We all know it’s a good idea to drink plenty of water, but my husband took it a step further and did a water fast for 10 DAYS! Whether you choose to do a 7 day water fast, a 3 day fast, or somewhere in between, read about his experience, what you can drink on a water fast, and how to safely reintroduce food again.
A water fast 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, and caffeine in their diet, for 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, including chronic diseases. You should always check with your doctor before embarking on an extended fast, especially if you’re taking any medication!
WHY DO A 10 DAY WATER FAST?
Here are two main reasons my husband chose water fasting (and one he didn’t):
- To detoxify. Water fasts are generally the quickest way to detoxify. Some even consider this the only “real” way to detox your body and bring it back in check.
- Water fasts are the most difficult type of fast. He figured if he could complete a 10 day water fast, 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. 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 this reason for water fasting isn’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).
10 DAY FAST HEALTH BENEFITS
There are several benefits to increasing your daily water intake in general. But based on my research, here is a summary of the benefits of a medically supervised 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.
Lower Blood Pressure: Lower sodium levels in the body might contribute to this effect of fasting on high blood pressure.
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 after a 10 day fast is what will benefit you the most in the long run.
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.
UNSURE ABOUT EVEN A 3 DAY FAST?
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 work under medical supervision when fasting for an extended period.
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 on water fasting, check out “Fasting and Eating for Health.”
I personally prefer not to do even a 3 day fast, at least not a full-on water fast like my husband. Instead, I take more of a “regularly scheduled maintenance” approach.
To regularly detoxify my body from the occasional splurge, I incorporate detox smoothies and detox baths into my weekly routine. If you’re not sure about doing even a 3 day water fast, you could start there (or try one of the other options for detoxing at the end of this post!).
WATER QUALITY FOR 7 DAY WATER FAST (OR MORE!)
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.
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 a 3 day water fast (or more), 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!
- You could also use a Brita water bottle with a filter or a refillable filtered pitcher if those are more within your price range.
WHAT ELSE CAN I DRINK FOR A 10 DAY WATER FAST?
Although there’s not a whole lot included in a 10 day water fast, you CAN add a bit of variety to your liquid intake with some of these beverage options:
- Add a slice of lemon to water.
- Tea
- Coffee
- Electrolytes (I like these effervescent tablets).
- 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 WITH DAY 10 WATER FAST
Note: These are written directly from my husband about his experience with a 10 day water fast!
- Days 1-3. The first few days were rough, and my detoxifying symptoms (i.e. hunger, headaches, etc.) were the worst, probably because of caffeine withdrawal.
- Days 4-6. Much easier than the first three days… These days were relatively easy – at least compared to the first three! My appetite waned. I started losing weight, 1 – 1 ½ 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 below for more info).
- Day 8-10. These days were almost an exact replica of days 4-6. By the end of day 10 water fasting, my body weight had decreased by 15 pounds, and I was ready to eat again.
WOULD I DO THIS 10 DAY FAST AGAIN?
All in all, I enjoyed my 10 day fast. It was challenging, but the benefits (post-fast) were well worth it. All in all, I enjoyed my 10 day fast. It was challenging, but the 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, but 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 5 DAY FAST…
His second fast was a 5 day fast, 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 fasted during the week, and the kids and I just had sandwiches for dinner.
.. AND HIS THIRD 10 DAY 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 10 day water 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 also a 5 day fast and very similar to his second – quick and painless. He had switched to decaf coffee, which eliminated the caffeine withdrawals and made 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.
WHAT SHOULD I EAT AFTER A 7 DAY WATER FAST ENDS?
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 food, 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 veggies like well-cooked carrots. Try plain mashed potatoes or mashed sweet potatoes.
Note: Save cruciferous veggies (like broccoli, cauliflower, and 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 to 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!
7 DAY WATER FAST FAQS
What can I drink during a 7 day water fast?
Most people drink plain water during a 7 day water fast (or 10 day), but you might also consider herbal tea (such as ginger, peppermint, or chamomile), green tea, lemon water, or 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. It’s best to ask your medical professional if you can still drink coffee while water fasting.
Is it beneficial to water fast for less than 10 days?
