Have you experienced the health benefits of drinking more water? Such as more energy, clear focus, and better digestion? My husband took it a step further and he did a water fast for 10 DAYS! Want to lose weight? Curious what you can drink or eat? And how to safely reintroduce food again? Here is everything you need to know about water fasting!
Water fasting is a set period of time when a person eats no food, and drinks only water. Most people water fast to help detoxify from processed foods, sugar & caffeine in the diet, increased mental clarity, and to give the digestive system a rest.
Note: This is OUR personal story about water fasting. We’re not doctors and have never claimed to be. In no way, shape, or form are we stating that water fasting will cure anything. You should always check with your doctor before embarking on an extended fast, especially if you’re taking any medication!
Reasons to Fast
There are several ways to fast, but my husband chose water fasting for two main reasons:
- To detoxify. Water fasts are generally the quickest way to detoxify. Some even consider this the only “real” way to detoxify your body and bring it back in check.
- Water fasts are the most difficult type of fast. He figured if he could go ten days on water alone, all future fasts of juice or smoothies would be easy in comparison!
- Weight Loss. Although my husband doesn’t struggle with weight loss, many people choose to water fast to shed a few pounds. My personal opinion is I don’t recommend water fasting for weight loss because it’s not a long-term solution. Here’s why:
- Once you start eating again, the weight will likely come back
- AND since the reasons for water fasting aren’t health-based, you’re more likely to re-introduce foods too fast and possibly cause tremendous discomfort (see the section below on reintroducing foods).
Health Benefits
There are several benefits to increasing your water intake in general. But based on my research, here is a summary of the benefits of a water fast:
Fat Burn: After your body has used all the excess calories, it begins burning fat. By default, when you burn fat, you lose weight. Source (1).
Mental Clarity: Likely a side effect of your body not working very hard and in turn causing immense relaxation, but you are able to think much more clearly when fasting.
Detoxify: Fasting allows the body to rid itself of toxins, so a fast should be viewed as a jump start to permanent healthy choices. Introducing and MAINTAINING a proper diet filled with real and nutritious food is what will benefit you the most in the long run. (see note below for more on detox).
Digestive Function: Your digestive system will love you for fasting. It takes about three days into the fast for your system to completely shut down. Liquids in, liquid out, so there will be no bloating from digestive processes.
Notes on Health Benefits:
To regularly detoxify my body from the occasional splurge, I incorporate detox smoothies and detox baths into my weekly routine.
This is OUR personal story about water fasting. We’re not doctors and have never claimed to be. In no way, shape, or form are we stating that water fasting will cure anything. You should always check with your doctor before embarking on an extended fast!
I’ve summarized our findings on the benefits of water fasting here, but if you prefer to see the research for yourself, we recommend reading “Water Fasting for Wellness.”
For a doctor’s viewpoint of water fasting, check out “Fasting and Eating for Health.”
Water Quality
Because you’re only drinking water (and most city water is highly chlorinated due to potential contaminants), it’s important that your water is the best you can afford. Source (2).
Water Filters:
- Berkey water filters are the cream of the crop, known for taking arsenic, uranium, aluminum, and fluoride out of ordinary tap water. While it’s on the pricier side, it’s definitely worth considering not just for water fasting, but for improving the water in your home as a whole.
- The only downside is that Berkey water filters are really tall and can be awkward in the kitchen. We installed a reverse osmosis filtration system under our kitchen sink and we love it!
- Brita, single water bottle w/filter.
What else can I drink besides water?
- Add a slice of lemon to water.
- Tea
- Coffee
- Electrolytes (I like these effervescent tablets).
- Make your own (try this recipe).
- If you’re not a big water drinker in the first place and you don’t think water tastes good, consider an infuser water bottle. You can add slices of fruit that will flavor the water, making it more palatable.
- There are infuser water pitchers too, for making bigger batches of flavored water. My favorite flavor combination is cucumber + mint + lemon – so good!
My Personal Experience
Note: These are written directly from my husband!
