Water fasting, an ancient healing strategy, remains a classic go-to in changing the lives of clients and has greatly improved my own health and that of my family. However, it is not something that gets by with light treading nor a strategic plan. Intensive water fasting requires experienced hands and minds to guide you through safely to get the best results. In this article, we’ll review 3 water fasting experiences (those of two docs and my son) shared on CHTV to provide a deeper understanding of the ancient healing technique and its real-life implementation.
Why Fast?
Fasting accomplishes several things. The first? It is the best—the very best—way to control glucose and insulin. If you want to live longer than anyone healthy, control your glucose. Without the constant spikes in glucose and insulin, your body is at leave to burn its own fuel, to run on its own juice. In turn, testosterone levels remain sound. Each time we eat, testosterone levels plummet, which spike glucose and insulin, all of which power inflammation and aging. Yet, it’s ill-advised to push calories away. With fasts, eating habits change because your body no longer needs it. The second accomplishment: Autophagy. Autophagy (or “self-eating”) is the process by which the body naturally removes cellular debris. Bad cells (which are not able to adapt to using fat for energy) die off because the body “eats” the bad cells and proteins first. Autophagy has been the shock of shrinking tumors, of magically erased skin tags, dying viruses, and more. All these massive benefits can occur when autophagy kicks into high gear. Researcher Dr. Valter Longo noted in a study1 that a water fast of 4 or more days can trigger a reset of the immune system. You see as we get older, our blood contains too many memory T-cells, each programmed to combat a particular microbe, and not enough naive T-cells, which respond to new challenges. Fasting purges and rebuilds the immune cell population with naive T-cells.
A third reckoning: epigenetics —turning the bad genes to good, powering on the good ones, and shutting off the bad ones. Whether by the force of one-day fasts or elongated fasts, genetics start to maneuver into their natural state, altered healthily and hugely affected by our dietary choices. And, fourth: hormone sensitivity. Like before, gear up your body to listen to those hormones by putting it through a fast, cleansing it, and making room for that physical change.
Even during a short fast, there’s a rapid increase in growth hormone, one reason behind my weekly fasts (at least once a week, for a full 24 hours), which we’ll explore later. A weekly mini-fast revolves around a simple idea: optimizing hormones is not about gaining more hormones, but about becoming more hormone-sensitive. Hormones like testosterone, or any that affect healing, are dramatically amped during a fast.
CHTV episode 108 shares the experience of Dr. Derrick Dempsey, whose 22-day water fast was the root solution for personal health issues. For Dr. Dempsey, growing up with a pastor father, the ideology behind fasting was when you fast, not if you fast. The biblical ties are a huge gauge for many of us, including myself. The second “why” for fasting stems from his responsibility to the family—he’s no stranger to the truth that spousal support and family leading requires good health.
Dr. Dempsey takes us through his fast, a project which started out as a 5-day fast and evolved into 22 days of only consuming water. Having experienced fasting with whey water and broth previously, he was prepared for the task, which brings us to the first concept in coaching—mental preparation. By days two and three, despite the longing for meals, Dr. Dempsey powered through. Then the switch, a sort of mindset altering, occurred between days 4 and 6, where he developed a slight aversion to food and his mental clarity was re-charged. “You’re fine with water,” he told himself. “Just keep going.”
As the fasting progressed, Dr. Dempsey noticed some erratic changes in his mental capacity. As a youth, bludgeoned down by four head traumas and never feeling fully recovered, he initially notes that his mental clarity skyrocketed. Like many of us, he would have to read and reread things several times over to get the gist. With fasting, however, he found that wasn’t the case—his acuity soared. Such is the case with brain fog. Time and time again, a water fast has proven to scrape away symptoms of the “brain fog.” It reactivates the brain and hones focus.
Another consideration is rapid weight loss. When carefully executed, the fast can reduce large portions of weight, uprooting deep toxins stored in the tissue. However, weight loss isn’t the primary goal for everyone—and for that, there’s good news! The innate intelligence knows and seeks balance: something we call homeostasis. The body knows how to eat damaged tissue and bad DNA while routinely avoiding muscle. This situation is marvelous for tumors—the body will eat those. Endometriosis, a condition which is alive with scar tissue, is swallowed up in the innate feeding process of bad cells. In Dr. Dempsey’s case, chronic snoring and congestion ceased during the fast.
