Raw. Radiant. Health
  • Home
    • For Doctors
    • Media + Publications
    • Dr. Ariel Jones
  • Services
    • Retreats >
      • Vancouver Introduction to Water Fast
      • Distance Fasting Program
    • Pregnancy Support
    • Clinical Nutrition
    • Herbal Medicine
    • Acupuncture
    • Neuroprolotherapy
    • Naturopathic Spinal Adjustments
    • Homeopathy
    • Mind Body Medicine
    • Intravenous Therapy
    • Water Fasting
    • Detoxification
  • Recipes
    • Raw Food Recipes >
      • Breakfast
      • Soups + Salads
      • Main Course
      • Snacks + Breads
      • Desserts
      • Cheese + Condiments
      • Nut + Seed Butters
    • Vegan Elimination Diet
    • Ketogenic Diet
    • Low Histamine Diet
    • Cancer Diet
    • Hormone Balancing
    • Harvesting Seaweed
  • Blog
  • Store
    • Carry Our Products
  • Online Courses
  • Contact
    • Rates
Naturopathic Clinic and Retreat Centre

Medicine, Science & You

HOW TO WATER FAST AT HOME

3/8/2018

4 Comments

 
Picture

Water fasting is a topic becoming increasingly popular amongst circles of health conscious individuals, facebook support groups, bloggers and health professionals. 
People are joining facebook groups focused on supporting one another to do extended fasts up to 40 days. While fasting is an exceptional medical treatment it is also not without its risks. 
Fasting at home can be done safely as long as certain requirements are met. Below are some things to think about when deciding when, where and how long to water fast. 

​




Who Should NOT Water Fast At home?

​


There are people who should not water fast at home, and consider an in-patient medical facility or doctor supervised retreat.​ 

Picture


1. People taking pharmaceutical medications


​
During water fasting the digestive tract slows down. It stops secreting digestive enzymes required to breakdown food and medications. People taking 1 or more prescriptions are at a risk of taking too much of their medication while water fasting since less is needed. 

Also, some medications require food for proper absorption and activation. When we eat, the digestive process begins in the mouth with salivary amylase - the enzyme that breaks down sugars. It continues with hydrochloric acid in the stomach which kills bacteria and breaks down food. The food mass (known as chyme) that proceeds to the small intestine  is acidic. Chyme activates the enzymes released from the pancreas into the small intestine. Without this acidity the enzymes are not activated to break the molecular bonds in foods and medications. 

Consider adding a dense and compact pill into a gut without acidic chyme and activated enzymes. Luckily some medications are small and dissolve easily which allows for absorption but not all.  People on pharmaceuticals need to consult with, and be monitored by, a medical professional when water fasting to ensure proper dosage and a safe fasting experience. 

Picture

2. People with kidney disease (and other organ issues)


​
The kidneys regulate electrolyte balance in our bodies primarily sodium, potassium, calcium, chloride, magnesium and water. Electrolyte balance is very important for each one of our cells which use ions like these for: cell to cell communication, action potentials, movement of nutrients in and waste out of the cell. In tissue electrolytes can determine whether a muscle contracts or not. When that muscle is the heart, electrolyte balance is vital. Not being able to regulate ion concentration due to kidney disease is a total contraindication to water fasting because, among other things, it can cause cardiac arrest - heart failure. 

The liver and other organs each play a role in the body's homeostasis. Liver disease or chronic alcohol or drug use, could be a total contraindication to water fasting because this is where toxins (from metabolism, environment and fat storage) are processed for release through our bile and into our digestive system. Impaired liver function could mean a build up of toxins in the liver, muscles or organs which could cause a serious adverse event. Most of the environmental toxins we are exposed to are fat soluble, meaning they bind and are stored in our fat tissues. During a fast fat is broken down to be used as fuel. The toxins within the fats are then mobilized into circulation. If there is a lot of fat, or a high degree of toxin exposure due to industrial or job site exposure, living near sprayed crops, eating non-organic food, drug or alcohol use, history of poly pharmacy, then there is a lot of toxins for our body to process and all our organs need to be in top working order.

​If you are wondering how your organs are functioning, visit your doctor who can run blood tests and perform a physical exam for assessment. 

Picture


3. People with a current diagnosis or history of eating disorders

​
The main eating disorders today are: anorexia nervosa, bulimia, a mix of both, orthorexia and disordered eating syndromes. These eating disorders are often present in combination with obsessive compulsive disorder, another absolute contraindication to water fasting. Orthorexia is a newer phenomenon defined as an extreme obsession with being healthy. People with orthorexia have cut out so many things from their diet, in an effort to achieve maximum health, that it is actually unhealthy. This illness is also associated with extreme lifestyles such as:
  • Compulsive checking of ingredient lists and nutritional labels
  • An increase in concern about the health of ingredients
  • Cutting out an increasing number of food groups (all sugar, all carbs, all dairy, all meat, all animal products)
  • An inability to eat anything but a narrow group of foods that are deemed ‘healthy’ or ‘pure’
  • Unusual interest in the health of what others are eating
  • Spending hours per day thinking about what food might be served at upcoming events
  • Showing high levels of distress when ‘safe’ or ‘healthy’ foods aren’t available
  • Obsessive following of food and ‘healthy lifestyle’ blogs on Twitter and Instagram
  • Body image concerns may or may not be present

People with eating disorders may already have calorie, nutrient and electrolyte imbalances and possible organ compromise depending on the severity and duration of the illness. Water fasting is completely contraindicated due to this physical state of depletion and the weight loss associated with water fasting.