- Days 1-3. The first few days were rough, detoxifying symptoms (i.e. hunger, headaches, etc.) were the worst. Probably because of caffeine withdrawal.
- Days 4-6. Much easier than the first three… These days were relatively easy – at least compared to the first three! I started losing weight, 1 – 1 1/2 pounds per day, but there was no problem going to work, playing guitar at church or performing any other daily physical functions.
- Day 7. I will never forget this day – ever. This was the most miserable day I have ever lived on planet earth. I came home from work feeling great, not hungry, thinking clearly… And then my wonderful wife pulled a freshly baked loaf of rosemary olive oil bread from the oven. I wanted that bread, but it wasn’t even possible at this point. Why? Once your digestive system shuts down around day 3, it takes a few days to bring it back up to speed after your water fast is finished (see the FAQs for more info).
- Day 8-10. These days were almost an exact replica of days 4-6. By the end of day 10, my body weight had decreased 15 pounds and I was ready to eat again.
Would I do this again?
All in all, I enjoyed water fasting. It was challenging, but the health benefits (post-fast) were well worth it.
- My digestion improved.
- My blood pressure was lowered.
- And my body was able to detox.
- My long term plan is to fast at least once or twice a year from now on.
Note: My wife likes food too much to do a water fast, be she’s committed to doing a smoothie fast with me whenever I water fast. That might be an option for you if the idea of water fasting is a bit daunting!
What happened on his second water fast…
His second fast was for 5 days and he called it “quick and painless.” He did it shortly after we moved to Georgia and we were living in a one-bedroom apartment. Cooking was hard and minimal, so he simply fasted during the week and the kids and I had sandwiches for dinner.
.. and his third water fast…
His third water fast was for 10 days and was a bit trickier, and we were thankful that he was under the supervision and guidance of a friend who is also a Physician Assistant. It’s hard to pinpoint what made this third fast so hard, and I, unfortunately, have no other details to offer, but it was a good reminder to not make any serious health changes without first consulting your doctor.
… and his fourth water fast…
His fourth water fast was for 5 days and very similar to his second – quick and painless. He’s since switched to decaf coffee, which eliminated the caffeine withdrawals and making Day 2 MUCH easier. He started talking about food on Day 4, which we took as a signal that his body was on target to finish the fast on Day 5 as he had planned.
FAQs
Most people drink plain water during a water fast, but you might also consider:
herbal tea (ginger, peppermint, chamomile & etc.)
green tea
lemon water
black coffee (regular or decaf)
The answer is that it’s really about what you’re comfortable with doing. My husband did not drink coffee because he was using the fast to help detox his body from caffeine and sugar. If you are fasting while guided by your medical professional, it’s best to ask your medical professional if you should still drink coffee while water fasting.
Yes. Some people might start out with intermittent fasting which is found in studies to be a healthy choice. Intermittent fasting might be one day a week, or one day a month. Other people may speak to their healthcare professional and decide to initially try a three day water fast. Sources: (3)(4).
My husband used water to fast for 10 days. But when I fast, I choose to drink real food smoothies. So, there are many different ways to approach water fasting. It really depends on what you’re comfortable with, and what you decide with your health care professional.
Regardless of how long you fast, it’s VERY important to know how long you’re going to fast BEFORE you start. This is more of a mental commitment to anything, but it’s also easy to keep going for “one more day” once you’re in a fasting state, which isn’t always a smart move. Have a known end date and always be under a doctor’s supervision.
My husband ate very light, healthy and nutritious real food. Once you are ready to begin eating food, it takes a few days to bring your digestive system back up to speed. You do this by very slowly introducing food to your digestive system – gradually building back up to solid, in steps. For example:
Days 1-2. Drink fresh juices and clear broths. (Listen to your body. Drink them as often as you feel hungry.)
Days 2-3. Add in fresh fruit and/or pureed fruit like applesauce.
Days 3-4. Add in steamed and soft, easy-to-digest vegetables. Think broth based smooth soups, like butternut squash soup (minus the spices), and also veggies like well-cooked carrots. Try plain mashed potatoes, mashed sweet potatoes & etc.