Alongside that weight loss, however, is the audible weight gain. With the rapid healing of the gut, the fast can be a strategic tool for gaining muscle. With growth hormone and testosterone increasing, and the gut healing, the body can assimilate food better. We note YouTube sensations the Hodge twins, whose 19-hour fast, powered by a 5-hour feeding period, is credited as the process for bodybuilding.
Know Your Numbers
We must consider glucose and ketone measurements during fasting. As the fasting day progresses, glucose should be dropping, and ketones should be rising. Keeping careful track during the fast, ketone numbers should stay between .5 mmol/L and 5.0 mmol/L to be in ketosis, with some reaching as high as 7.0 mmol/L. As for glucose, according to keto researcher Prof. Thomas Seyfried, the “target zone” is when glucose numbers are in the 60s with ketones 3.0 mmol/L or more. Hitting the target zone is telling towards the destruction of bad cells—if these numbers are showing up, the body is cleansing those bad cells in just fashion.
R & R
In prolonged instances of fasting, getting rest is the best situation for your body. Although the fast may not void you of energy (in fact, you’ll be amazed at the energy you feel), without the protein stores of healing, exercise can be damaging. Of course, daily life is exempt, and simple tasks are fine for most to accomplish. Remember, water fasting is a time for cellular healing; conserve energy, and let the body take care of itself.
It’s all Mental
Back to the basics: mental preparation. Dr. D notes you need to gear up with support. Many face emotional attachments to food—it’s common and can be difficult to overcome. As you begin fasting, be wary of support. You may meet resistance, so rally up a coach or sidekick to keep you accountable, or is even willing to do it with you. As any athlete gains progress with the aid of a coach, so will you. Through proper coaching, you learn the tools to apply to help take back your health and life. These changes require allegiance: devotion, teachability, and determination. While alternative healthcare soars, we seek a different approach—removing interference (R1), stressors, and letting the body do the healing.
Break the Fast Safely
Before you jump at the chance to throw a weeks’ worth of nutrition down your throat, remember that you’ve just been in extensive, quiet healing: the digestive tract is still in rest mode. In Dr. Dempsey’s case, he scheduled his fast-breaking down to the minute, and ended it with some SueroGold whey water and chicken broth, and continued that track for 4 days, eventually adding spinach and eggs to the mix. A gentle transition is key to getting the best results from the fast and avoiding undermining efforts.
Next, let’s discuss water fasting in relation to diabetes, insulin management, and ketosis. For this, we brought on Dr. Don Clum, DC to CHTV who beat out Dr. Dempsey’s record with his 30-day water fast. Like Dr. Dempsey, Dr. Clum had not previously planned on the prolonged fast—what started as 3 days moved swiftly to 5, and then to 10, and so on. Yet, this isn’t Dr. Clum’s first experience with fasting—he recounts instances with moles and lesions, non-biopsied but diagnosed skin cancers, which formed on his neck and back. These diagnoses inspired action like juicing, fasting which helped the lesions and moles to fight their way off his body within six months. Dr. Clum admits to the struggles of powering through but vocalizes his energy, positivity, and strength that levied in return during his fasts.
Before starting, Dr. Clum relays the need for context: the “why” in your fasting. Any individual expecting success in this department must know why they are doing this, and where it places in your larger vision for health. We explore pre-programs, and pseudo fasting and Dr. Clum administers a series of methods for breaking into that fasting period.
Fasting to Control Blood Sugar
In an aim to debunking the myth that “diabetics can’t fast,” Dr. Clum concedes that it’s a possibility—if it’s done with the coaching aid of trained healthcare specialists, nutritionists, and doctors. Dr. Clum’s primary goal has been to decipher a route of reversing the pathology of diabetes, uprooting the condition, challenging the national diabetes prevention program, a “gold standard” in the medical realm.
