Fasting has quickly gained popularity as a healthy way to lose weight. Some people choose to fast for most of the day and consume nutrition very consciously. Some people eat only for a short period of time and maintain a long time gap between two meals. However, staying hydrated is a part of fasting. Some people have taken the fasting pattern a notch higher and have started abstaining from drinking even water. However, dry fasting can be harmful to the body.
Nutritionist Shayla Cadogan, R.D., explained in a recent article what health issues dry fasting can lead to. The human body can sustain itself for a certain period of time without food, however, the same cannot be said about water. While the body can live without food, we must be careful not to push the time limit.
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Fasting is observed on certain religious festivals, such as Ramadan. However, during Ramadan people eat before sunrise and break their fast after sunset – this time frame is allowed by the body, and usually does not invite health troubles. However, when we start practising dry fasting for trendy wellness reasons, we risk a number of health problems.
Dry fasting can cause dehydration:
One of the most prominent health problems that dry fasting can cause is dehydration. When the body goes without adequate water intake for hours or days, it can lead to fatigue, decreased urination, constipation, headaches, and lack of concentration.
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Dry fasting may make it seem like we’re losing weight – but the truth is we’re losing water weight, not body fat. So, the lost weight is gained back when we reintroduce fluids into the body.
For people focused on a weight loss journey, it is important to stay hydrated at all times. Hydration ensures joint lubrication and water and electrolyte balance in the body. It also helps maintain body temperature and regulate healthy bowel movements.
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Shayla Cadogan, R.D., adds that there are healthier ways to fast, and we should focus on those, rather than putting the body through the turmoil of dry fasting, which does more harm than good.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor for any questions about any medical condition.