Note: Save cruciferous veggies (like broccoli, cauliflower & cabbage) for the end of your food reintroduction – once your digestive system is completely up and running. The same goes for foods like nuts, seeds, beans and meat. These foods are harder to digest, and you want to go easy on your digestive system.
Days 4-5. Continue to increase your foods slowly, listening to your body, and eating according to your digestive comfort.
Note: The process of reintroducing food can take anywhere from 7-14 days before your digestive system is back up to fully operational. Eating any solid food while in a fasted state can lead to severe discomfort and even hospitalization!
Other Ways to Detox
Water fasting is definitely on the more extreme side of detoxing your body. However, there are many other ways to detox on a regular basis to keep your body functions optimal.
- DIY Apple Cider Vinegar Elixir is great for a daily boost to your digestive and immune system.
- A Detox Bath is an easy way to relax and allow your body to heal from the everyday toxins we encounter.
- Drinking a Detox Smoothie from time to time will boost your body systems and keep it running smoothly.
- DIY Detox Face Mask with Charcoal and Clay helps to clear your skin and improve your complexion.
- Using a Detoxifying Salt Scrub is a wonderful way to clean your skin and exfoliate while removing toxins.
- Everyday Detox and No Excuses Detox are cookbooks each with 100 recipes for healthy eating. Real food eating and detoxing through diet is an excellent way to keep your body free from toxins.
Several of those detox methods use Bentonite Clay. It’s so good for your body in many ways (more about that here). If you’re just starting out try one of these smaller containers of Bentonite Clay. But if you’re like me and use it for all sorts of things around the house, buy it in bulk!
I’m 9 days into my water fast now. Feeling really well and going to see how long I can go. I have quite a bit of fat to lose, as well as healing gut problems (the symptoms sound like SIBO). Thank you for this blog. It’s very insightful, especially the re-feeding part. I plan on taking that past very seriously. Your thoughts on it are a great outline for me to follow when that time comes.
Kaarina that’s awesome! Thanks for sharing 🙂
I’m on day 10 and my belly is still grumbling terribly. Any suggestions?
Thank you very much for the great insights. I’m in my 11th day of fasting.
I’ve lost a 15Ibs, my worry is what I need to do so I don’t regain the weight lost.
Any recommendations?
Hi Nana, We don’t recommend fasting for weight loss. It’s not a long term solution. Please talk to your doctor about what’s best for you! 🙂
I’ve been fasting for over 20 years. Sometimes I do 21 days, 14 days, 10 days. I’m currently on Day 5 right now. I used to do the lemonade/cayenne pepper/maple syrup, but that became unbearable. Once I was on Day 17 of a 21-day fast and had a dental appt. It was a F/U for periodontist disease. My pockets were between, I kid you not, 10 -12. I was told I would lose about 5 or 6 teeth. It was a complete coincidence that I chose to fast during that time period. But when I went for my follow up, during her exam, the hygienist called in the dentist to recheck her work because she was confused and wanted to know if she had the right chart. He began to examine me as well and like her, had a strange look on his face and rechecked to see if he had the right chart. He did. He didn’t know it and neither did I at the time, but my 10 – 12 pockets had went down to 2s and 3s. He was amazed and said he had never seen anything like this ever because periodontist disease was irreversible. He asked what I had done. If I had taken and herbal products or anything. I said I haven’t done anything different other than brushing and flossing like you said. He told me that wouldn’t do it alone because I had lost too much bone tissue. He decided to cough it up to me following orders and asked me to write a testimonial on his website. It wasn’t until after I got home and remembered that during a fast, your body scours for dead tissues or toxins to repair. Since mine had gone on so long, 17 days, the fast had nothing else to heal in my body so it went to my much-needed repair gum tissues and healed them. I even ended up losing only 1 of the estimated 5 or 6 teeth he thought I would lose. That’s the only thing I did differently since the last time I saw the dentist and the periodontist. I was then convinced that fasting is for real. The only thing I want to confirm, because I think I know, is a water fast just as effective or better than having a colonoscopy? If so, how many days should do the job effectively as a colonoscopy? I’m thinking 10 days because I stop having BMs after 7 or 8 days. Thanks!