In the case of diabetes, we take to insulin-resistance: the powering force of metabolic syndrome, diabetes, and a myriad of other conditions. Dr. Clum’s model concretes type two diabetes as a liver issue and scopes it through three potential lenses: an insulin lens, a blood sugar lens, and a hormonal lens. Making sense of blood sugar levels, he debunks common misconceptions on how blood sugar works. He plays on the role of the liver and glucagon, which, instead of pushing insulin into the cells, as many believe, only indicates that the liver is no longer releasing sugar. Much of this connects back to the liver—the sole caretaker of cholesterol, glucose, insulin—and bringing the liver to change first.
Dr. Clum notes how simple daily tasks can so easily raise blood sugar, and why it’s so difficult to lower. Carbs and insulin are profoundly linked to cooked foods, which means diabetes hasn’t been in our genetic code for long. Because of it, our pancreases evolved to adapt to the shooting of insulin against the processed enemies. By eating more raw foods, you might be giving your pancreas a load off.
Fatty Liver Concerns
Recent studies have circulated and lead to a plaguing worry about an increase in nonalcoholic fatty livers. Dr. Clum separates visceral fat from adipose and strikes back at how fasts that go low insulin or ketogenic burn off visceral fat foremost. We aim to recognize that even the skinniest of people, who feel fasting isn’t for them because of a “lack” of muscle, is wrong to cross out fasting: a good water fast will go after the toxic visceral fat, minimizing those toxins, utilizing those tissues. Your body is that capable.
Eat Less Often
Dr. Clum points out some strategies he’s put into play, namely the strict implementation of three solid meals a day. Drawing away from the “hormonal lens” of the old American Diabetics Association, which typically assigned patients’ to five or six meals per day, three meals a day—regardless of nutritious content—is a grappling key in altering our liver makeups. As I always say, “Don’t eat less, eat less often.” Helping people differentiate the symptoms between food dependency and low blood sugar, by limiting the number of times they sit for a meal, has been eye-opening in the medical field.
Eating less to live longer is something we greatly value. It’s not all caloric, either—eating until feeling full is no crime. When you reduce the number of times you sit down for food, and take away the crossovers and in-betweens and snack times, at the end of the day, you’ve eaten less.
Exercise and Fasting
We then tackle glycogen flexibility—or physical activity. There are three moving phases that require change: what you eat when you eat, and how you move. As skeletal muscle becomes endocrine tissue, it’s possible to up your mitochondria, to turn that into what Dr. Clum describes as your engine. Doing this broadens the size and capability of your “engine”—most people bear small engines with small gas tanks, which leave their blood sugar to spill over through their blood and continue dangerously onward.
Moving into more physical activity, Dr. Clum points out the 4 “genres” of exercise which we can categorize: weightlifting, traditional cardio, intensity training, and stress relief cardio. Much like dietary tracts and fasting methods, variation is key—many studies report that doing one specifically is less healing than doing two in various degrees. In terms of fasting, it’s best to tread lightly—literally. Most workouts require a dose of stress relief cardio, which is not something to mistake as your actual exercise, as Dr. Clum suggests. Yet, we can both agree that resistive training falls under a lesser valued category when it faces the diabetic world.
Looking at the sympathetic versus the parasympathetic nervous systems, which Dr. Clum compares to the gas and the breaks, there’s an astounding mix-up between what people consider sympathetic dominance, but what is actually a parasympathetic weakness. From a diabetic standpoint, this is prevalent. We focus vehemently on the growth hormone, and despite its success, what we really want more of is repair. The confounding issue with this growth is that it doesn’t exclude much, so you’ll experience growth in extra tissue, tumors, and other areas.
Fasting and Meal Timing
Debunking myths about exercise and food, we attempt to unveil an answer about the most perfect time to eat: before or after workouts. We’ve come across a variety of shocking evidence that cite the dangers of eating before a workout, divulging in protein shakes, and spiking your sugar and insulin. Its results are jarring—no hormonal response, no stamina for your workout, and no energy.