Yes. Some people might start with intermittent fasting, which is found in studies to be a healthy choice for some. Intermittent fasting might be one day a week, or alternate day fasting, or one day a month. Other people may speak to their healthcare professional and decide to initially try a 3 day fast, then move to a 7 day water fast.
My husband has done a few water fasts, from a 3 day fast to a 10 day fast. But when I fast, I choose to drink real food smoothies. Lots of approaches exist when it comes to 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.
How much weight can you lose during a 7 day water fast?
It’s true that you probably will lose some weight during a water fast simply because you’re not taking in any calories. However, I don’t think it’s something you should do. Your body is smart and when you cut back calories, your body adjusts.
A better way to control weight is by switching to eating real food. Focus on nutrient-dense food, instead of the latest fad, and your body will naturally have the nutrients it needs to be healthy!
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.
- An Apple Cider Vinegar Drink 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 you encounter.
- Drinking a Detox Smoothie from time to time will boost your body systems and keep it running smoothly.
- This DIY Detox Face Mask with Charcoal and Clay can help to clear your skin and improve your complexion.
- Using a Detoxifying Salt Scrub is a wonderful way to clean your skin and exfoliate.
- Everyday Detox and No Excuses Detox are cookbooks each with 100 recipes for healthy eating. Eating a real food 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!
7 DAY WATER FAST
Whether you choose to do a 7 day water fast, a 10 day water fast like Mr. Crumbs, or even just a 3 day fast, be sure to do so with the supervision of a medical professional and listen to your body. Low blood sugar, muscle loss, dehydration, and loss of minerals can be a concern. However, in our experience, a short-term 7-day water fast is very beneficial!
Alysia
Kristy,
There are a lot of benefits to fasting. People have been doing it for ages. You should do a little research on it. (Agree with you 100% about genetically modified foods, though. )
Ben
Hi, I wanna try this water fasting but am not sure where to start.. I’ve seen this guy on YouTube who lose 10 kg within a month.. I wanna try it.. Any suggestions?
Tiffany
Hi Ben – we’re not medical professionals, but also do not recommend water fasting as a means to lose weight. We’ve shared our experience, including where to start, in this post.
Phyllis Kirk
I have been fasting since 1976 I. Kept my weight down in woman it rejuvenates the skin I am 66-years-old and no one believes im that old of course I never wore makeup which eventually dries out your skin and I don’t drink alcohol if you smoke stop while you are on a fast it helps another thing by the 3rd week all that cellulite starts to disappear moderate exercise is recommended lots of walking
Ash
I really want to do a water fast but I’m kinda scared to. I regularly donate plasma, which always leaves me really dizzy after and my job is one where I walk for 13 hours a day 3 to 4 days a week. Obviously if I fast, I would stop donating plasma, but I’m worried that because donating plasma makes me dizzy, this would make me dizzy.
I used to calorie restrict and intermittent fast– not eat until after 3 pm each day, limit 900 calories, and stop eating by 10 pm. That made me dizzy as well and I always felt really weak. Then I moved and stress made me start binge eating and now I’ve put on 25 lbs in 3 years. I really want to get my health back under control and stop binge eating.
Do y’all know of any water fasting support groups? I feel like if I were to be successful with a water fast, I’d need a support system.
David Allison
Ash, I believe that before you undertake a water-only fast it is important to get your eating patterns under control. If you binge eat every now and then, that’s not a problem in itself, as long as you do it somehow in a pattern (for example, once a week as the “Diet for Life” suggests). Maybe the pattern teaches your body that it doesn’t need to store fat, because you are going to binge again next week, I don’t know. I only know it works for the friends I have that follow the Body for Life program (I do not). My point is that fasting is a tool that will not work alone. You need the support of an entire life-centered system of behaviors around you. Full-Disclosure: I did a three-week water-only fast in 2012 in response to an article I read in Harper’s magazine (“Starving your way to Vigor” by Steve Hendricks). I recommend the article without reservation. If you are serious about fasting, get it, read it, and then read it again. My fast was an amazing experience, and I experienced no dizziness outside of the first 2-3 days. (I have a history of low-blood pressure and I have fainted a couple of times after giving blood.)
Tia
On intermittent fasting you should eat with in a four hour window and make sure it’s three hours before going to bed.
