Water Fasting Results Before and After
As the term suggests, when a person doesn’t eat food but drinks only water, it is called water fasting. This unique kind of fasting might help you lose weight among other health benefits. Apart from losing weight, some people undertake water fasting for religious reasons or to combat specific health issues.
However, research shows that occasional water fasting might help you reduce fat, other methods are more effective in the long run. To ensure the safe implementation of water fasting, you should prepare properly and choose a time where you can go without food for some time. Read on to find out more about the before and after results of water fasting.
WHAT IS WATER FASTING AND WHAT ARE ITS BENEFITS?
Typically, when a person doesn’t eat or drink anything other than water it is called water fast. In general, most water fast lasts for 24 to 72 hours. However, water fasting longer than the said timeframe isn’t recommended without medical supervision.
Even medical experts suggest that water fasting for 1 to 3 days should be the maximum time that one should go without food. Although people have undertaken water fast for religious or spiritual reasons, it has now become a trend when it comes to health and wellness regimes.
People with certain types of diseases or conditions could benefit from the results of short-term fasting. The conditions include the following.
* High blood pressure
* Heart disease
* Being overweight
* Diabetes
* High cholesterol
These risk factors are often related when it comes to reducing fat. If your body doesn’t have an adequate amount of carbohydrates, which is the preferred means of energy for your body, it will use fats. Hence, water fast might result in weight loss because the body will utilize fats stored in the body to get energy.
Besides, the best way to combat weight loss according to research is to water fast slowly and follow up later with exercise and a healthy diet. In addition, you should try to change some of your eating habits. For example, reduce your intake of snacks and sugary foods.
WATER FASTING BEFORE AND AFTER RESULTS:
Both animal and human studies have linked water fast to several health benefits and the results before and after were noteworthy. Here are some of them.
MIGHT HELP LOWER BLOOD PRESSURE
A study that included 68 people with high blood pressure was water fasted for about 14 days under strict medical supervision. When the fast came to an end, around 82% of people have managed to lower their blood pressure to healthy levels. In another study, 90% of the 174 people have significantly lowered their blood pressure.
MIGHT PROMOTE AUTOPHAGY
When it comes to protecting against certain types of diseases such as cancer, heart, and Alzheimer’s disease, autophagy helps a lot. Research on animals has consistently proved that water fast helps promote autophagy. Although there aren’t many human studies on this matter, the results might be impressive.
HELP LOWER SEVERAL CHRONIC DISEASES
Certain evidence shows that water fast might help lower the risk of several chronic diseases such as cancer, diabetes, and heart disease. A study conducted on 30 adults showed results of lowered triglycerides and cholesterol levels, which are the biggest risk factors for heart disease. Also, water fast protects the heart from damage against free radicals.
HELP IMPROVE LEPTIN AND INSULIN SENSITIVITY
Leptin makes your body feel full, whereas insulin stores nutrients from the bloodstream. Several studies show that water fast can make your body more sensitive to insulin and leptin. Besides, larger sensitivity can make these hormones even more effective.
With increased leptin sensitivity, your body processes hunger signals efficiently. And, with elevated insulin sensitivity, your body becomes more effective when it is about reducing blood sugar levels.
IS WATER FASTING SAFE?
There is no denying that there are potential health benefits to water fasting. But it carries a considerable amount of risks if you undertake fasting for too long. Also, it might be dangerous for people whose age or health puts them at high risk of bodily damage.
People with serious health issues should consider taking the fast. Also, if they plan to fast for more than 24 hours, it is wise to consult with a medical professional. That way, they can know whether or not to take the fast.
It is always good to undertake the fast under supervision if you have health concerns. Keep in mind that water fast might not be safe for everyone. Besides, older adults shouldn’t undertake a water fast. Also, people who are underweight and those under 18 should stay away from it.
HOW TO DO WATER FASTING THE RIGHT WAY?
To begin with, there is no specific way to start water fasting. Moreover, some people might even need medical supervision to start a water fast. People with diabetes, gout, eating disorders, pregnant women, elderly people, and children shouldn’t undertake a water fast.
Furthermore, if you haven’t fasted before, it is a good idea to prepare your body for at least 3 to 4 days without eating food. You can do that by consuming a smaller portion of a meal or by fasting for a specific timeframe during the day.
You aren’t allowed to drink or eat anything other than water when you undertake the fast. In general, people tend to drink about 2 to 3 liters of water a day during the fast. And, it will last for 24 to 72 hours.
If you plan to fast more than that, medical supervision is a must. Without it, there might be consequences. However, you may even feel dizzy or weak while fasting. So, try to avoid operating heavy machinery and driving.
After completion of 72 hours, you may not resist the temptation to have a bigger meal. However, avoid heavy meals because they might cause uncomfortable symptoms. The best way out of the situation is to break your fast with small meals or smoothies.
You can introduce large meals when you feel comfortable. It is good to limit your food intake for at least 3 days after 72 hours of water fast. Gradually increase eating larger meals after the said period.