Another point is the use of natural electrolytes, specifically whole sea salt. This, as opposed to a Gatorade sports drink, is pivotal in the post-workout phase. The “cold” body factor that comes with exercise, and most specifically in fasting, is often eliminated by salt.
Transitioning Back to Food
Turning back to Dr. Clum’s 30 day fast, we approach his method of breaking the fast, which included a high fat, moderate protein diet that he carefully edged back into consuming. Unable to finish his first small meal, we note how tough solid foods can be on the body after a long break. Soft-cooked vegetables and berries and ferments tend to be easier on the reformed digestive tract.
Changing DNA with Fasting and Keto
A huge highlight of fasting: genetics start to change. As bad cells fail to adapt, they lose their resource and die off, giving the body leeway to shift and edge closer into ketosis. A method that stems from this is diet variation, moving people in and out of these different phases with ketosis, intermittent fasting, or prolonged fasting.
Ketosis, an ancient healing strategy that we love, is another key to changing the epigenome. It’s important to realize that we are not in constant ketosis and that bodies have no issue in the production of sugar. What we haven’t grasped, however, is that insulin is the primary factor for whether or not you’re in ketosis. Insulin has a plethora of roles—it weasels into the cell, into the mitochondria, through the Krebs cycle, and blocks fats from producing energy. This can lead to the altering of the body’s gluconeogenesis, which will eventually blockade the body from burning fat.
Feast and Famine Cycles of Hormone Optimization
Touching on diet variation, we look at clans in Tibet and the Hunza people, who have foraged for years without diseases. These diets, based on summertime vegetarianism and springtime restrictive practices, are what bring ketosis and fasting to its ancient holding. Learn more about Diet Variation in CHTV episode 157 here.
Getting to the Source
We delve back into cellular toxicity, summing up our agreement that diabetes is initially a liver problem that loops back around to a multi-therapeutic approach. It’s important to do things upstream—for the cell and the brain. Taking back your health is achievable by way of ancient healing strategies, a varied diet, intermittent daily and block fasting, and more.
Again, I must reiterate the importance of supervision—a trained coach to aid you through something as complex as ancient healing strategies. You need someone versed and experienced to get you on a healthy fasting regime and dietary track to help reach your health goals.
Finally, in CHTV 164 my son Simon shared his own fasting experience, after being inspired by one of my clients who healed eczema from a water fast. His was a quick decision, a very sure one, and the thirteen-year-old found himself headlong into an 11-day water fast.
Simon’s Numbers
Simon’s glucose dropped and ketones increased by day two. Although ketones are usually an energy supplier, Simon didn’t have much of that. One key to understand is that his young body isn’t fat adapted yet – it doesn’t use ketones. We expound on a few of the symptoms he bore – nausea, lightheadedness, a lot of body odors and welts around the knees. These first three days are typically accompanied by a white-coated tongue, tedious symptoms of illness, dizziness, and lack of energy.
However, as custom, around day 4, Simon started feeling better. He noted an increase in energy, and we observed his uplifted attitude and improved sleeping habits. Forcing the body to utilize ketones was a giant factor in improving Simon’s sleep. Before long, he was in ketosis.
If Simon Can Do It…
To get a better idea of Simon, prior to the fast, his diet habits were carb-centered. Of all my children, Simon tends to be the most food-addicted, and his initial craving during the fast was cheese. However, since breaking the fast, Simon attests to having no cravings or addictions. What happens here is that grehlin and leptin, hormones which affect the microbiome, alter drastically during the fast and communicate to the hypothalamus to shut off hunger. Due to this, the body knows to avoid muscle. Oftentimes, when people try their hand at low-carb or low-calorie diets, the body doesn’t avert from the muscle, and taps into that, weakening you. With water fasts, innate intelligence recognizes muscle and protects it from being absorbed. Besides this, the body knows to go into autophagy, which we’ve discussed before the burning out of bad cells and fats.
