Fasting is an ancient form of healing. According to The Foundation of Gaian Studies, fasting lets your body rest, detoxify and heal. During a fast your body goes into a detoxification cycle. During this cycle your energy is used for cleansing the body of toxins. The body will consume anything that is not essential to bodily function, according to The Foundation for Gaian Studies. Any bacteria, viruses, fibroid tumors, waste in the blood and stored fat will be consumed during your fast.
Preparation
Before you begin a fast you should cut back on your caffeine, sugars and cigarettes. According to Ygoy, this prepares your body for the fasting process. Your preparation should be done one to two weeks before your fast begins. It is important to your health to stay hydrated, reports Ygoy. Drink plenty of water before, during and after your fast.
Weight Loss
According to dietwords, water fasting will result in rapid weight loss; however, it is not fat loss. The weight you are losing is most likely muscle tissue and water weight. According to Dr. Ben Kim, on average you will lose 1 lb. a day while water fasting. It is not unusual to lose 2 or 3 lbs. in the first few days. The weight loss you experience during a fast is rarely permanent, unless your fast is a prelude to a new lifestyle and healthy diet, reports the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics.
Detoxification
According to All About Fasting, a water fast is the fastest and strongest way to detox. While fasting for detoxification you should consume 1 to 2 quarts of water a day. The first few days will be difficult as you deal with the emotional challenge of not eating, reports All About Fasting. Ketosis will set in after two or three days. This is when the body begins to fuel itself. If you have never fasted before you should consider a shorter diet.
Warning
According to Lona Sandon, a Dallas dietitian and spokesperson for the American Dietetic Association, fasting for long periods of time can lead to the breakdown of muscles and a lack of needed minerals. This can weaken your body's capability to fight infection, Sandon states. You should not fast if you are pregnant or nursing, have diabetes or heart or kidney disease, reports MSNBC. Fasting can cause problems if you have these conditions because it can change blood sugar, potassium and sodium levels.
Bowel Movements
Due to the large amounts of water being introduced into your body there will be a change in bowel movement during the first days of your water fast. As part of the detoxification process you will have more frequent and looser bowel movements. According to Fitness Through Fasting, this is the body eliminating toxic fecal residue. During the first few days of fasting, the waste is mainly from food you have recently eaten, reports Fitness Through Fasting. Older toxins take longer to eliminate.
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