Any eating disorder like anorexia or bulimia Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) or diabetes Enzyme deficiency Late stage kidney or liver disease[4] X Research source Alcoholism Thyroid dysfunction AIDS, tuberculosis, or infectious disease Late stage cancer Lupus Vascular disease or poor circulation Heart disease, including heart failure, arrhythmias (especially atrial fibrillation), history of a heart attack, valve problems, or cardiomyopathy Alzheimer’s disease or organic brain syndrome Post-transplant Paralysis Pregnant or breastfeeding Taking medication you cannot stop taking[5] X Research source
It is probably safer and may offer more health benefits to fast for short times periodically, rather than doing a long fast (over 3 days). Consider doing a water fast for one day out of the week at the most. [8] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source
Week 1: Don’t eat breakfast Week 2: Skip both breakfast and lunch Week 3: Skip breakfast and lunch and decrease your portion for dinner Week 4: Begin your water fast
Don’t drink all that water at once! Spread out your water consumption throughout the day. Try setting out three 1-liter jugs every day, so you can see how much water you should drink. Don’t drink more water than the recommended amount, as this can throw off the balance of salt and minerals in your body and cause health problems. [14] X Research source Drinking enough water while you’re fasting is important so you don’t get dehydrated. [15] X Expert Source Kristi MajorACE Certified Personal Trainer Expert Interview. 28 October 2019.
Fruit juice Vegetable juice Raw fruit and green leafy vegetables Yogurt Vegetable soup and cooked vegetables Cooked grains and beans Milk, dairy, and eggs Meat, fish, and poultry Everything else
If you take medication, you will have to discuss with your doctor whether to continue to take your medication while fasting, or if any dose changes need to occur.
If you become so dizzy that you lose consciousness, stop fasting and see your doctor.
If you feel like napping, nap. Read uplifting material. Listen to your body and don’t push yourself physically. If you feel tired and “out of it,” do not operate a vehicle.
Yoga and light stretching may feel good to some people, and be too vigorous for others. Listen to your body and only do what feels comfortable. Avoid strenuous activities during your fast since they can put a strain on your body when you’re not taking in any calories. [23] X Expert Source Kristi MajorACE Certified Personal Trainer Expert Interview. 28 October 2019.
