A number of years in the past, I began experimenting with water fasting. Over time, I’ve discovered it to be a tremendous expertise, a lot in order that I proceed to do it yearly, a number of occasions a yr. I’ve seen so many advantages, not simply health-wise but in addition mentally and spiritually. It’s been a enjoyable journey to take as I’ve discovered extra and grown stronger with every quick I take.
Earlier than I share extra about my expertise with water fasting, I have to emphasize that that is MY expertise. Whereas fasting is usually thought of protected for brief quantities of time, not everybody can or ought to attempt it. What works for certainly one of us won’t work for everybody.
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That is what labored for me.
What’s Water Fasting?
Because the title suggests, it’s fasting whereas solely consuming water. Nothing however water. Natural teas, black espresso, calorie-free drinks, and dietary supplements will not be a part of water fasting. Simply water. You’ll be able to add in Himalayan salt to your water, which is useful to take care of electrolytes, particularly within the first three days whenever you lose numerous water.
This yr, I’ll even be experimenting with ingesting extra salt water and minerals on the water quick and presumably taking enzymes like Masszymes, which I theorize received’t break the quick however may pace up autophagy.
If it sounds robust, I can say from my expertise, that water fasting is way simpler than different sorts of fasting (bone broth, juicing, and many others.), that are extra dietary modifications and never fasting. The outcomes are far more profound with water fasting than different fasts. This sort of fasting can also be referred to as block fasting or long-term fasting.
How Lengthy Does a Water Quick Final?
Water fasting can differ in length. Quick-term fasts of 24-72 hours are thought of protected for most individuals. Extended fasting contains fasts of 5, seven, and even forty days. I began with a shorter quick of 24 hours to start after which labored my means up. Now, I usually do a five-day water quick as soon as 1 / 4 and an extended seven-day water quick to start out every year off. The longest I’ve fasted is ten days.
Why I Determined to Quick on Water Solely
All through historical past, individuals have fasted by default when entry to meals was restricted or throughout journey when meals was unavailable. As well as, each main faith recommends (or requires) fasting in a roundabout way.
However in trendy occasions, the concept of voluntarily going with out consuming appears absurd to some. Researchers estimate that Individuals don’t even eat simply 4-6 occasions a day like we expect we do. The precise quantity is nearer to 17-18 occasions a day.
Don’t assume you eat that many occasions a day? Contemplate this — from a biochemical perspective, any time we put one thing caloric in our mouths, there’s a digestive occasion. Each hand filled with nuts, each sip of smoothie between meals, or perhaps a sip of espresso with cream. The physique sees all of these as digestive occasions.
Lately, we eat far more, transfer a lot much less, get less sunlight, and have far more synthetic gentle publicity. The percentages will not be in our favor.
I made a decision to experiment with fasting due to all of the well being advantages. Nevertheless, I discovered that I truly felt extra psychological and religious advantages from it than I used to be anticipating. Now, I study far more in regards to the psychological and kind of emotional facet of it.
The Advantages of Water Fasting
Though I’ve researched a number of sorts of fasts (intermittent fasting, fasting mimicking diet), I made a decision to experiment with water fasting due to all the advantages specialists have found.
Research present many optimistic results of fasting, together with:
- It creates autophagy within the physique
- Lowers age-induced irritation within the physique
- Reduces oxidative harm
- Lowers NF-kB activation
- Boosts the immune system
What’s Autophagy?
Autophagy actually means “self-eating”. Basically, during autophagy, the physique recycles previous elements to create new elements.
Analysis reveals that autophagy is a key a part of the physique’s capacity to detoxify and regenerate itself. Fasting and high-intensity train each stimulate it. Even intermittent fasting can have advantages, although the largest outcomes appear to return from longer-term fasting.
Research have discovered that autophagy can result in decreases in danger of most cancers, coronary heart illness, and Alzheimer’s. Different research discovered it could possibly enhance longevity and scale back all-cause mortality. Recycling = good for cardboard and good for our cells too!