The state of starvation is when the body is depleted of the necessary nutrients and calories required to sustain life. In this state the body's organs are compromised, sometimes permanently. When a body enters a state of starvation, medical intervention is necessary and life saving. Someone with a current presentation or history of an eating disorder is at a higher risk of starvation, nutrient and electrolyte imbalance. 
​

In other cases, the illness may not be in total remission, or the fast could trigger a return of symptoms. 

​
4. People with an adrenal fatigue diagnosis 


​
Adrenal fatigue is a diagnosis made when people have experienced prolonged states of stress which has resulted in altered cortisol production causing fatigue, sleeplessness, anxiety, low immune function, abdominal weight gain, low blood pressure and cold intolerance. People with stage 2 adrenal fatigue may also be experiencing hair loss, menstrual cycle irregularities, PMS and depression. 

In this state it is necessary to eat regular, frequent meals to regenerate the adrenal system. Water fasting is a stress to the system that someone with adrenal fatigue can not support. 

Picture

5. Fear of fasting 


Another contraindication to fasting is having a fear of fasting because of the physiological effects it has on the body. Fear creates anxiety which can cause gut symptoms, increase blood pressure and metabolism. Fear of fasting can precipitate a negative outcome for the fast, whether it is the side effects mentioned above during the fast or difficulty with reintroduction. It is important to be informed about the process of fasting before embarking on a fasting journey and to be clear about your boundaries, health state and fasting plan.



6. Fasting for weight loss


​
This is a poplar topic on fasting groups online. People talking about how much weight they have lost, asking about how much weight you can lose, how much weight others have lost and complaining that they haven't lost enough. There is a theme. During a water fast people lose between 1-2 lbs per day. I have noticed when people are inflamed to begin with, they can lose more at the onset followed by a tapering and levelling out after 1-4 days. 

Water fasting is not a stand alone treatment for weight loss because it doesn't address all of the causes of weight gain. There are many, and compounded, reasons why people overeat or have a high weight, some of which can include: 
  • ​lack of education around nutrition, portion size, lifestyle & exercise
  • emotional trauma 
  • coping mechanism for stress
  • ​endocrine issues: diabetes & PCOS, leptin desensitization 
  • food addiction
  • history of eating disorder (starvation can lead to weight gain)
  • side effect of medications
  • genetics 
It is important to identify the combination of reasons why someone is overweight and address them all. A water fast may be partially indicated. 

During food reintroduction there is a weight gain as the body reacts to calories and nutrients coming back into the system. If a food addiction or endocrine imbalance is not addressed, someone could regain the weight they lost during the fast and more. 

Water fasting is not a stand alone tool for weight loss.



 
​
Who can water fast at home?
​


"People with generally good health, looking for a reset, who have a relationship with a physician, and are up to date on their health status."


- Dr. Ariel Jones, ND
​

And even in this case it is important to follow the following guidelines: 


1. Fast for a reasonable amount of time



Consider the following age and duration recommendations when thinking about water fasting at home:

Age:
0 - 15 years - Absolute contraindication to water fasting
16 -20 years - Contraindicated unless physician monitored
20 - 49 years - 1 - 7 days

In a residential/In-patient setting, fasting over 7 days necessitates blood work and supervision to make sure your body is responding well to the fast and that you are safe to continue fasting. It is not recommended to fast beyond 7 days without physician supervision. 
50+ - Consider getting a workup done by a physician including blood work and physical exam to determine current state of health prior to the fast (see blood work recommendations below). Your current health status will determine the length of a water fast that is safe for you. 

Consider trying a 24 hour fast for your first one and make sure to follow my guidelines about How to Prepare for a Water Fast. Once you have experienced a 24 hour fast, you can continue to 48 or 72 hours on your next fast. 

Remember to plan an appropriate amount of time for reintroduction which is a time that you have to be mindful of the food you are eating, prepare your food in advance, and consider that you might not be in top performance. 


2. Make sure you have time off



Depending on your history of food choices, how much you weigh (toxin load carried in fat) and other forms of toxicity you may have quite an intense detox reaction. This can involve migraines, headaches, body pain, nausea and vomiting, lethargy, weakness and fainting. You do not want the added stress of being at work, or taking care of anyone else when you are water fasting. 

