Weight loss: What is dry fasting and how does it work
All you need to know about dry fasting
Fasting has always been a part of different cultures across the globe for a long time. It has only gained popularity as a method to lose weight in the past decade. Intermittent fasting, which alternates between the eating and the fasting window, is the most popular fasting pattern of all among weight watchers and fitness enthusiasts. Dry fasting is just an extreme version of fasting which involves restricting food as well as water intake. This pattern of eating is claimed to aid weight loss, build immunity and improve mental well-being.
Difference between dry and intermittent fasting
In
intermittent fasting, you are allowed to have liquid containing zero
calories during the fasting phase. Water, diluted ACV, coffee without
sugar and milk are some fluid options that one can take during fasting.
In dry fasting, you have to completely shun taking any foods or liquid
in the fasting phase. This type of fasting is considered quite extreme
and dangerous. But some experts vouch for this type of fasting for
additional health benefits.
Types of dry fasting
Dry
fasting can be easily done with intermittent fasting, alternate-day
fasting, eat-stop-eat or periodic fasting. Generally, dry fasting is of
two types- soft dry fast and hard dry fast.
Soft dry fast: In soft dry fast, dieters are allowed to use water to brush their teeth, take a shower and wash their faces.
Hard dry fast: In this type of fasting, dieters are not allowed to come in contact with water at all.
How does dry fasting work?
It
is said that while dry fasting when the body does not get the water it
starts to burn fat to generate energy. The absence of water in the body
stresses it and it begins to use every available source of energy
accessible to keep the internal system going.
It is also said that dry fasting can help to strengthen the immune system by removing damaged cells, allowing the body to regenerate new ones.
Besides, repeated fasting can reduce inflammation and promote healthy skin and improve inner awareness.
Side-effects of dry fasting
Staying
in a fasted state for a long time has also been linked with some side
effects. If you stay fasted for a long time or too often your may:
Feel tired: In the absence of enough fuel in the body, you might feel fatigued, dizzy, and weak.
Persistent hunger: Avoiding both food and water can make you feel even hungrier and you may end up eating more than normal.
Irritability. During the fasted state you may feel cranky and have drastic mood swings. Moreover, your concentration level will decrease.
Headaches. Restricting nutrients, especially carbohydrates, can also lead to headaches.
In extreme cases and due to prolonged fasting one may also suffer from seizure, brain swelling, heat injury and kidney failure.
Who can and who can't do dry fasting?
People
suffering from any kind of pre-existing disease should strictly avoid
dry fasting. Even pregnant and breastfeeding women are recommended not
to try this kind of fasting.
A healthy individual should also take an expert's opinion before trying this method of fasting.