Fasting provides a good chance to change your palate. For parents of vegetable haters, there is hope! A great breakthrough was that Simon, who previously had an aversion to vegetables of any kind, came off his fast, tried broccoli, and enjoyed it. In addition, we discovered his slight intolerance to dairy when he attempted to delve back into cheese. This is unsurprising since conventional dairy can be a root issue to many chronic gut problems for many individuals.
With ketones hitting 6.5 and glucose ranging in the forties and fifties, Simon shed around 20 pounds of weight. These are perfect target numbers for autophagy. And, for a 13-year-old, the process has brought a lot of spectators reciting that “if he can do it, I can do it.”
Partial Fasting for Transition
In breaking fasts, people routinely make the mistake of loading up on calories. A partial fast, which wedges between 500 and 1,000 calories, was just the subject of a study2 over the course of 5 days. Between humans and mice (the mice, only being subject to the fast for 3 days), the results sparked interest. The real goodness lies between 500 and 1,000 calories per day, with a focus keen on your fats and raws. For this study, the group fasted the five days’ equivalent in the month, and then shifted back to their regular diet. Unsurprisingly, the weight quickly returned, but the inflammation markers remained decreased. After three months of repeating this cycle, the subjects grew healthier and healthier, despite falling back on their regular diets. What does this show? Diet variation works: the simple switch propelled their bodies into health. It also demonstrates the power of fasting, prolonged or not. Of course, despite not being a fast, the diet still mimicked results of fasting, which garnered the title.
For partial fasting, try 500 and 1,000 calories each day dependent on weight, focusing on the fats and raws. For those with adrenal fatigue, this is going to be a simpler, less mental method to start. Intermittent fasting, the daily concourse of three square meals with no outside foods, met with partial weekly fasting, is essential to ease into that system. In terms of partial fasts, organize inventory in terms of fruits, veggies, fats, and fiber, choosing 2-4 servings in each per daily depending on calorie goals. Keep it simple!
Signs to Break the Fast
After all your efforts, how can you determine when your body is ready for food? This question pops up a lot in our world, and it comes with many physical indicators that you should watch out for. First, through the process, your tongue may change color from white to yellow, to even black. The second it reverts to its healthy pink, you know autophagy has done its job, and you’re ready to return to food. Second: energy levels and glucose numbers bounce around during the fast, but if you experience fatigue that lasts beyond a single day, your body may be reaching for nourishment. It’s a good indicator. Third: if your weight loss comes to a halt, it’s time to break your fast. Simon eased back into foods with a steaming bowl of grass-fed beef bone broth.
Which Water is Best?
For those who question the dialogue around water for fasting- is distilled okay? Is sparkling? – it’s beneficial to remember that we’re not teasing the body with gullies of water, but rather depriving it of minerals and food sources to give it a proper cleaning. Our bodies are fully capable of discerning the difference between H20 and CO2, and I often prefer reverse osmosis water with a sprinkle of sea salt here and there. As for the big weight loss question, many clients assume thinness and fasting to be all-in-one. However, once you begin eating again, the body can smartly distinguish and force muscle growth, which is a healthy, fluid mechanism for muscle gain.
My hope is that you have a better sense of the Why and How behind water fasting, and that we’ve given you a clearer sense of where to start and what’s best for you. This ancient healing strategy has changed many lives when no other tool worked. Sometimes the simplest and oldest proven strategies provide the most profound results.
- R4: Reducing Cellular Inflammation and Oxidative Stress
- R5: Reestablishing Methylation
- Why Your Brain Quits Working
- True Cellular Detox ™ — A Top 5 Strategy to Create Your Best Heath Ever
- Cancer as a Metabolic Disease — An Interview With Dr. Thomas Seyfried
- R1: Removing the Source of Toxins
- The Ketogenic Diet: An Answer for More Than Weight Loss Resistance
- Diet Variation Strategies: The Quickest Ways to Lose Weight
- My Multi-Therapeutic Approach
- Electrolyte Concentrate
Reggie
Hello I am new to this fasting quest and today I am on my 4th day and still gaining knowledge from you all and pushing forward. I do have one MAJOR concern. And I need this concern fixed before I share this amazing information with friends and family. On your episode I believe 108 “water fasting” you mentioned that many prove do it wrong were they have their electrolytes depleted and lose muscle, yet it was never ever shared about the solution to this so it can be done right. On my second day of fast as it was ending approaching to my 3rd day I woke up in the middle of the night to urinate and I passed out, thank God I didn’t it my head on something to cause a concussion but this is not good as I would like to live when I decide to do this amazing fasting quest. I look forward to your response and thank you
Meredith Dykstra
Hi Reggie!