A water fast is not a substitution for a colonoscopy. Fasting can do great things for your body but you still need medical emergency prevention texting.
This is exceptionally educational and supportive post in the blog posting world. All Your posts consistently give us some subjective things. thank you such a for sharing this post.
Happy you like it, Sana
Am so glad unto the LORD. wonderful message. Truth I also went on water fasting and I was led by the HOLY SPIRIT u cant imagine how it did wonders in my life .l had high blood pressure but recovered from it till now and my body systems was completely bad, liver was fatty and had a big stomach which had made shapeless but PROFESSIONAL EXPERT DOCTOR JEHOVAH our Healer did all that .Really I realised it later on .Some Christian think drinking water while fasting is a sin yet it’s not. OUR GOD is source of life ,/LIVING WATER.
What about chronic Meds like BP and Cholesteral meds? Can I still take them?
You should always take the medicines you need to stay healthy according to your medical professionals.
What if IM on chronic meds for BP/Cholesterol/TBI?
You should always take the medications that are prescribed by medical professionals in order to stay healthy.
There are many ups and downs in life, but those who struggle never lose, you have written such a beautiful post that I have been encouraged to struggle more by seeing this post, I also want to write good posts like you, the design of this post. It is very beautiful and the content that you have written in this post is even more beautiful.
Ishika, we are so humbled to hear all of your beautiful comments!
Thank you for the information I read in this post. I found it “gentle” and “encouraging”. I am on day 8. Although this is my second fast, my first was 100% water only, a few years ago. This fast I hot water in the morning with ACV, one squeezed lemon, honey, and a dash of cayenne pepper. My BP 110’s/60’s.
I will restart eating using your advice. I only weigh weekly, but on day 5 I had a doctor’s appointment and was down 8 lbs. Bless you all and all who go this route. Let’s lobby to get healthier foods more widespread. -Mager
I regularly do extended fasts of 6-12 days. I don’t do it primarily for weight loss, but it is a bonus.
Work up to an extended fast or you will be miserable and doomed to fail. I started intermittent fasting and gradually transitioned into 3+ day fasts. Now, it is a piece of cake for me and I feel amazing.
Dr Jason Fung is the guru in the area – plenty of books, articles and videos on it. Do what works for you – safely . Dr Fung says coffee & green tea (plain) are fine. Also recommends supplementing with pink salt, magnesium, and potassium – electrolytes that your body needs to function. Listen to your body. Hydrate, if you feel lightheaded, add in the salt, mag, and potassium. Take it an hour at a time if you feel you are struggling.
Great tips, SC!
Hey, Tiff. Coffee totally counts as water! It’s water with coffee bean… uh… EXTRACT! Yeah, that’s it! It’s water with coffee bean extract. Right???
Ha! In all seriousness, good post! I’m an IFer. I generally keep a 6 to 8 hr eating window every day. Since I’ve been doing keto the last couple of years, it’s been pretty easy to just not eat in the morning. My fasting blood sugar is normal (former hypoglycemic), and my belly takes a while to actually growl. Why not IF? I’m not sure I’m brave enough to attempt a 10 day fast, though. I’ve done 24hrs before, and it can be rough. Most of the pain is psychological. It’s absolutely possible to be emotionally dependent on eating.
And on the topic of caffeine, if you’re a major addict (like I am), it’s generally easier and more sustainable to gradually cut back. Caffeine withdrawal can last for months. Again, this is usually an issue for those of us who are hardcore addicts. I got up to 6+ cups a day. I’m not sure of the number, because I would lose count. I’m down to 2 coffees, 1 black tea, and a cup or 2 of lower caffeine tea (oolong, yerba mate) per day. The idea is to gradually taper the caffeine down over the course of the day and prevent a crash. Anyway, it’s working for me. I’ve been at this level for a while now (I found the lower you go the harder it is to go down further), and even though I’m not where I want to be, I’m a far cry from where I was, an out of control caffeine addict with a kidney panel that was getting scary. I’ve now replaced all that coffee I no longer drink with water.