Amira
I found it interesting and I want to go through this kind of fasting but I’m thin and I’m afraid that I will loose weight .. I need your advice 😊
Gary Ledsham
How you ‘feel’ is irrelevant as you are just writing down your opinion. Water fasting has helped me recover from stroke, reduce belly fat, recover from pre insulin resistance and after 2years in the gym without losing weight due to blood pressure medication I finally have a way to lose pounds. You have issues with GMO foods…I that is because you ‘feel’ they are bad also. Educate yourself about the science of GMo then perhaps you will ‘feel’ less negatively. No doubt my words will ‘trigger’ you….
Jacqueline
HI, I am 21 year old girl who wants to fast but I am scared of promoting hairloss. DId you notice your hair shedding on a fast?
Donna
Jacqueline,
Here are the different fasts I have done this past year. Total fruit diet for 6 months and water(Note: Water intake became less as the fruits began to hydrate my body. I ate and juiced and made smoothies. Just depended on my mood. My reason for fasting at the age of 50, was hair loss, extra pounds, little energy and cloudy mind. Just 3 days into the fruits, the morning shower hair loss went from a handful to 6-7 strands in my shower drain. I hardly notice hair on the bathroom floor after styling my hair. Day 4, energy crash, major detox, lots of cloudy sediments in my urine. Day 5-7, I felt like super woman, clarity of mind, massive amount of energy, I could take on the world. Day 8, energy crash, not as intense. It seemed around every 4th day, I had a detox time period, each one being less and less intense. I didn’t really notice any more once I was in the 3rd week. Also, to my surprise, I had an open sore on the side of my nose the would bleed off and on for over 3 yrs, caused from life in the sun. In my 3rd week the skin had healed up and new skin had formed. It has been 9 mos. and no bleeding, I can see an indent, but even that is going away. In the beginning I was loosing a pound a day, to slow that down when I got to my desired weight, I just ate enough fruit calories to compensate my busy schedule. 2500-3000 calories a day. I did begin to crave avocados here and there, so I ate them. All in all the fruits and berries were awesome smoothies. My favorite juice was from the watermelon, I could have ate them the whole time, but they were out of season by the end. Then, my family and I went traveling on the road for a month. Basically, ate what was convenient. I truly paid the price. After about the 2nd week of garbage in, soon it became garbage out. My hair started falling out again, more than before, my weight returned rapidly, my attitude was not that great, by the 3rd week I felt cloudy in the head again and thank the good Lord, the only thing that didn’t return was the sore on my nose. That being said, I did a 21 day water fast, which the first 3 days were difficult, but after that, it was amazing, the stuff my body was eliminating through bathroom visits, sweating, running nose and sediments in my urine. My tongue was milky white on day 2, but as time progressed, the milky white on my tongue began to be less and less, only showing on the back of my tongue. The front of my tongue was a beautiful Rosie color. Yeah. I stopped the fast on lime water for a few days and then gradually went to fruit juices, then to solid fruits and veggies. I’ll have a normal meal(all American) with my family, but I pay for it the next few days. My goal is to get a completely milky free tongue. No garbage in, no garbage out. The fruits are where the healing and energy is held. The veggies are the proteins and minerals to keep you grounded and ther herbs are the goodies to pinpoint headlines. I hope others can be help by my journey this passed year. I truly feel my best when eating the majority of fruits. I don’t even desire the cooked foods; breads, pastas and meats. But, put a watermelon in front of me or a perfectly ripe pineapple or mango and I’m delighted. Take care
Donna
Pinpoint headlines should read pinpoint healings. Word correct can be annoying at times.
Shelley
Donna, I truly enjoyed reading that. Thanks for sharing your experience.
My husband and I are educating ourselves to prepare for a fast. Like Tiffany, I love food too much! But, I am nearing 50, losing energy and mental clarity, noticing a tummy bulge….and something just has to be done!!! I am a bit frightened because I encounter monthly migraines and have always been a thin person.
I am looking for something (a book?) to help us fast safely…beginning the fast and then ending and introducing food. I would also like the book to include what to expect. I wrote down the Crumbs books: Water Fasting for Wellness and Fasting and Eating for Health. Ever read those? Got any other good titles? Thanks again for your blunt and funny comments. Loved reading them!!!