Working with a trained practitioner is key for success, but adding 2 tsp daily of sea salt and/or electrolytes (like Elyte: https://revelationhealth.com/products/electrolyte-concentrate-20-fl-oz-bottle) is very helpful to do it right 🙂
Anne
I am into my fifth day of my water fast – How do you find out about your glucose and ketone levels – is that something that only a dr. can do or can I do this myself – I also have hypothyroidism/Hashimotos and am taking Nature-Throid 16.25 mg 2x per day which I am still taking during my fast – I have heard mixed reviews about fasting if you have a thyroid problem – Please let me know your opinion.
Thanks for all the great work you are doing – Anne
Meredith Dykstra
Hi Anne!
Fasting with thyroid issues is best done under the care of a trained practitioner (learn more about Dr. Pompa’s coaching programs and referrals by contacting his office at info@drpompa.com). You can purchase a blood ketone and glucose meter online and take the measurements yourself! We like Precision Xtra blood ketone/glucose meter you can purchase on amazon.com 🙂
John Urban
I have a confirmed (by an Asyra Scan) Lyme Disease condition. Also Liver fluke and other intestinal parasites. The main symptoms are poor blood circulation (cold hands, feet and ED), a gluten and soy allergy, low blood pressure attacks and insomnia. I am 67 years of age.
I changed my diet and eating habits about 2 years ago. I do not eat fast or processed foods. I now very seldom eat any carbs, red meat, whole grains and legumes.
I have used zapping for ridding the parasites. Together with almond milk, carrot, celery, turnip, beetroot powder, kale powder, ginger root, garlic and avocado oil, I use essential oils such as Clove Bud, Rosemary and Cinnamon in my breakfast smoothies. I have been detoxing the liver, adrenals, gall badder and kidneys regularly. I don’t eat after 5pm and have the smoothie at about 9am. I eat some vegetables daily and a very little in season only fruit.
My question is: Is there any danger to me if I were to do a 7 day water diet?
Meredith Dykstra
Hi John!
Sounds like you’re doing a lot to support your health, and fasting is a powerful to ignite deeper cellular healing. A water fast may be transformative for you, and we always suggest working with a trained practitioner for guidance. Learn more about Dr. Pompa’s coaching programs and referrals by contacting his office at info@drpompa.com 🙂
Daryl Wolf, DC
Hi Dr. Pompa and Meredith,
I have been doing the intermittent fasting for some time and have incorporated 24 hr fasts occasionally with no problems. Sometimes the day goes by and I have forgotten to eat. So after reading this article I thought to try a longer water fast period. I went 4 days before I had to stop. Felt like crap all 4 days with huger cravings, and I am still feeling weak and brain foggy this first day after the fast period. Day 4 my blood glucose was at 55 and urine ketones were around 2 mM/L. How low should one let their glucose levels go during a block fast period?
I have only been eating light with very little carbs to break the fast. Had two avocados and half a nutrition shake from Standard Process (SP Complete) to end the fast. Today had one avocado and the rest of the shake with some coconut oil. Apparently I am more of a sugar burner than I thought, and these withdrawals are tough. Makes it hard to work on my patients when I have little energy. I understand that it may take several block fasts to get out of this brain fog low energy state and switch to fat burning. How long should one wait before going into the next block fast?
Thanks,
Daryl Wolf, DC
Meredith Dykstra
Hi Dr. Wolf!
