Fasting is a method for controlling food intake to help the body undergo effective weight loss. However, it only helps when fasting is done properly. This means that when your body gets daily essential nutrients to perform everyday tasks and still use its stored fat for energy.

Proper fasting helps the body to enhance its performance as well as maintain a healthy bodyweight. However, it should be adopted with caution.

An incident in Kerala recently highlighted the dangers of excessive fasting after an 18-year-old girl from an online weight-loss video, adopting “water fast”.

Only after several months of surviving on the water, due to lack of food intake, he died in the hospital due to very low sodium levels and severe low blood sugar levels and blood pressure.

What is water fast?

Fasting of water is a way of fasting in which a person only drinks water for a fixed time without food consumption. This type of diet has gained popularity on social media due to the fastest way of losing its weight.

Some studies suggest that water fasting may have some health benefits. In some chronic diseases, drinking only water for a particular period of time can stimulate the process of autofagi. This phase helps the body break down and recycle chronic parts of the cells. This is basically a cell repair time.

However, there is limited research on the health benefits of water fasting.

Bloom Clinics Nutritionist Dr. Anjana Kalia explained that during water, from using glucose to its primary energy source, the body changes to burn stored fat.

“This process is called ketosis. But it is limited to only a short time. In an extended time period, the body can begin to lose muscles,” Dr. Kalia told India Today Digital.

What happens if you get water faster than 72 hours?

A specific water fast lasts for one to 3 days.

According to Reshma Alim, senior clinical dietician, relay hospital, Chennai, Water Fasting, known as “zero-calorie diet”, are often followed not only for weight loss but also for spiritual reasons.

“However, this is not suitable for all,” Alim told India Today Digital.

“Typically, a water diet lasts from 24 to 72 hours and more than that it should not be done without medical supervision. It is dangerous if done for long periods,” he said.

If your water fasting is ahead for three days, it leads to many health problems.

For those attempting water fasting for the first time, weakness, dizziness and low blood pressure are common side effects.

In some obese patients, long -term fasting has been seen and for low blood pressure. “Fasting of water under medical supervision is always advised,” Alim warned.

Beyond 72 hours, if done under medical supervision, a water fasting can help reduce insulin sensitivity and inflammation. However, if a person does this personally without consulting a specialist, they risk losing sodium, potassium and magnesium – essential electrolytes – which the body needs.

It leads to extreme weakness and severe dehydration. The energy level falls and the digestive enzymes decrease, which makes it difficult for the body to digest food that the person gets away from the diet.

“When starting water fasting, some groups should avoid it, including gout, diabetes, or food disorders -as well as pregnant women and children. Gout patients, especially, require adequate water intake, as dehydration can increase uric acid levels and electrolyte can lead to inconvenience,” said Alim.

What is the right way to fast water?

For healthy weight loss, some lifestyle changes are important. If you want to water rapidly, experts agree that it is mandatory to consult a dietist or nutritionist.

If you want to start fasting of water, then slowly reduce food intake every day. Drink a lot of water to maintain electrolytes. However, listen to your body.

If you are feeling extremely weak and dizzy, stop fasting. Avoid doing any intensive workouts during a water.

After completing your water fast, avoid having a big meal.

According to an article in 2022 by researchers at the University of Florida, eating immediately after a fasting, increases the risk of refining syndrome, which is potentially fatal because the body suddenly undergoes rapid changes in fluid and electrolyte levels.