A pure water fast is no different from a fast or cleanse diet.A water fast can be used to lose some weight, focus on your spiritual life, and possibly help your body flush out toxins.If done correctly, short-term restriction can help you live a longer, healthier life.Whatever your goal, approach water fasting safely, work with an experienced healthcare professional, recognize signs of when to stop, and transition back to food slowly.
Step 1: If you have medical conditions, do not fast.
Fasting can lead to serious health consequences.If you have any of the following, you should not do a water fast.
Step 2: To do your water fast, choose a length of time.
Start with a single day of water fast.If you are doing it on your own, limit your water to 3 days.There is some evidence that a short-term fast can have health benefits.If you want to fast longer than that, only do it under the supervision of a medical professional.It is safer to fast for short periods of time, rather than doing a long fast.It's a good idea to do a water fast for one day out of the week.
Step 3: Fast during a relaxing time.
When you will not be under a lot of stress and when fast won't interfere with your daily routine, plan your water fast.Avoid working when you can.It's a good idea to save your fast for a day.
Step 4: Prepare well.
It can be difficult to fast for multiple days.Talk to your doctor, read books on the subject, and converse with people who have fasted.The fast is an adventure.
Step 5: You have to transition into your fast.
Start small instead of jumping straight in to the water.Start to eliminate sugar, processed foods, and caffeine from your diet at least 2 days before your fast and eat mostly fruits and vegetables.Reducing the size of your meals is one way to prepare for your fast.It can help prepare your body for what to come, and make the transition to water easier.Use intermittent fasts to get into your water fast.Week 1: Don't eat breakfast, Week 2: Skip both breakfast and lunch, and Week 3: Reduce your portion for dinner.
Step 6: You need to drink 9-13 glasses of water a day.
Men should drink around 13 cups of water and other fluids a day, while women should aim for 9 cups.During your water fast, you can stick to the daily recommended amount of water.You can either drink distilled water or choose the purest water.Do not drink all that water at the same time.Water consumption should be spread out throughout the day.You can see how much water you should drink by setting out jugs.Don't drink more water than the recommended amount as this can throw off the balance of salt and minerals in your body and cause health problems.You don't want to get dehydrated if you drink enough water.
Step 7: Fight bouts of hunger.
If you get hungry, drink 1-2 glasses of water.Lie down and rest.The craving will usually go away.It is possible to distract yourself by reading or meditating.
Step 8: Slowly break your fast.
If you want to break your fast, use orange or lemon juice.Gradually, you will be able to add foods to your diet.It's best to eat small amounts for the first 2 hours.Proceed in a way that leads to harder to digest foods.Depending on the length of your fast, you can spread this process out over one day or many days.
Step 9: You should eat a healthy diet.
Fasting won't help your health if you go back to eating high-fat and sugar foods.A diet high in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains and low in bad fats and refined sugar can be followed.For five days a week, you should exercise for 30 minutes.Fasting is only a small part of a healthy lifestyle.
Step 10: Water fasts can be avoided if you visit your doctor before.
Ask your healthcare provider if you should do a water fast.Some people may benefit from fasting, but others should not.Discuss your medications and medical conditions with your doctor to determine if water fast is safe for you.They will probably do a physical exam and do some blood tests.If you take medication, you will have to discuss with your doctor whether or not to take it during a fast or if dose changes need to be made.
Step 11: Fast under the supervision of a professional.
If you have any medical conditions, it is best to fast only with a doctor's supervision and input.If you want to observe your condition during the fast, you need a doctor who is trained in fasting.If you want your doctor to watch you, ask him or her to.
Step 12: It's a good idea to avoid dizziness.
If you stand up too quickly, you may experience dizziness.Get up slowly and do some deep breathing before standing.Sit or lie down if you get dizzy.Put your head between your knees.If you become dizzy, stop eating and see your doctor.
Step 13: Normal from abnormal side effects.
It is not uncommon to feel dizziness, weakness, nausea, or occasionally a skipped heartbeat while fasting.If you lose consciousness, feel confused, have more heart palpitations than one or two a day, or any other symptom that feels alarming to you, stop eating and seek medical attention.
Step 14: During your water fast, get plenty of rest.
During this time, you may experience a drop in energy and stamina.Don't overexert yourself.It's important to maintain healthy sleep patterns.Fasting is all about rest.If you feel sleepy, take a nap.You can read uplifting material.Don't push yourself if you listen to your body.Do not operate a vehicle if you are tired.
Step 15: Don't do intense exercise during this time.
It is possible to feel weak and tired and still be energetic.Don't exert yourself when you have a lot of energy.Try gentle yoga.It's a good way to stretch your muscles and get some exercise.Light stretching and yoga may be too vigorous for some people.Listen to your body and do what feels right.If you're not taking in any calories, do not engage in strenuous activities during your fast.