Water is AWESOME. I’m feeling very inspired to drink more and to try to use it to expand my fasting.
Thanks for another very informative post!
I’ve scrolled down the article and the comments for clear details on how you managed a 10 day fast with also details on preparation before and recovery time aftwards.
At no point is it made crystal clear that the writer fasted for 10 straight days with only water to drink.
e,g.
“Once your digestive system shuts down around day 3, it takes a few days to bring it back up to speed. You do this by very slowly introducing food to your digestive system… drinking juice for 1-2 days, fresh fruit for another couple days, steamed vegetables for another day or two.”
This is confusing. Reading this suggest s that after three days, food is introduced on day four?
Or can we assume after the 10-day period of only water, the writer is describing “bring up their digestive system upto speed?
It would be very helpful if the writer / 10 – day faster could include a breakdown of consumption be it only water over what seems to be a continuous 10-day period, then the post-10-day fast introduction of food etc.
A clear response would be much appreciated.
Thank you
Andy – My husband drank only water – ate no food – for 10 consecutive days. This article was a documentation of our personal experience. If you want specifics, I must refer you to your personal physician.
Did anyone have success with fertility and falling pregnant after the water fast?
I have PCOS and had entrometriosis (which was surgically removed). I am slightly overweight with a bmi of 27. My husband and I have been trying to conceive for 12 years, I am 37 and my husband 38. He is overweight (bmi of 47) has sleep apnea, type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure and chronic acid reflux.
Can water fasting help infertility and assist my husband with his medical issues?
Im still reading and searching for safe ways to help him, but we will try shorter fasts at first and monitor his blood glucose and blood pressure levels.
Any feedback would be greatly appreciated.
I’ve been fasting for more than 5 years now. I’m 54, average build, average health.
the longest was 13 days (2nd time), shortest 5 days. first was 8 days.
what I noticed was I’ll experience headaches or nausea or some other psychosomatic – like my legs burning during second fast, then after the “pain” comes a short respite, I guess this is when the body is “choosing” the next area to detox.
I decided not to set a specific time to stop but to wait until whatever effect is occurring on my body then stop once I’m in the “green zone” or rest point.
it’s why I did 13 days – the good point came at about day 7 or 8 and I kept going, day 9 I started getting flu like symptoms then waited till they subsided late day 12.
anyway I’ve been doing it twice a year and am currently on day 3 of my next fast . . .
Janice, your husband needs to start fasting a.s.a.p. by the sounds of it. Not only for prevent a cardiac arrest from obesity but also to have a much better quality of life.
All his problems will be solved by fasting. Whether that is short intermittent fasts or longer fasts for 3-10 days at a time. I believe it would also help fertility problems.
For me, fasting has solved weight issues, acid reflux, heart palpitations and I also believe fertility problems. It truly is a miracle worker!!!
I have done 3, 5 and 7 day fasts and it is a 95% mental obstacle to overcome all your historical conditioning around food. Bad habits instilled from childhood and social conditioning cause us to believe that we need to be continuously eating all day, every day. This is not the case at all and once you have freed yourself from these beliefs by fasting it becomes so much easier.
Good luck…
Don’t know how I came across this site by typing in leg pain by water fasting; but was a interesting read Mr. Crumbs.
This is my 11 day on a ? day I hope but we’ll see how it goes. Your body will go through changes but until your tongue swells you can continue; if you have the will power.
I have several illnesses caused by MS, and the drugs they put me on for each new illness. I’m Lakhota and believe in holistics which they won’t allow. So I do fast on occasion. Usually intermittent but have done water fasting for long periods of time.
