As a side note, when I undertake my monthly fast, I make it a point to take it easy - no exercise at all during that period other than meditative deep breathing.

lizziebeth1028

Fasting or denying yourself of precious nutrients, vitamins and energy we get from food intake is not necessary to weight loss. Food is NOT the enemy. It is ok to love food. Learn moderation, stick to a healthy diet, get some exercise and you will become healthier. There is no need to deny yourself.

Jeff92se

So, I heard of this interesting craze and I know some people who do it, but in moderation. For instance, water fast for one day, or two days straight. Is there actually any benefits to this what so ever, or should it be avoided at all costs.

Even people that food fast MUST take water.

A water fast will accomplish nothing but make you lose some water weight and risk some health issues. ie.. dehydration.

adjones5

I can't take it.... Exercise as every second you can, don't eat, and only drink water. Does this seriously sound right?

As a side note, when I undertake my monthly fast, I make it a point to take it easy - no exercise at all during that period other than meditative deep breathing.

I also did a religious fast one day a month for 9 years straight. I did not exercise during the fasting period because the goal was not fitness related, it was spiritual. There were benefits psychologically but I did not notice any physical changes in my body.

vim_n_vigor

I have fasted for 24 hours one day a month since I was a teenager with the exception of times I was pregnant or nursing. My purpose is for spiritual reasons, not weight loss, however I am very familiar with the health benefits associated with periodic fasting that is not extreme in nature.

Since I have been logging on MFP, my weight has consistantly dropped by one pound after this fast, but that is unimportant in terms of the long-term impacts.

1.) According to two recent studies (2008, 2011), evidence shows that people who fast routinely have a lower prevalence of coronary disease.

2.) Another finding of the study was that levels of human growth hormone increased dramatically after the fasting period, as much as 20 times in men and 13 times in women. This hormone is known to be released during periods of fasting, it is presumed in order to trigger the burning of fat stores and protect lean muscle mass.

3.) Fasting gives the body a break from exposure to sugar, allowing cells to “resensitize” to sugar (helping to regulate insulin).

4.) Fasting resets the metabolic rate.

5.) A brief fast enables the body to do a little catch-up on the elimination of bodily toxins, so it is good for the elimanative organs like the colon, liver, kidneys and skin.

These are documented health benefits, but as I mentioned, I do it for spiritual reasons, and can attest that after my fast, I feel more centered, focused and at peace. "I also feel lighter", which I would describe as the opposite of feeling bloated or weighed down.

Pregnant women, nursing women, diabetics, hypoglycemics, those with eating disorders and people who take medications that require food are NOT good candidates for fasting. If a person has not fasted before, the prudent course would be to check with their doctor before they start.

*applauds. Solid, sensible, and correct.

I can agree with this, but definitely not with exercising every chance you get. All of the reading I have done on fasting recommends the sames as you list above. If you are doing it to lose weight specifically, you will most likely not see the benefits you are looking for as you will likely gain the weight back after the fast. There are many cultures that have fasts for different lengths of time as part of their customs or religious beliefs. When practiced correctly, most people should be fine for the fast. Even these religions and customs have exception for medical purposes, the young and elderly and pregnant/nursing mothers.

mochalovies

Intermittent Fasting.

There are different ways you can do it. It is quite wonderful and it is my life style. I fast for 24 hours 2-3 times a week - and have done it for quite a long time. I do not do it for weight loss, I do it for the benefits of fasting. There is plenty of research on it - too much to type here, and I think artemisacorn's post is quite comprehensive. There is a group on Intermittent fasting you can get all kinds of information on it, links, and articles as well. Plenty of people with this lifestyle that you can talk to that are willing to share experiences on it including myself

soccerella

I've been water fasting now for two whole hours! I feel great! ;-)

me too!!!!!

H_Factor

hmmm...not sure if your question is about fasting from food or fasting from water. anyway, you shouldn't go any length of time without water or comparable.

as far as 24 hour fasting from food, its known as intermittent fasting. If you are interested in it, I STRONGLY recommend that you first read Eat Stop Eat. I read it at the beginning of October and have been doing at least one 24 hour fast per week since then (sometimes twice a week). The primary benefit from IF that I have noticed is that it has allowed me to re-focus or stay focus on my journey. Fasting has kicked the crap out of cravings for me. For me, once I convinced my mind that I CAN go without food for 24 or so hours, fasting was fairly easy. What helped me create the mindset was reading the benefits of IF in Eat Stop Eat, as well as following some MFP Forum posts on the subject. In addition to the focus, I believe there are other physical/health benefits that come along with short term IF. Up until last week, I had lost weight each of the 7 weeks that I fasted at least one day. Yesterday's weigh-in was UP 0.2 pounds. I consider that a WIN given what I consumed on Turkey Day and Leftover Day. I fasted from after dinner Saturday until dinnertime Sunday to get re-focused. I don't think IF is the only reason I have had success over the last 2 months, but I do think it has contributed to my success .... both the physical results and its effect on keeping me in the zone for the days when I am not fasting.

trybefan

I always thought of fasting as spiritual thing, not particularly for weight loss, what are you trying to accomplish?

agreed