Jennifer
Shelley, Dr. Jason Fung in Canada uses fasting to heal a lot of issues in his practice and there is a ton of free info on his web site, he also wrote a couple of books.
Melinda
Thank you soooo much for sharing your trials and tribulations well on your journey to a healthier way of life. I’m so encouraged and inspired now. I feel nervous but confident about doing the waterfast and completing it !
Jason
Donna, I love your post as it resonates with my current position. I’m currently 7 days into a water fast and the transition was easier than ever because I’ve been consuming a strictly began diet with about sixty percent raw fruit. Fruit is supreme. I wonder if you’ve ever wondered what it would be like to immerse yourself in a rainforest garden and enjoy delicious tropical fruits fresh from the tree. It’s transformative. There’s a fruit feasting festival coming up during mango season i think you could enjoy. I plan on attending myself.
Regie
What an amazing journey. I’m turning 60 soon with cancer and going on my first water fast. I am looking forward to the new me after reading about all the incredible journeys to wellness and good health it inspires me to reach my goal.
Jennifer
Be extra careful when on blood pressure meds or any meds while doing water fasts…you should have your doctor help you with this. One of the benefits of fasting is, if you do this long enough, you may not need blood pressure meds. Your body will start to heal itself. For more info on the benefits of fasting, look into Dr. Jason Fung. He uses fasting to cure diabetes 2 and other physical issues. He lays out what fasting really does in the body. A common misconception of fasting is that the metabolism slows down. The actual results are completely opposite and people who water fast (btw, coffee will also boost weight loss during a fast) will actually have their metabolism increase. After a certain amount of days of water fasting, the body will also boost hgh to rebuild any lean protein that may be burned during the process…another misconception, the body does not eat a bunch of muscle during a fast, only recycles old proteins that need to be gone from your body. The body is extremely intelligent in what it is doing during a fast. I am on day no 5 and am losing 1.5 to 2 lbs per day. This is shocking since I was stuck at the same weight, no matter what I did, for the last year. I got into this fast by starting intermittent fasting on a ketogenic diet, pushed back to 1 meal per day for a few weeks, and then jumped into it. Still tough, but it helped.
George
That is great information! I would love to know if it’s backed up by clinical studies. Not trying to undermine you, just would love to see proof of those claims for my own peace of mind. I’m on Day 4 of a water fast and feeling wonderful. Coffee is a big help when I’m tempted to break it.
Denise Hudak
Hi George, research Dr. Jason Fung and the subject of autophagy— as Jennifer said, he is one of the most respected doctors on the subject of fasting. And yes there is evidence to back up autophagy which leads to new stem cells being created around the 4th day of a water only fast and the body getting rid of old, bad cells which can cause inflammation and lead to disease. So fasting is a great way of getting healthy and improving your health! Dr. Daniel Pompa and Dr. David Jockers are also 2 doctors that have videos and books about this subject. With the CoronaVirus now being such a threat, I am doing a 10 day water only fast right now. Stay well!
Lalith
Don’t worry nothing’s gonna happen to you, in India there’s one religion called Jainism, Kains r just 1-2% of the Indian population, they’re the healthiest, lifespan higher than average Indian as they are vegetarians and they ritually fast during monsoons and it is water fasting.
They drink pre boiled and cooled water from Sunrise to Sunset.
Some fast for as long as 60Days at a stretch , currently the festival of fasting is going on and in Bangalore 20 people have taken up 42days fast, another 20-30days fasting, and around few thousand- ascending fasting till 8 days at a strectch, 1st day fasting , next day eating then 2 days fasting and 1 day eating, then 3days fasting and 1 day eating till 8 days of fasting and many thousands are taking up 8 and 3days fasting and almost everyone fasts on the last day of this festival. This year it’s on 13th September.
Tiffany
If you can email customerservice (at) dontwastethecrumbs (dot) com, we’ll get you taken care of!
Alison de Caussin
I love water fasting. I have been doing so since 2013 and am currently on day 3 of another 10 day water only fast. I often do intermittent fasting but every year do a full 10 day. The benefits are unbelievable really, from spiritual awareness, to mental clarity, to physical rejuvenation, the feelings throughout and after fasting are very desirable. As stated in this wonderful article, the first few days are most difficult but after about day 5, you really feel like you never need to eat agin. Hunger pains are minimal past day 3 and all senses begin to feel awakened.