This time though seems allot harder. Don’t know why,, other than usually I take the drugs I most definitely need and this time I’m taking none. Other than I did finally give in this morning and take some potassium because the pain in my legs was getting to bad. Sometime I wish to go to sleep.
My svc partner (dog) changed worlds 2/18/17 and that year I gained a 120. Pds within 11 months. Something needs to be done. This is a way to get a good start then will go into intermittent 4:3.
I wanted to add to some of the comments in answering… That you just take it one day at a time. Do a five day eat and two day fast and then four day eat and three day fast if you want, in starting.
Fasting is to cleanse your body and anything with caffeine is not good for you not fake sugar… Meaning coffee and soda is a no-no. You wish to do coffee enema that’s a different story; but not on a true fast Chicken bone broth or chicken broth on a day that you think you just can’t drink another bottle of water; that’s ok.
Just remember stay clean, as your cleaning out all the toxicity in your body.
When you come off the fast you should start with water dense fruit then the same water dense veggies. Smoothies (green) and when starting food stay real. No processed only whole. No can food, they all have chemicals in them.
You just went to the trouble of cleaning out your body so try to keep it that way. Needed a cheat day, take it. Always remember though, that taste will keep calling you afterwards.
Someone said it is harmful… I’m not religious, I’m a Traditional Wiya (spiritual) of the Red Road but I’ve listened to enough dogmas to know that if your religious then “Jesus” went on a fast and Catholics do it every year for Lent. So walk your talk. But don’t say it’s not healthy or a fad if your religious.
Be positive. If you knew how much your thoughts affected your soul, life, I don’t believe you’d ever have another negative thought.
Think this gentleman explained this in a most explicit way. Main thing is drink half your body weight on water. Heart it up and pretend it’s coffee if you wish. Don’t exert yourself. Plenty rest. No drama. Do some yoga or deep breathing exercises. Take one cup of Epson salt to a bath and sit in it for twenty minutes then scrub towards your heart. Scrubbing the toxins out. Sit in Coconut oil a great natural moisturizer.
Believe.
You left out such an important piece of information. What was your starting and ending weight and BMI?
Hi Ravi! Since my husband didn’t do a water fast for weight loss, we didn’t consider this information important. 🙂
Hi there, What laxative did you use? Thanks for the info!
HI, That was really intrestig! Thanks 🙂 I am on my seventh day water fast and started taking my blood pressure and pulse. I feel great but am a bit worried. What is the limit for pulse rate, that should be like a red line I shouldn’t go over? Same what numbers for blood pressure should be dangerous? Thank you so much! I know every one is different (my blood pressure is usually on the low side) but I would really like to have some numbers…
Hi Maggie! I’m so sorry, but I can’t offer medical advice. I would suggest contacting your local doctor. Good luck on your fast!
Fasting has done wonders for me. I stll had my morning cup of coffee with cream. Don’t care if you disagree with me, it helped me feel better about knowing that my whole day would be only water! The smell cheered me up in the morning, that fresh coffee smell, YUM. And the cream, even the little splash that I used, helped me not be hungry. I think state of mind is very very important when you fast. That little “crutch’ got me through the rough stuff. Everyone might have a little trick they use, actually NO ONE is the complete expert on fasting, every person will have a different experience. In my case, fasting totally broke my addiction to sugar and booze. I came out of it craving fresh veggies. I had incredible energy and glowing skin. Also, a nagging back pain I’d had on and off for years disappeared. I lost at total of 12 pounds, I didn’t really need to lose much to begin with so I’m glad it wasn’t dramatic weight loss. Most nights I slept great (with the exception of nights 2 and 4).
It will ABSOLUTELY help diabetes. Listen to Dr. Jason Fung, he is a kidney specialist in Canada and uses fasting to get people off diabetes meds all the time. If you like a little more hardcore motivation, Cole Robinson coined the Snake Diet. He is like Dr. Fung, but more intense and pushes for longer fasting time.
Just search Jason Fung on youtube. Most of his stuff is free.
Thanks Jennifer
Does anyone know if it will help with diabetes?