Content

• Steps
• Warning

Dry fasting is a way to remove all food and water from your diet to purify the body. A 1-day dry fasting regime will help eliminate an amount of water and toxins equivalent to a 3-day water fasting diet. However, cutting out food and water from your diet is also potentially dangerous, as it can cause exhaustion and dehydration. Check with your doctor to make sure it's safe before starting!

Steps

Part 1 of 3: Planning a dry fast

1. 

   Try a drinking-fast diet country or juice in advance to prepare for the dry fasting. Your body may go into shock if you suddenly fasten a dry fast. The water-based fast allows drinking water all day, while the fasting diet with juice allows for juice or vegetable juice. Choose a day to do the fast but drink water or juice to see how your body reacts, then eat normally for 1 day. You can also replace normal eating days with days of fasting. After 4-5 days of fasting with water or juice, you can start a dry fast if you feel comfortable.
   • Consult with your doctor before starting a fast to see if it is affecting other health problems you may have.

2. 

   
   
   Choose a less strict dry fast if this is your first time a dry fast. This mode allows you to get exposed to water, such as bathing, washing your hands and brushing your teeth. Start with a less strict dry fast if you haven't done it before. This way, you are less likely to become dehydrated, as your skin still absorbs moisture.
   • If you have used a less strict dry fast in the past, you can go for a strict dry fast, which means no contact with water at all. Only use this mode if you are comfortable.

3. 

   
   
   Eat foods containing omega fatty acids and salt before you start the fast. Choose foods with healthy omega 3 fats, such as mackerel, salmon, and avocados. These foods break down slowly, so you won't feel hungry when you start a fast. Add 1 teaspoon (5 g) of salt to your last meal before fasting to help your body keep vitamins and mineral salts, helping to enhance body functions. Otherwise, your body can naturally get rid of them while you fast.
   • You can also try taking fish oil pills right before the fast so your body starts to break down during the fast.

   Advice: Begin fasting after dinner so you can spend the first few hours of the fasting while you sleep.

   
   
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Part 2 of 3: Complete the Fasting Process

1. 

   Stop eating and drinking for 16-24 hours. Dry fasting can have a negative effect on the body, as you will not get energy from food and water. If you want to fast, try to do it only 1 day at a time, followed by 2 days of normal eating. This will help you set an easy-to-reach goal and protect your body from getting too dehydrated.
   • Even though someone is fasting for 3 days or more, avoid fasting for more than 24 hours to avoid the risk of dehydration.

2. 

   Choose activities that use less energy. Since you don't eat or drink during this time, you may feel less energy than usual. Choose light activities like yoga, meditation, or just relax at home to distract hunger and thirst. You can do light exercise such as walking around the neighborhood or doing a dumbbell exercise with light weights if needed.
   • Try journaling about how your body feels during the fast as a way to distract you.

   Advice: Avoid heavy exercise, as you will sweat and can become dehydrated easily.

3. 

   Rest if you feel tired. Fatigue during a dry fast is normal, so sleep to pass the time. Sleep can curb cravings and keep energy. When you wake up and get out of bed, try doing some gentle stretches and walking around the house to feel more alert. Take some naps during the day if you feel too tired.

   

   Alyssa Chang

   Health & Nutrition Coach Alyssa Chang is a nutrition trainer at the San Francisco Bay Area. She uses her in-depth knowledge of neuroscience to help clients strengthen their connections with their brains and bodies, helping them recover, reach goals, and move without pain. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Sports and Exercise, Nutrition and Health from California State University, East Bay, Certified in Personal Nutrition by Z-health Performance, and Certified by the Society. National companion for Strength & Health.

   

   Alyssa Chang
   Health & Nutrition Coach

   Don't forget to prioritize your health. Your brain needs fuel from food, especially if you live a busy and stressful life. If you feel exhausted or unwell during a dry fast, stop the fast before continuing.

4. 

   Drink water if you feel dizzy or light-headed. Dizziness and lightheadedness are two common signs of dehydration, and over time, will be detrimental to the body's functions. If you find yourself losing your balance or disorientation while performing simple tasks, stop fasting immediately and drink water to replenish your lost water.
   • Other symptoms of dehydration include (but are not limited to): less urination, dry skin, low blood pressure, and a fast heartbeat. If you experience any of these symptoms, stop fasting immediately.
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Part 3 of 3: End of the fast

1. 

   Drink 470 ml of water immediately after the fast is over. As soon as you complete the fast, drink 470 ml of water slowly. Take small sips so your body doesn't get overwhelmed. Rinse your mouth to wet your mouth before swallowing. Once you have finished your glass of water, you should avoid eating or drinking for the next 1 hour.
   • You may get gas if you drink water too quickly after a fast.

2. 

   Drink 470 ml of water once every hour after the fast is over. Gradually return water to your diet to rehydrate and prevent bloating. Drink in small sips and enjoy while drinking. Continue drinking 470ml of water for the first few hours after the fast. When you drink water, you will feel your energy return.
   • After 3-4 hours, you can drink water normally if you do not fast.

3. 

   Try eating small amounts of healthy foods on the first day of your fasting session. Choose dried fruits, such as raisins, figs, and peaches, as snacks. Be sure to eat the correct portion sizes on the food packaging to avoid overeating after a fast. Continue to eat only snacks, such as unsalted nuts or a piece of fruit for the rest of the first day.
   • You can eat again normally after 1 day.

4. 

   Avoid foods high in carbs and sodium for at least 2 days. Sodium and carbs can store water, and the weight you lost while fasting will quickly return. Do not eat salted meats, soups, sweets or cereals. Choose foods low in sodium, carbs and fat at your first meals. Only eat foods with little or no seasoning when you start to eat again as normal.
   • For example, a light chicken breast with greens will be a good meal after the fast is over.
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Warning

• Always consult your doctor before starting a dry fast to see if it is safe for you.
• If you begin to notice symptoms of dehydration, such as dizziness, lightheadedness or fever, drink fluids and stop fasting.
• Do not try to fast for longer than 24 hours.
• Dry fasting is not recommended as a long-term method of weight loss, as it only removes water weight.