After finishing I always reintroduce with a small amount of watermelon for at least a day and half, then move onto raw veggies. I am eat a predominantly vegan diet, so this is not difficult for me. For anyone wishing to try water fasting, as this article states, it is best to eliminate coffee (and animal products) prior to fasting, as this will lessen unpleasant symptoms during the fist few days. Water fasting really is a magical cure and almost everybody can reap the benefits. Many blessings to you all.
Pamela
I have been doing intermittent fasting and lost 22lbs to date. Today I start my 10 day water 💦 fasting!🎉 I am excited and look forward to the spiritual and physical healing benefits. I attempted a ten day fast 2 yrs. ago and made it to 5 days. My downfall was cooking for the family and because my sense of smell was healed first the temptation of eating was intense and I gave into it😩 Things have changed where the kids are now out of the teens and in their twenties and the hubby has gotten into cooking 🍳 So, I don’t have to cook 👨🍳 Wish me luck guys. This fasting testimonial string is motivating and encouraging glad I came across it. Happy 😊 fasting 🎉
Olivia
How much water to take each day during the water fast?
greentea and water with lime/lemon is alright right
Maryj
This is Day 2 of my water fast and I haven’t been hungry at all; just this afternoon my stomach made a few noises but no hunger pangs. I am keeping a journal and I needed to read your experiences which were helpful to me; tomorrow is Day 3! Thank You for sharing your story.
Mugdha Mainkar
Hey, it was a wonderful article! Hope you are going your fast this year too!
I am planning for water fasting for last 10 days of this month~!!
Somehow I hate celebrating my year end~new year with alcohol and fatty foods! Its very tempting though…
I have earned huge weight and calaries this year. And just want to spare 10 days of rest to my body.
I had done 6/7 days water fasting last to last year. But being a huge foodie.. I couldn’t continue it. I am determined to do it this year. Would be glad if somebody else also in other corner of the world joins me virtually!!
#BTW…I am Indian!! May you have a great Christmas and new year!
Thanks.
Rebekah
Thank you for sharing your experience. I’m in the middle of a 7 day fast and enjoy reading about other people’s experiences. So, I thought I’d share, too.
I water fast quite frequently. One to three times per month, I water fast for 60 hours Thurs p.m.-Sun a.m. I do a 7 day fast a couple times a year, and in the past few years, I did one 10 day fast and one 23 day fast. When I began the 23 day fast, I was planning to go for as long as felt good. Day 22 wasn’t great, day 23 felt awful, so I decided it was time to end it and did so the next morning.
I always break my fast with a banana because bananas are binding. Except for the 23 day fast, I don’t find re-feeding difficult. In fact, I usually eat a big bowl of oatmeal with applesauce, raspberries, hazelnuts, and milk about 20 minutes after eating the banana.
I tried juice “feasting” and found it to be just awful. The hunger and cravings it created just weren’t worth it. I’ve had juice “feasters” tell me they could never water fast, but I think it’s easier.
By the way, I gave up caffeinated beverages years ago and don’t experience those headaches and difficult first days. I go into ketosis usually by 48 hours.