Decrease Irritation and Oxidative Injury
Elevated irritation and oxidative harm correlate to early demise, whereas diminished ranges equate to longer life. Individuals who reside to be 100+ years previous share the widespread issue of low ranges of irritation within the physique.
Research present that fasting reduces pro-inflammatory cytokines and irritation within the physique. Particularly, researchers at Yale Faculty of Medication discovered {that a} compound referred to as beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) inhibits NLRP3.
NLRP3 is a part of a set of proteins referred to as the inflammasome, which drives the inflammatory response in a number of issues, together with autoimmune ailments. These embrace Hashimotos, sort 2 diabetes, Alzheimer’s illness, coronary heart illness, and different auto-inflammatory issues.
The researchers discovered that BHB is produced by:
- Fasting (handiest)
- Excessive-intensity train
- Caloric restriction
- A ketogenic diet
Scale back Most cancers & Coronary heart Illness Danger
Rising analysis reveals a hyperlink between fasting and diminished most cancers danger. That is probably as a result of two components listed above: elevated autophagy and diminished oxidative harm/irritation.
Analysis additionally reveals that water fasting might sluggish or halt tumor development, in addition to enhance the chemotherapy results and scale back the unwanted effects. This makes it doubtlessly useful when mixed with typical most cancers remedies.
Yet one more research discovered that water fasting might help shield the guts towards harm from free radicals.
One physician I spoke to claimed that 1-2 five-day water fasts a yr may scale back most cancers danger by greater than 90%! Even when the outcomes aren’t that dramatic, I made a decision it was value a attempt.
Increase the Immune System
A 2014 research discovered that water fasting for simply three days may regenerate the immune system. The researchers discovered that fasting “flips a regenerative change” and prompts stem cells to regenerate new white blood cells.
“It offers the ‘OK’ for stem cells to go forward and start proliferating and rebuild the whole system,” in response to Dr. Valter Longo, Professor of Gerontology and the Organic Sciences on the College of California and writer of The Longevity Diet.
This analysis makes fasting promising for these with immune issues, these present process chemo, and all of us as we age since immune operate declines with age.
Enhance Mind Operate
When fasting, the physique switches from burning glucose to burning fats. As an alternative of glucose, the mind makes use of ketones for gas. Ketones are largely thought of a extra environment friendly gas for the mind. For that reason, fasting is related to elevated psychological readability, focus, and focus.
My Expertise Fasting on Water Solely
Earlier than leaping right into a water-only quick, I researched the potential advantages and talked to a number of specialists. Like I mentioned, I’m not suggesting such a quick for anybody else; I’m simply sharing my private expertise. Anybody contemplating it ought to do their very own analysis and speak to a professional healthcare skilled.
For my first quick, I picked every week freed from journey or any main actions. This turned out to be an excellent factor as a result of, truthful warning… the primary few days of fasting will not be enjoyable. In any respect. However additionally they aren’t as unhealthy as you may assume.
Just a few days earlier than I begin, I deal with consuming much more inexperienced veggies, ingesting water, and taking dietary supplements (they aren’t allowed on a water quick). I additionally ensure my electrolytes are up with homemade electrolyte drinks and add salt to my meals.
Testing on the Water Quick
My experiments with fasting are for analysis in addition to the well being advantages. To judge the results on my physique, I do a number of sorts of testing earlier than, throughout, and after my first quick, together with:
- Full CBC and Thyroid Blood Panel – I ordered with no physician by Life Extension (click on on “lab testing”). I do that earlier than and after the quick to measure outcomes.
- Ketone Testing & Blood Glucose Testing – I used a Keto Mojo meter for each of those. You desire a 1:1 or larger ratio of ketones: glucose in mmol/L throughout fasting to indicate autophagy. You probably have a daily glucose meter that measures in mg/dl, divide that quantity by 18 for mmol/L. For example, my regular fasting blood glucose of 71 divided by 18 is 3.94 mmol/L.
- Breath Acetone Testing – This take a look at measures the quantity of ketones used and might predict fats burned. The blood ketone measurement above determines ketones within the blood, and this one measures the way it’s getting used. I used this device. Of all of the checks, I take into account this one the least vital.
