Water fasting is the simplest and most radical form of fasting: for a few days, you “live” on water alone. This is intended to cleanse your body of toxins, among other things – but this has not been scientifically proven.
From base fasting to intermittent fasting: there are numerous ways to fast. The simplest and most radical of these is probably water fasting. For several days you don’t eat anything, just drink at least three liters of still water a day.
However, water fasting is a bit more complicated, because there is a preparation and a follow-up.
This is how water fasting works
Water fasting does not start with the first day without food, but three days before: During this time, fasting people should eat less and only easily digestible foods.
For the first day of the fasting cure, it is often recommended to completely empty the bowel, for example with an enema or with Glauber’s salt. Both methods will leave you with severe diarrhea, so drinking several liters of water is recommended.
However, purging can also have side effects such as dehydration, nausea and poor circulation. In general, the water diet and the effect of “detoxification” are controversial – you will find out more about that in a moment.
Water Fasting: Does It Really Make Sense?
As a rule, water fasting lasts up to two weeks – during this time, fasting people should drink at least three liters of water per day. Those who have never fasted before should limit themselves to five days. Many websites recommend that the project be discussed with a doctor.
Whether medical professionals would agree to a water fast is questionable. The diet is similar to full fasting because you do not supply your body with any calories or significant nutrients during the fasting period. This means that your body switches to starvation metabolism and uses up available energy reserves. This will make you lose weight quickly, but you will also lose muscle mass. Fasting people are considered to be very susceptible to the yo-yo effect.
Netdoktor also warns of the first signs of deficiency when fasting. These can lead to poor concentration or cardiovascular problems, among other things. Gout attacks can also occur.
Water fasting as a detox method: do we really need to detox?
Like many other fasting methods, water fasting is designed to rid your body of toxins, especially if you’re initially laxing. However, this so-called “detox” is controversial.
According to the consumer center, there is no scientific evidence that the body needs to be helped to detoxify. The kidneys and liver take care of that. A 2014 review came to the same conclusion. As a result, there are few and inadequate clinical studies to suggest that a detox can detoxify the liver.
Water fasting: There are gentler alternatives
According to the German Society for Nutrition (DGE), certain fasting cures can have beneficial effects on health. However, it is questionable whether this is also the case with the extreme form of water fasting.
There is no indication that water fasting in particular is supposed to be healthy. Instead, it is associated with some strong side effects. Other fasting methods such as Buchinger fasting, interval fasting, or dinner canceling are less stressful on your body. Also try our alternative fasting plan with unusual ideas.