Alicia
I’m on day 6 today. I had bowel movement on day 1 morning and that was the last one. I assume I wouldn’t have any bowel movement since I haven’t had anything to eat, but I was expecting to have bowel movement at least until second or may be 3rd day of the fast. Before I started the fast, I didn’t really prepare for the fast by eating healthy. I had burger and chips the night before I started fasting and domino pizza for lunch on that day. I did a lot of research about the fast though. I usually go to the gym 5 days a week but I haven’t been to the gym since the week before I started the fast. I read that there are many health benefits from doing this water fast but my main purpose is to lose some weight as I have a wedding to attend. Im intended to do it for 12 days and break the fast on that day I’m travelling as the wedding will be held overseas. My flight will be at 10pm so I’m planning to have fruits on that day I’m travelling from 8am. I’m not sure if I can break the fast properly as recommended as I will be on holiday. I have ordered raw vegetarian meal on the plane though, I’m hoping I wont gain all the weight back the week before the wedding :/ as I will be arriving a week before the wedding. I believe my appetite will shrink after this fast and I probably will only be able to eat small portions. Even though I wont be breaking the fast properly by eating only raw fruits and veg, I will listen to my body and will not start bingeing. I will stop when I feel full. I will see how this goes and might do another water fast properly, prepare and end the fast properly when I’m not going on any holidays. It’s my Day 6 today and I’ve lost about 4kg (8.8 lbs) I’m really pleased with the result even though I know this is just water weight. I’m hoping to lose another 7.5lbs from day 7-day 12. During my fast, I haven’t had many side effects as mentioned by others ie pain from old injuries (perhaps I do not have any?) neither have I felt amazing. My crave for food hasn’t disappeared at all, probably because I love food so much 😀 I crave for all sorts of food – healthy and unhealthy food like crisps, cakes, fruits etc. I was even asking myself if I should break the fast today (almost everyday since day 4) it’s only the start of my day 6 now.. and the time is dragging! The only thing that keep me going is to stand on the weighing machine every morning. I do feel dizzy and lack of energy sometimes throughout the day, other than that, I am perfectly fine physically. I work in an office Monday to Friday and I’m still able to travel to work and work 8 hours a day. I’m not sure what I will be like after 7 days though. I’m trying to read a lot of testimonials left by those that have done this water fast for as long as 14/21 and 40 days as an extra motivation. These 6 days have certainly been dragging and I would say I did not enjoy the process but I love the result (weight loss result) 😀 I’m not sure if I have gained other benefits mentioned by others from this fast ie better vision, more energetic (I certainly do not feel energetic at all without any food but I do not feel any worse either). This is probably the biggest challenge I’ve ever taken in my life since I love food so much 😀 I’ve been on many diets this year – (low calories/low carbs/atkins/oat meal diet/fruits diet) and I did lose some weight but I gained them back pretty fast as I binge a lot due to cravings I have very poor self-control and had a lot of yo-yo effect after each diets. I will try to control on the next 7 days of the post water fast as I’ve mentioned earlier, the wedding will be held a week after I arrived in Malaysia therefore I still need to stay slim during that week but after the wedding I’m intended to eat all the food I could before I travel back to Manchester. During this fast, I’ve been thinking what I would like to eat after my fast and really look forward to be able to eat again!
Kate L.
Since my 10 day fast I haven’t had my usual digestion… I have been having problems with constipation. Have you or anyone you know had to work through this issue after a fast?
Melissa Ruckman
Hello. I started a ‘fast’, today is day three. On day one I had 1 cup worth of funnel cake and freshly squeezed lemonade. I drink Coffee with cream and sweetner. I also drink diet soda, Green tea, and Black Tea. And water of course. How will this hinder any progress I could make by doing just a water fast. What about fruit infused water (lemon mostly).
Tiffany
Hi Melissa – I’m not sure I understand your question. If you ate food on day 1, then that’s not technically a fast. However, it’s never to late to draw a new starting line. 🙂 And feel free to add fruit to infuse your water (without actually eating the fruit), if it makes the water more pleasant to drink!
Kate L
I am encouraged by this blog and all the comments left. I started a 10 day water fast after being prompted by Holy Spirit. I am on day 3 and my biggest question is how to break my fast best. Do you have suggestions? Thanks!
Tiffany
Hi Kate! To break a fast, start with fresh fruit or vegetable juice for a day. Then add soft solid foods, like banana, mango, soup, etc. Day 3 can be firmer foods and then finally add in starches, dairy and meat at the end. Go slow as you reintroduce foods, and if your system can handle heavier foods sooner than day 3 or 4, then you can go faster. As always though, listen to your body and consult a physician if issues arise. Remember that we are not medical professionals! 😉
Curtis
Hello, thank you for the great information in the article as well as in the comments. I hope this isn’t too gross of a comment to be left here.
I’m posting this in hopes of getting some thoughts/advice on my current water fast. This is my third extended (longer than a couple of days) water fast. I did my first two years ago for a duration of ten days and last year I completed a nine day fast.
During my first fast I vomited bile on days three, four and five but afterwards felt great and rejuvenated. During my second fast I had absolutely no vomiting at all. However, my current fast has been quite brutal!