- Intestine Testing – I examined my intestine using Viome earlier than and after to see if there have been any dramatic shifts in intestine well being.
What Type of Water on the Quick?
Since water is the one factor consumed throughout the quick, it’s vital to verify to drink high-quality water. I’ve a whole house filter and a 14-stage under-the-sink filter, so I drink my faucet water. Some individuals favor to make use of distilled water whereas fasting as a result of it’s freed from all minerals.
Electrolyte depletion is among the larger dangers of fasting, so I added some high-quality Himalayan salt to a few glasses of water every day. That is supposed to assist with complications and tiredness.
The quantity of water can also be vital throughout a quick. Ingesting an excessive amount of water could cause issues, as cannot ingesting sufficient. Sources differ on the precise quantity nevertheless it ranges between 2-4 quarts a day. I simply drank when thirsty and added a pinch of salt to a few glasses a day.
What Merchandise Ought to You Keep away from on a Water Quick?
Sources disagree on what merchandise, if any, must be used whereas fasting. Some declare that any lotion, toothpaste, or deodorant will create a metabolic change and break the quick. They advocate brushing with a plain, moist toothbrush and scraping the tongue. Additionally they advocate skipping deodorant. Others say that standard exterior merchandise are fantastic.
Since I make a lot of my magnificence and personal care products, I felt okay utilizing them. I used a pure toothpaste and used magnesium oil for deodorant, since Epsom salt baths are thought of okay. I additionally used cleaning soap every day and didn’t discover any adverse results from this.
Dietary supplements aren’t allowed on fasts. As I discussed, you possibly can add high-quality salt to your water or use Epsom salts. This helps you stability electrolytes throughout the quick.
My Day-by-Day Water Quick Expertise
The primary time I experimented with a water quick, I didn’t know what to anticipate. I hoped to expertise autophagy and elevated stem cell exercise. I’ve observed that my expertise in earlier fasts has been fairly related, however now that I do know what’s coming, I can plan accordingly.
Here’s what I skilled day-to-day:
Day 1
Since I didn’t know what to anticipate, I scheduled a straightforward first day. Issues began out regular, however by dinner, my physique began to note it hadn’t eaten all day, and the starvation hit. Then the tiredness.
General, it wasn’t a horrible day, and I simply took it straightforward. I went to mattress round 9 PM that evening and obtained about 10 hours of sleep.
Day 2-3
These center days had been tough. I used to be nonetheless hungry (clearly) but in addition had fatigue and slight physique aches. I additionally obtained chilly, probably as a result of modifications in T3 that naturally occur throughout fasting. So, I spent numerous time on the sofa with blankets these two days.
I wouldn’t say nowadays had been as bad as the flu (although it’s been a very long time since I’ve had it), however they had been tough.
Days 4+
I liked days 4-7 of my first quick! Vitality got here again with a vengeance, and starvation disappeared. I used to be simply 2-3x extra productive than regular. Many sources declare it is because you might have extra time because you don’t must prepare dinner. For me, this wasn’t true as a result of I nonetheless needed to prepare dinner for my children.
Since I used to be measuring blood ketones, I do know they had been above 4.0 on nowadays, and my adjusted glucose was under it. This implies I used to be in autophagy. Ketones are thought of a cleaner and more practical gas for the mind by some specialists. I’m guessing the psychological readability got here from the elevated ketones.
The one criticism I had throughout nowadays was itchy pores and skin. From my analysis, this could be a widespread response to fasting and weight reduction, however an Epsom salt bath alleviated it.
Breaking a Water Quick Rigorously
Surprisingly, if not executed accurately, one of many greatest danger components of fasting may be the return to regular consuming. The longer the quick, the extra vital the post-fast refeeding interval is. In excessive circumstances, after lengthy fasts, the physique can encounter one thing referred to as refeeding syndrome. That is the place fluids, insulin, and electrolytes get out of stability. In actually excessive circumstances, it may be deadly, so breaking the quick accurately is VERY vital!
