From the Research
Water fasting, when done safely and appropriately, offers several potential health benefits, including improved insulin sensitivity, reduced inflammation, and potential weight loss, as supported by the most recent and highest quality study 1.
Benefits of Water Fasting
The benefits of water fasting include:
- Autophagy, a cellular cleanup process
- Improved insulin sensitivity
- Reduced inflammation
- Potential weight loss
- Improved metabolic health markers, such as blood pressure and cholesterol levels
Important Considerations
However, water fasting is not appropriate for everyone. People with certain medical conditions, such as diabetes, eating disorders, pregnancy, kidney disease, those taking medications, the elderly, and underweight individuals should avoid water fasting. Side effects can include hunger, fatigue, headaches, dizziness, and in longer fasts, electrolyte imbalances.
Recommendations
Before starting a water fast, it is essential to:
- Consult with a healthcare provider
- Start with shorter fasting periods (12-24 hours)
- Stay well-hydrated
- Break the fast gradually with small, easily digestible meals The benefits of fasting occur because it triggers stress response pathways that enhance cellular resilience and metabolic efficiency while giving the digestive system a rest, as noted in 1. Additionally, fasting has been suggested to enhance immune function, reduce inflammation, and support the body's defense against infections, cancer, and autoimmune diseases, as discussed in 2 and 3. However, it is crucial to prioritize the most recent and highest quality study, which is 1, when making recommendations.