Everything you need to know about Water Fasting for weight loss

 

Weight loss is a universal concern among people.

Water Fasting is making waves in the popular diet world once again.

This is a type of fast that restricts everything except water.

It has become more popular in recent years as a quick way to lose weight.

What is Water Fasting?

A water fast is true to its name: It’s a fast during which all food and drink except water are restricted. That means no coffee, no tea, no alcohol, no zero-calorie sports drinks, or any other beverage. This also means no food. Water fasts typically last 24 to 72 hours. Medically supervised water fasts may last up to 40 days. For your safety, you should not try to fast for longer than 3 days without medical clearance and supervision.

Benefits of Water Fasting

  • improves body composition and fitness
  • promotes greater satiety
  • boosts your metabolism
  • supports fat loss and ketosis
  • improves cardiovascular health
  • lowers blood pressure decreases blood sugar
  • improves blood triglycerides
  • promotes heart health
  • may slow aging and enhance longevity
  • decreases inflammation
  • increases resistance to oxidative stress
  • improves cell recycling
  • increases growth regulation
  • protects your brain
  • reduces harmful protein production
  • promotes a healthy stress response
  • supports healthier collagen in skinHydration is extremely important to keep your body functions running efficiently. Water also plays a role in essential body functions such as digestion, metabolism, and weight loss.

    During the hot and humid season, since we tend to sweat a lot, it becomes even more important to keep our body hydrated. Dehydration can lead to stomach problems like constipation, fatigue, etc.

    However, our elders have often told us many things about “the correct way to drink water.” We are often told to take water in a glass, and not gulp it down from a bottle. We are also told if we should sit and drink water, or stand up and do the same. Here are some tips, and myths debunked, when it comes to the right way to hydrate your body.

     

     

    Gulping down water vs drinking it sip by sip

    We often hear our elders telling us that gulping down water from a bottle is not the right way to drink water, but instead we should take a glass of water, and drink it sip by sip. This is, perhaps, correct, and a tip we must follow.

    When you drink water from a bottle, you tend to drink just enough to satiate your thirst for the moment. However, when you drink water from a glass, you are likely to finish the water in it, helping you consume more water.

    Gulping down water from a bottle is also not recommended as it can make you feel bloated. However, when you drink water from a glass, sip by sip, your body remains hydrated, instead of experiencing any kind of discomfort.

    Should you drink water standing up or sitting down?

    While there is no scientific evidence to tell us which of the two is right, it is for sure that the belief that standing up and drinking water can lead to arthritis and other diseases is a myth.

    However, it is still recommended to sit down and drink water, because posture can play a role in the way our body receives what we feed it. When we are standing or walking, the blood flow is high towards our hand and legs, which can prove a hindrance for the water to reach the digestive system properly.

How to break Water Fasting

  • Since your gastrointestinal system was healing during this period, introducing food to the body after the water fast should be done slowly and in moderation to avoid potential problems.
  • If you don’t want to upset your stomach, you may continue a sort of liquid fast (green juices or smoothies) for a few days.
  • On the 4th day, you can introduce salads back into your diet, and adding soups, later on, will make the transition go smoothly.

Side-effects of Water Fasting

  • It is not the healthiest way to lose weight. You may lose muscle mass too. Consumption of just water will not provide all the necessary nutrients.
  • It may also result in a sudden drop in blood pressure called orthostatic hypertension. Some conditions may aggravate due to long term fasting like a sudden fall in blood sugar levels.
  • Even though you drink water during a water fast, you can be at risk for dehydration. For most people, at least 20% of daily water consumption comes from the foods you eat.

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed within this article are the personal opinions of the author. Healthy Supplies Shop is  not responsible for the accuracy, completeness, suitability, or validity of any information on this article. All information is provided on an as-is basis. The information, facts or opinions appearing in the article do not reflect the views of healthy supplies shop  and we do not assume any responsibility or liability for the same.