Sources advocate starting with broth, tender cooked veggies, some light fruits, and fermented greens. Meat, fish, dairy, and uncooked greens are all slightly harsh for breaking a quick, so it’s higher to attend till day three post-fast for these. Moreover, it’s a good suggestion to attend 4 to 5 days earlier than including in caffeine or alcohol in very small quantities.
My refeed seems slightly bit like this:
- Day 1: Broth, tender cooked veggies in olive oil, avocado, berries, and sauerkraut (All of it tasted wonderful!). I usually break the quick at evening and preserve my meal to round 500 energy to let my digestive system begin working slowly.
- Day 2: Add candy potato and extra quantity of meals.
- Day 3: Add sluggish cooked meats and fish. Additionally add in supplements.
My Water Fasting Outcomes
On my first water quick, I felt actually good after the center of day three. The psychological readability I had was wonderful! This has been my expertise with every quick since that first one. For every quick, I nonetheless monitor my blood glucose and ketones earlier than, throughout, and after.
I additionally examined my blood ranges earlier than and after fasting to verify it didn’t negatively have an effect on my thyroid. Not solely was it not dangerous to my thyroid, however my ranges truly improved!
The most important modifications I observed from my quick had been:
- Weight reduction – Though this wasn’t the primary motive I experimented with water fasting, it was an awesome profit. After I did my first quick, I misplaced over fifteen kilos throughout a one-week quick, of which twelve kilos stayed off. The opposite three kilos had been probably from water and meals within the digestive system.
- Fasting blood glucose – Earlier than the primary water quick, my fasting blood glucose was all the time fairly good — within the mid-80s most days. Whereas fasting, it obtained as little as the 50s however has normalized and is constantly 71-73 each morning, even now that the quick has ended. I exploit this continuous glucose monitor.
- Thyroid ranges – My thyroid antibodies had been already low however obtained even decrease after fasting. All different thyroid hormones stayed the identical or improved.
- Ldl cholesterol – My ldl cholesterol numbers and ratios have all the time been good however improved post-fasting. For a short while, they had been barely elevated, which is regular after fasting, weight reduction, or being in ketosis. Then, they normalized and returned to barely higher ranges.
- Quicker Adaptation to Ketosis – On the time, I used to be experimenting with biking ketosis and utilizing it generally for psychological readability. By day one of many quick, I had achieved ketosis and noticed ranges get as excessive as 5.8 throughout the quick. Since then, I’ve been in a position to get into ketosis in at some point by simply limiting carbohydrates.
Who Ought to Not Water Quick
In brief, nobody ought to quick simply because I did, and everybody ought to completely analysis the dangers of water fasting and speak to a medical skilled earlier than attempting it. Widespread sense and analysis agree that fasting can also be not a good suggestion for:
Pregnant and Breastfeeding Mothers
The time spent rising and nourishing a child is a particular (and exhausting) time and never a time so as to add fasting into the combo. Fasting throughout these occasions can result in nutrient deficiencies and dangerous substances being launched into breast milk.
Youngsters
This goes with out saying, however rising kids ought to by no means do an prolonged quick. In our home, our children generally select to “quick” for one meal moderately than eat a meals they don’t love or in the event that they aren’t hungry. This encourages them to hearken to their our bodies and solely eat when hungry. It isn’t the identical as an prolonged quick, and youngsters ought to by no means prohibit energy for prolonged intervals of time.
That mentioned, children usually don’t wish to eat a lot when sick, and so long as they get sufficient fluids, that is typically thought of okay.
These With Medical Circumstances
Anybody with a well being situation or persistent illness ought to speak to a health care provider earlier than making an attempt any main dietary change, comparable to fasting. These with gout, kidney issues, consuming issues, or diabetes mustn’t quick except below direct medical supervision.
The Backside Line of Water Fasting
I’ve had a optimistic expertise with water fasting. Though the primary few days are slightly tough, I actually recognize the advantages it has on my well-being. I’ve continued to finish fasts each few months and full one longer water quick at the start of every yr. I’ve loved the psychological readability and the bodily advantages every time.
Have you ever ever tried a water quick? In that case, what was your expertise?