We’ve heard of blood glucose dropping into the 30s and 40s during extended water fasts, but longer fasts require the guidance of a practitioner trained in fasting. Many people have success with monthly or quarterly block fasts, but doing what works best with your schedule and condition needs is always suggested. Try adding more variation into your foods/meal timing in general to speed up adaptation 🙂 Learn more here: http://podcast.drpompa.com/episodes/157-diet-variations
Mike Harris
Hello! Thank you for the excellent article. I am in my mid 30s and have no health conditions so I intend to begin a 15 day water fast unsupervised. That said, I concerned about the burden of toxins that will be released with fat loss that wasn’t addressed in this or other articles I’ve read. What are good practices to engage in to ensure that these are processed safely during the process. Thank you!
-Michael
Meredith Dykstra
Hi Mike!
Of course we suggest working with a trained practitioner, but keeping natural detox pathways open is key and allowing the innate intelligence to do the rest is where the magic lies in water fasting. Gentle movement, coffee enemas, IF sauna sessions, dry brushing, meditation/prayer, redox support (we use ASEA 180solutions.info) and electrolyte support (we like Elyte: https://revelationhealth.com/products/electrolyte-concentrate-20-fl-oz-bottle or sea salt in water) are all great ways to flush physical/chemical and emotional toxins 🙂 Keep us posted!
Melissa Trigar
How much water per day is recommended?
Meredith Dykstra
Drink to your thirst and listen to the innate intelligence 🙂
Joan Johnson
I just turn 70 years old and I decided to start a water fast. I am on my fourth day. I posted on facebook about my fast and everyone is telling me not to do it. They are telling me it will hurt my heart muscle. I am a female, am over weight by about 50 pounds, I do have diabetes II and high blood pressure controlled by medication. I am feeling pretty good, I get a little light-headed with I get up too quick. I am urinating a lot. My goal is to go one day at a time and see where this fast leads me. How can I feel confident in what I am doing and not get confused by all the negativity I am getting about my fast.
Thanks,
Joan
Meredith Dykstra
Hi Joan,
Thanks for reaching out. Many today have misunderstandings about fasting, so it’s important to get the facts straight and focus on your own path and health goals, and not always the various opinions of well-meaning friends/family. For reference, Dr.Pompa is a big fan of Herbert M. Shleton’s work on fasting, as well as Dr. Jason Fung’s research. Check out the Dr. Pompa’s interview with Dr. Fung here: http://podcast.drpompa.com/episodes/112-intermittent-fast-dr-jason-fung. Also, Dr. Fung’s book “The complete guide to fasting” is a great resource 🙂
Djoshi
Hi Dr Pompa, i have dark patches on my both cheeks. Can fasting cure it? And how long i should fast. I got this problem during pregnancy.
Celina
Hello,
Fasting has the potential to help with this. You can start with intermittent fasting and work your way into a 5 day fast. If you are inexperienced with fasting, coaching would be advised.
MICHELE
Hi Dr Pompa, I listened to your talk on “The Real Skinny On Fat” and decided to do a 10 day water fast. I did one about 25 yrs ago and didn’t have any problems. I’m at the end of day 4 with High Ketones but I happened to check my Blood sugar (only because I’m a nurse and I was curious.). On day 2 & 3 it was 55, but today when I checked it, it was 47. I feel fine. Is this abnormal and should I be concerned?
Celina
Hello Michelle,
Your glucose level can fluctuate quite a bit during the fast but 47 is okay as long as you are feeling fine!
Babs
Hello
I am undergoing the surgery (elective-cosmetic) I want to fast for better and faster healing. I previously did prolonged fasting 3-6 days. My longest was 1p days.
Had been preparing taking electrolytes and vitamins as well as healthy eating habbits.
Would you advice this way of healing from surgery, avoiding neausea and vommiting and loosing weight at the same time?
Thank you,
Barbara
Celina
Hello Barbara,
I would suggest going to drpompacoaching.com to be directed to a practitioner for coaching.
Kia
Hello, I had gynecology surgery two weeks ago and am really wanting to do a 5-10 day water fast. Im feeling good. Would this be a good time, as it might promote increased healing and autophagy, or would it be a bad time because my body “needs” protein and vitamins from food? I’ve heard conflicting reports. Thank you!
