There are different reasons why one can take on water fasting. This might be related to religious and spiritual reasons, whilst others may opt for it to detoxify their bodies and lose weight. Whilst there are health benefits, fasting for too long can be extremely dangerous.The method of fasting refers to restricting the amount of food one consumes. It is a popular strategy for weight loss and has been practiced for thousands of years. We hear a lot about different fasting diets, such as the complete elimination of carb intake, or else limiting food consumption to one meal a day. These do not seem to be aggressive diets as most people can imagine themselves undergoing such regimes for at least a set amount of days. On the other hand, there is one particular diet which seems to be one hell of a commitment, the water only fasting diet!
In this diet regime, the only thing you can consume is water and it has gained popularity in recent times as a strong weight loss option. One should not just think of this diet as detrimental to the body. There are indeed some health benefits such as reducing the risk of chronic diseases, the stimulation of autophagy and the lowering of blood pressure.
Whilst it does contribute to fast weight loss, there are some dangers you need to be aware of. The studies surrounding this diet are limited and it is not a regime which can be adopted by anyone.
Most of the water fast diets take around one to three days and should not last longer without the appropriate medical supervision. First off, you should avoid driving or dealing with machinery, considering that it is a normal part of the process to feel dizzy, making you more susceptible to an accident.
Following this fast, you will need to adapt your body accordingly and not give in to the temptation of eating a large meal. Eating a large meal following such a fast can have repercussions since the body goes into a state of shock, which can potentially become fatal due to changes in fluid and electrolytes.
Whilst it may sound strange, committing to a water only fast can put you into a state of dehydration. This is due to the fact that a significant part of the water we consume comes from the food we eat.
Water fasting may also worsen some medical conditions one may have. This is precisely why someone should speak to a doctor prior to trying out this diet. People who suffer from chronic kidney disease can create further problems by engaging in water fasting. It may also promote eating disorders such as bulimia, most particularly amongst teenagers. One may also suffer from heartburn where the body produces a lot of stomach acid, with no food to digest.
Think water fasting is a good idea? Let us know in the comments section.
