Fasting is intentionally abstaining from eating food or drinking for a period of time. People fast for various reasons, including religious, medical, or ethical reasons.
There are several types of fasting, including medical, intermittent, prolonged, detox, juice, and water fasting.
Fasting for health reasons is believed to have several benefits. When done safely, potential health benefits are:
- Weight loss
- Reduced inflammation
- Lower blood pressure
- Enhanced brain function
- Improved sleep
- Improved insulin sensitivity
- Improved cholesterol levels
- Improved digestion
While there are health benefits you may gain from fasting, you should also consider the following risks and side effects:
- Malnutrition
- Dizziness
- Gallstones
- Headaches
- Constipation
- Nausea
- Fatigue
- Dehydration
- Low sodium and chloride levels
- Low or high blood glucose
- Diabetic ketoacidosis
- Low blood pressure
Fasting may not be suitable for everyone. Certain people should avoid fasting or they should speak with their doctor first. Fasting can worsen symptoms or increase the risk of complications in those who:
- Are pregnant or breastfeeding
- Have diabetes
- Have chronic kidney disease
- Are under the age of 18
- Are over the age of 65
- Are taking certain medications that should be taken with food
- Are struggling with an eating disorder
- Are underweight
- Are trying to conceive
Fasting safely is key to reaping the health benefits and reducing the risk of complications. This can be achieved by speaking to your doctor first, slowly easing into and out of fasting, trying shorter periods of fasting first, staying hydrated, doing light workouts, getting adequate sleep, listening to your body, and stopping fasting if you do not feel well.
All content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter. PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.