As fasting can help in weight loss as well as resetting the body and mind, it has become a cornerstone of modern wellness and weight loss. There are various fasting protocols, but the three-day water fast can be an intense and transformative experience for weight loss and health. It is believed that this intense method involves autophagy, which is a natural process where the body cleanses itself from within. Also, beyond the physical benefits like weight loss and improved insulin sensitivity, researchers show that it can also enhance cognitive function by boosting brain health. But how much weight will I lose on a 3 day water fast? Is it really helpful? Continue reading to answer all questions about water fasting.
What is a 3-day water fast for weight loss?
So, now you know that the 3-day water fast can supposedly melt away the pounds. It sounds simple enough: all you need to do is just drink water for 72 hours and watch the weight drop. It is a popular method for rapid weight loss. In these 3 days, you only consume water and significantly reduce your calorie intake, resulting in a metabolism shift. So, your body enters a state of ketosis, where it starts burning fat for energy. There are many reasons that people do water fast like detox their bodies, but the main reason is losing weight. But is it really that easy or safe? We`ll know in the rest of this blog post.
We suggest talking to a doctor before starting 3-day water fasting, because it may not be healthy for your individual body.
Benefits of Water Fasting for Body
Knowing the benefits and downsides of water fasting can help you for a better decision. Also, it helps you to know if it is worth trying. However, we recommend talking to a doctor before trying something that seems crazy like consuming only water for 3 days. Here we mention all the benefits for your body. Remember that all these benefits are for a short time and they`re not long-lasting.
Cellular Regeneration
So, when you go on a 3-day water fast, a process happens in your body called autophagy. In this process, your body cleans out old, damaged cells and replaces them with new, healthier ones. It is like your body’s own cleaning team tries to remove all of the old rubbish from body cells. As a result, this helps you stay younger and healthier and improve your body health.
Weight Loss and Metabolic Boost
When you cut out solid food, your body will be forced to burn stored fat for energy. As a result, you`ll burn more fat and lose weight faster. It can also help reset your metabolism, making it simpler to stay at a healthy weight in the long run. If you want to lose weight faster, you can use weight loss procedures without surgery.
Reducing the Risk of Diabetes
Boost Brain Function
BDNF is the name of a protein that is important for learning and memory. Some researches show that water fasting can increase this protein in our body and that`s why it is good for brain health.
Lower Blood Pressure
According to studies, patients with high blood pressure who fasted for two weeks under medical supervision experienced a significant decline in their blood pressure levels. This reduction was in an average of 20 mmHg systolic and 7 mmHg diastolic. In rare situations, blood pressure fell by up to 37 mmHg systolic. That is a great improvement!
Strength Immune System
It is only a hypothesis and more research is needed, but some people believe the water fast can help the immune system to be stronger. It is because the body only focuses on fighting off harmful cells. Actually, this result is not long-lasting.
While these potential benefits exist, we strongly recommend consulting with a healthcare professional or doctor before starting any fasting regimen. If you want better results, you can combine this kind of fasting with a body contouring treatment to enjoy the best results and have a contoured and beautifully shaped body.
Dangers of a 3-day water fasting
Until now, you may think that water fasting is all sunshine and rainbows! That`s because we only talked about its benefits. Actually, it can be tough on our bodies! now, it`s time to see how can it harm our bodies if the necessary precautions are not taken:
- Nutrient deficiency: If you do not eat for a while, you will be deficient in essential nutrients such as vitamins and minerals.
- Dehydration: You may become dehydrated due to insufficient water from your diet. This can cause you to feel dizzy, tired, and headachey.
- Electrolyte issues: Your body needs specific salts to function properly. Not eating can disrupt that balance.
- Losing muscle: If you don’t eat for an extended period, your body will begin to break down muscle for energy.
- Weight loss, but not in a positive way: You will most likely drop a lot of weight quickly, but it will be primarily water weight rather than fat. In addition, you may lose muscle mass.
- Other problems: Water fasting can be extremely harmful to those with specific health issues such as diabetes, gout, or eating disorders.
How Much Weight Will I Lose On a 3 Day Water Fast?
There`s no exact answer to this question: “How Much Weight Will I Lose On a 3 Day Water Fast?”. Actually, it depends on many factors like starting weight, metabolism, gender, and even starting weight. People with higher starting weight will lose more pounds. But generally, you can expect to lose 3 to 5 pounds on a 3-day water fast. Some people who’ve tried a 3-day water fast say they’ve lost anywhere from 4.5 to 12 pounds. This weight loss can be due to water weight with a smaller portion coming from muscle mass. With all that, you should know that this kind of diet can be harmful if not done by a medical supervisor or a doctor. If you want to lose weight fast, you can try non-surgical methods with devices like InfraSlimX.
Does water fasting have long-lasting results?
Water fasting shows noticeable short-term weight loss: 4%-6% in 5 days, 2%-10% in 7-10 days, and 7%-10% in 15-20 days. According to research led by Krista Varady at the University of Illinois Chicago, though water fasting can result in immediate weight loss, the weight is often regained shortly after the fast. Also, the metabolic benefits, such as lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels, are transient and disappear fast when normal eating starts.
How to Fast Safely for Effective Weight Loss
As we mentioned before, water fasting is a risky action if not done with proper instructions. To do it right, follow these tips:
- Use filtered water: Filtered water reduces pollutants that can impede your body’s natural cleansing process. It is also easier for your body to absorb, which helps with hydration.
- Consult your doctor: Before beginning any new diet, particularly as restrictive as water fasting, consult a healthcare expert.
- Drink enough: Aim for 2-3 liters of filtered water every day. Listen to your body and drink more as needed.
- Gradual approach: If you’re new to fasting, begin with shorter durations and gradually expand as you get used to it.
- Mindful eating afterward: Reintroduce food gradually and softly to avoid stomach distress. Concentrate on nutrient-dense foods.
- Electrolyte balance: During a water fast, your body may lose vital electrolytes. Consider taking electrolyte pills or eating electrolyte-rich foods following the fast.
- Listen to your body: Pay heed to your feelings. If you develop severe symptoms such as dizziness, weakness, or a rapid heartbeat, discontinue the fast immediately and seek medical attention.
Related Article: Weight Loss and Inch Loss
Is a Water Fast Right for You?
If you`re a healthy adult with no medical conditions, you can think about a short-term water fast. But before starting, you have to consult a doctor to weigh the pros and cons based on your body conditions. We don`t recommend water fast for people with the following conditions:
- have health conditions
- pregnant or breastfeeding women
- children
- adolescents
- the elderly
- history of eating disorders
3-day water fast, good or bad?
So, when you ask How Much Weight Will I Lose On a 3 Day Water Fast, we can`t mention an exact amount! Do you want to lose pounds quickly? You might be tempted to undertake a water fast, which involves simply drinking water for several days. While you will lose weight, it will primarily be water and muscle, rather than the stubborn fat you want to reduce. And, guess what? When you resume eating, you’ll most likely regain whatever you lost.
According to studies, other health benefits of water fasting, including as lower blood pressure, fade quickly once you cease. Also, doing it for an extended period without the guidance of a doctor is dangerous. Totally, we recommend better methods to lose weight fast like consulting a doctor nutritionist who blends medical expertise with in-depth nutrition knowledge. It’s easier on your body and has more research to back it up.
