Water fasting is just another type of fast that only allows you to consume water. These fasts usually can be between 24 hours to 72 hours. During this time, a person does not consume any food and only drinks water.
It is strongly advised not to fast continuously any longer than the period of 24 to 72 hours unless you have medical clearance and are under supervision.
Why would anyone want to fast for that long? There are plenty of reasons why a person would go fasting and only stick to consuming water. These reasons are:
- For religious purposes
- For spiritual reasons
- To detox the body of toxins
- For the health benefits of fasting
- To prepare for a medical procedure or operation
Plenty of people undertakes a fast for its health benefits. It is also because there are many advantages related to a fast, such as lowering the risk of cancer, diabetes, and heart diseases. Fasting has been known to promote autophagy, where the body can break down and recycle parts of the cells that may be dangerous.
Diets such as the lemon detox have been fashioned after liquid fasts. The lemon detox fast allows you to drink, several times a day, a mixture of water, lemon juice with a little bit of cayenne pepper or maple syrup added into it for up to seven days.
Where fasting is concerned, while it does have its health benefits, it is not something without its risks, and it can be dangerous if the fast is prolonged. Here’s how to take care of yourself when fasting:
Get plenty of rest
Experiencing low energy levels during the early stage of the fasting period is common, and it will be vital that you get plenty of rest during this period. Ensure that you maintain an interrupted sleep cycle with a minimum of seven to eight hours of sleep per day. If you need a short power nap during the day, take it.
Don’t do rigorous exercises
Never overexert yourself during this period. Try low-impact activities such as stretching and yoga during the period you are practicing this fast. You may also want to prevent indulging in any cardio or weightlifting exercises during this period, as it may only crank your hunger levels. To help reduce stress during this period, it will also be helpful to get a message that can make the fasting process more enjoyable and help with the body’s detoxification.
Keep yourself hydrated
Try to aim between nine to thirteen glasses of water per day during your short period. Drink only pure water, or you may also opt for distilled water. If you need to replenish your electrolytes, you can also opt to take powder electrolytes such as Tailwind Nutrition products.
Take some salt
If you should feel dizzy, take a pinch of salt and drink it with 250 ml of water. This should balance back your insulin levels in the body. Drinking the water periodically will also help combat the hunger pangs you will feel, especially within the first few days of the fast. It is also important to note that try to break down water consumption equally throughout the entire day. Please don’t drink it all at once.
Avoid blood rushes
Dizziness is also a common symptom experienced by those undergoing prolonged periods of fasting. This usually occurs when you get up too fast. Practice getting up slowly to avoid the sudden blood rush to the head to combat this. Some deep breathing will also help negate this effect. Try to sit or lie down when you get dizzy.
Rest until it passes. If symptoms persist and get worst, stop your fasting and immediately consult a doctor on your condition. Bare feet walking outside on grass or dirt can also be very helpful during this stage. By enabling your body’s electromagnetic current to ground itself into the Earth, you will be allowing the healthy electromagnetic frequencies from the Earth to run through you and act as a form of antioxidants.
Wear the right layers
If you find yourself in a colder climate, you may opt to do this using a pair of socks instead of going barefoot. This method helps to improve your mental clarity and aid in relaxation during the fasting period. Keeping a log during your fasting journey may also help you mentally complete the fast. Keeping notes each day of your body changes, how you feel and what you can help you stay focused on the journey and ensure you stay on track.
Other smaller action items that you can practice during this period are: –
- Use a dry brush when showering (two to four times a day) to enable the skin to expel toxins. Also, it is advisable to bathe in warm water to open up the skin’s pores.
- Use activated charcoal powder to brush your teeth and tongue, as bad breath is common when fasting for prolonged periods.
- Ensure proper ventilation in any room you are in, as body odor is also an issue when fasting.