The benefits of a water fast go beyond avoiding food. It is a time of increased clarity and connection both with your higher self and the Divine. Take this time to become centred in your body and make room for the downloads and information that will come during the fast. If we are distracted by job tasks, kids or other obligations, this part of the fast can be lost, however the physical benefits remain the same. 


3. Have a support network you can connect with



When you begin a fast it is important that someone in your immediate circle is aware  and can check in on you for safety and support. Support can also come from someone else committed to doing the fast at the same time. 

On facebook, there are water fasting support groups which can be good to find someone going through the same process. However, beware of the medical advice offered on these groups, it can be not only false but dangerous. If you have any medical questions make sure to speak with a professional who can properly assess your symptoms. 


4. Fast safely



  • Get blood work done within 1 month of beginning your fast
    • CBC with differential - this shows your red and white blood cells
    • Chemistry panel - to determine your electrolyte balance
    • ALT, AST, GGT - measurements of liver function
    • Creatinine, GFR - measurements of kidney function
    • Lipids - as a treatment marker. Do they improve after the fast?
    • Any other parameters that are relevant to your case.
  • Drink enough water - 2L per day 
  • Do not add anything to your water - some people think you should add salt, electrolytes or vitamins into your water. This not necessary for a fast under 7 days (if at all) and can cause dangerous electrolyte shifts and imbalances. Just water is all you need - carbonated or straight. 
  • Move slowly - remember your blood pressure drops so you want to move to sitting and then standing slowly. If you are feeling faint, sit down or lay down where you are and wait until it passes. 
  • Do a proper water fasting preparation. 
  • Reintroduce your foods properly depending on the number of days you have fasted. 
  • Have a contact who you will communicate with each day who can help you if anything comes up - this is a real life person who can come to your house if need be.
​
Picture

​Stay Tuned...

My next post will be about "Extended Water Fasting"




If there is a particular question you have about water fasting, please leave it in the comments and I can make sure to answer it in a following post. 




​
4 Comments
Joy
9/6/2018 01:15:07 pm

Ariel: It's been five days since I finished my week-long water fast retreat with you in Victoria. I continue to experience interesting changes in how I'm dealing with things day-to-day and in particular with some stressful elderly parent issues. Of course I love the weight I lost, and there were days that were challenging during the fast, but they passed. Today I feel lighter, calmer, and healthier than I have in years. This peaceful emotional state post-fast was unexpected. Thank you for sharing your knowledge, your sense of humour, and your patience. I'm ready to do a ten-day water fast next, but for now I'm content with a one-day-a-week vegetable broth fast. I'm singing your praises to family and friends. Wishing you well. Joy

Reply
Dr. Jones
9/7/2018 01:09:11 pm

Joy! What wonderful news! I can't tell you how happy I was to hear it.
Unburdening the body sure makes room for all kinds of good things. Sending hugs,

Dr. A

Reply
Manisha
1/31/2020 02:12:35 pm

Hi dr. A
I want to do water fast for 7 days but once I did for 24 hours and I had bad headache and the only reason I broke my water fast was my headache so can I use paracetamol during water fasting ?
Regards
Mj

Reply
Sara Marie DeJesus
7/14/2021 11:01:41 pm

Will be seeing my doctor tomorrow

Reply



Leave a Reply.

    Author

    Dr. Ariel Jones ND

    Archives

    May 2019
    February 2019
    January 2019
    September 2018
    March 2018
    December 2017
    June 2017
    March 2017
    December 2016
    July 2016
    February 2016
    September 2015
    May 2015
    April 2015
    March 2015
    January 2015
    December 2014
    November 2014

    Categories

    All
    Arthritis
    Detoxification
    Fasting
    Inflammation
    Inner Work
    Juicing
    Natural Product Recipes
    Pesticides
    Plant Spirit Medicine
    Raw Food
    Weight Loss
    Winter Health

    RSS Feed

Call us:
Canada: 604.785.0578
France: 07 68 51 16 16
​
Email us: info@drarieljones.com

© 2021 Dr. Ariel Jones. All Rights Reserved
  • Home
    • For Doctors
    • Media + Publications
    • Dr. Ariel Jones
  • Services
    • Retreats >
      • Vancouver Introduction to Water Fast
      • Distance Fasting Program
    • Pregnancy Support
    • Clinical Nutrition
    • Herbal Medicine
    • Acupuncture
    • Neuroprolotherapy
    • Naturopathic Spinal Adjustments
    • Homeopathy
    • Mind Body Medicine
    • Intravenous Therapy
    • Water Fasting
    • Detoxification
  • Recipes
    • Raw Food Recipes >
      • Breakfast
      • Soups + Salads
      • Main Course
      • Snacks + Breads
      • Desserts
      • Cheese + Condiments
      • Nut + Seed Butters
    • Vegan Elimination Diet
    • Ketogenic Diet
    • Low Histamine Diet
    • Cancer Diet
    • Hormone Balancing
    • Harvesting Seaweed
  • Blog
  • Store
    • Carry Our Products
  • Online Courses
  • Contact
    • Rates