I first vomited bile on day two. On day three I vomited twice and vomited once ever day until day seven on which I vomited twice. On day eight I vomited three times and on day nine I vomited FIVE times. I thought seriously about breaking the fast after that but after waking on day ten and vomiting again I felt much better. However, I still vomited on day eleven. There was no vomit yesterday, on day twelve, however today, on day thirteen, I’ve already vomited three times and I’m back to feeling miserable.
I had intended for this to be a fourteen day fast but I’m unsure how to handle this.
Any tips/advice/comments/thoughts etc. are appreciated.
Tiffany
I’m sorry your fast isn’t going so well Curtis, but I would recommend seeing a medical professional.
Curtis
The doctor I saw was of little help other than letting me know that vomiting bile during a fast was not altogether uncommon. He did advice me to break the fast but I set out to complete a 14 day fast and today is day 14 so I’ll break the fast tomorrow.
I’ve never looked forward to a green smoothie more in my life!
jenna
I am a regular faster. every few months I normally do one for a period of about seven days, its hard for the first few days, in fact its a killer, you need amazing will power, but I love the feeling of getting to the end, somehow feeling like i am full of energy, and ive shown myself I have got the will power to finish what I have started. I find this also helps maintain my weight without having to live on a constant diet, i enjoy my chocolate and takeway too much, I can give them up for periods but not cut them out. However my circumstances have changed slightly now and I have to drive over 100 miles a day, I am worried that after the indulgent period over christmas the usual drain of the first few days will hit me harder. I am planning a two week fast, im feeling sluggish, my fast is due around now as my last was late november, and im moving house in two weeks, i want to feel refreshed and on top of things… however during the first week of this I am allowing myself a hot chocolate in the morning for the extra boost this is made with water only, low calorie and no added sugar. no food will pass my lips and during the second week, i hope to be on a full water fast. any cheers of encouragement will be appreciated, here goes day one ….
Johnny
I am on day 7 of my first water only fast and was hoping to feel better than I do. I haven’t had any hunger pains to mention though I do think about and look forward to having fruit when this is completed. I am working on a 14 day fast in total.
My withdrawals / side effects have been a headache and a disgusting amount of sinus drainage. I attribute this to 30 year of sinusitis. I have had a good amount of stomach cramping or pain. I attribute this to 30 years of stomach issues. I have had muscle pain in my middle and low back….reason unknown other than this is a biochemical action which will make my body healthy.
I read a lot of articles to prepare written by Dr. Shelton and Dr. Fuhrman. The side effects I mention are well documented by Dr. Shelton but remain uncomfortable nonetheless.
Cherie
So the first time I tried doing a ten day water fast, I made it 28 hours. The migraine was excruciating, and I ended up eating so I could safely take some Ibuprofen. This time I made it to day four (or 3 depending on how you look at it. Day 1 I drank 2 8oz glasses of juice.) I am breaking my fast with a smoothie, since I didn’t make it the full 10 days. I decided to quit because my left arm was aching really bad from the shoulder to the fingers. My medical training (basic emt) told me to be aware of possible cardiac issues. I don’t want to die…so I gave in and ate. My question is, when is it safe to eat bread? I don’t want to hurt myself. In the past hour, I have had an 8 oz smoothie (which was divine!) and a 4 oz yogurt. I feel really good. I want to keep it that way. Thanks!
Mr. Crumbs
Hi Cherie,
Thanks for commenting ! First of all, I can’t give medical advice – but I’ll do my best to “relate” from my own experiences in any way I can, that may point you in a helpful direction.
Secondly, I’m glad you stopped your fast – and you listened to your body. Especially after trouble with your left arm.
Regarding the arm pain: you need to discuss this with your doctor. Your symptoms may have been nothing, or they could be a symptom of a larger underlying issue. During my fasts, I never had any unusual pains – but I also reported to two health professionals daily, because of the unknown.
Bringing food back into your diet… Let’s see, one time I broke a three day fast with a burrito – let me tell you, that was painful. The 10 day, I started with fresh juices and soft fruits for a couple days, then steamed veggies… Basically, the idea is taking it easy on your gut.
If you’ve gone 4 days without food, there is a chance your digestive system has shut down, and needs to be brought back to life. If you did well with smoothie and a yogurt, consider a soft fruit like watermelon or steamed vegetables. Take it slow – listen to your body. For me: after 10 days off, I was eating normally again about 5-7 days after.