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!
I have decided to start the 10 day water fast to jumpstart my (wfpb) whole foods plant based eating plan-no salt, oil, or sugar. I will keep a journal of my journey.
How did your fast go?
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
How often can you fast
Do it! Enjoy it! Trust yourself and pray!
Don’t worry about peoples negative feedback! Typically negative push comes from uneducated or inexperienced persons. Fasting is a wonderful thing. Mohammad Buddha and Jesus all had followers- easy of these leaders encouraged their followers to fast. Even Pythagorean the developer of the Pythagorean theorem encouraged his students to fast before teachings. It provides a cleansing and detoxification as well as a mental test button. Go for it!
Each**** reset*** apologies! My autocorrect is mostly Incorrect!
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!
There is a fabulous YouTube video called “The Science Of Fasting” in Russia fasting used to cure lots of diseases while being scientifically monitored. I have fasted with great healing results for decades.
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?
I have done quite a few water fasts many 3 days a few 5 and 7 days and a 12 day. I agree cutting all carbs before the
fast helps to not have a toxic day 3. Two cups black coffee does no harm and prevents the caffeine withdrawal. I totally disagree they coming out of the fast is a problem. When our ancestors found food after a week I am sure they ate heartily with no ill effects. I break my fast with fat and fermented food to train the body to continue metabolizing fat and to colonize my gut with “ good bacteria”. I work and exercise during the fast and from day 4 I feel great
Hi Mr. Crumbs, Tiffany and everyone,
I would like to go on this water fasting. Has anyone experienced hairloss while on this fast. A couple of people mentioned this and am wondering if that is common. I have gone on reduced calorie fasts and my hair got the brunt of it. Thank you.
Shamim
No hair loss at all.
Anytime you shock your body, you can have hair loss. I personally have thinning hair (not fun for a woman) but I have noticed that I have had more hair growth since I’ve incorporated regular fasts in my diet. I flip back and forth between water fasting and dry fasting. My understanding is that if you do lose hair, it will grow back at least as well if not better than before.
Hi Jamie,
This has been my experience. in 2011 I was chubbier than I wanted to be and at age 48, I didn’t like where things were going. I read an article “Starving Your Way To Vigor” in Harper’s Magazine (I highly recommend this article) and started a 21 day water only fast the next day. Some of that was salt water, I got worried, but it was great, I had a good experience. I found myself with more energy during the fast than I had before. it was a liberation of sorts. In the third week when I had a client meeting and I was dragging I remember I drank 4 ounces of Coke, what a rush.
ANYHOW, I lost 26 pounds, which was more than I wanted to on purpose. I gained half of the weight back almost immediately (within a month) but this was what I expected. After this I leveled off and today I am only one pound above that.
But it is a fight. I won’t lie to you. Look around and see all the large people there are in the world. If it was easy to stay where you want to be, the landscape would look a lot different.
Good Luck!! Remember that it is your one life, do the best you can with it.
David A.
Nuremberg, Germany
I have completed several fasts and what I notice the most is not being able to eat the large quantities of food that I used to eat. The best way to describe it is as if my stomach shrunk and I fill up faster, I feel full quicker and don’t have the urge to eat more. That result has been a large part of keeping the weight off. Though I must point out that I complete fasts for other health reasons and not as a weight loss remedy.