Celina
Hello Kia,
I would suggest going to drpompacoaching.com to be directed to a practitioner for coaching.
Drew Westbrook
Hi there, I am 63 years young and I have emphysema. I tested positive for alpha 1 genetics. My oxygen is from 94-98 sitting still. Cold hands! I quite smoking years ago and yet shortness of breath continued to get worse. I have never really fasted but I have this inate feeling cellular toxicity may have something to do with this. I want to start a water fast and wanted your opinion before I start. Please advise?
Celina
Hello Drew,
I would suggest that you go to http://www.drpompacoaching.com to be directed to a practitioner. You can also Join our Fasting For A Purpose group on Facebook if you are interested in joining the fasting support group!
Bronwyn
Hi there,
I’m very interested in trying this fast. I’m currently breastfeeding though. Is this safe for me and can I pass the toxins onto the baby?
Ashley Smith
We do not recommend fasting while breastfeeding. Your toxins can definitely expel through your breast milk.
Jen Thurber
I did my first 3-day fast. And while I consider it successful, when I came out of my fast, my digestive system did not wake up. I have not had any urge to have a bowel movement. For weeks now, I will only have a BM after using a stimulant laxative. Have you ever heard of this before?
Ashley Smith
Hi Jen. It can be common for your digestive system to take some time to wake up for sure. Have you tried a coffee enema? A good probiotic or a redox product like Restore should help your gut. You can also eat gut-friendly foods like fermented veggies and sauerkraut or kefir. Also some magnesium will help in a natural way, rather than using a laxative. I hope this helps!
Ana
Hi Dr Pompa
Day 5 of my 7 day water fast and no switch to keytosis yet. Is it normal? I feel weaker every day and I’m still hungry. I’m resting a lot and drink water regularly. Until now no symptoms appeared like the white tongue or smelly body. I’m just very tired… i’m a healthy person so I thought it was ok to go on a water fast without supervion. Now I’m worried and confused. Please can you help?
Ashley Smith
Were you fat adapted before beginning the fast? That’s an important first step. Were you, at the very least, eating high fat/low carb and practicing intermittent fasting?
Phyllis
Hi, I am trying the water fast for cancer. I have had breast cancer for 15 years. I had a lumpectomy with no radiation or chemo but it came back. I’ve tried to do natural things and i’ve heard water fasting can kill cancer cells. I’m into my 4th day but I feel really tired and my legs feel really weak and shakey. My blood sugar has been down to 57. I’m burning some ketones but not a lot. Can you help?
Ashley Smith
You can inquire about working with Dr. Pompa here.
Tracy
Try high-probiotic yoghurt and add 1-2 tsp psyllium husks mixed in, twice a day, then plenty of water. Get your gut back into shape!
Nancy
I am on day five of a water fast using the fasting trio. I have excruciating pain in my sciatic area. It started at the end of day four. I have experienced this before when I have done extended fasts. Is there anything I can do to alleviate the pain? I did a coffee enema yesterday, using Bind before and after. I am using some Himilayan salt along with the Fastonic. I would like to keep going but this pain makes it almost impossible to sleep. I have searched the internet and have found that many people experience this but no one has stated why it occurs and what can be done to get rid of it.
Ashley Smith
Take extra BIND. Even 6 per day is good. Have you tried epsom salt baths? It’s all a sign of your body healing, though it can be uncomfortable at times.
Mary
I have fasted before (5 day water fast when in my 30’s)
at age 57 i became gluten intolerant and prepare all my own foods, as when eating out or at another’s home i have at times experienced symptoms due to gluten exposure
at this time take low dose aspirin (I titrated down and stopped taking the Brilinta 2 years ago–my MD is aware of this) due to heart disease (I have a stent). I also take gabapentin for pain/sleep aid (I have Ehlers Danlos Syndrome, hypermobility type and have chronic pain (ie unstable left SI joint, etc)
Here is my question: I will be traveling to Taiwan for 11 days to attend a meditation/retreat.
Due to the gluten intolerance issue I plan to undertake a water/tea fast for the duration of the retreat: I will start my fast at the start of my travels–day 3 of my fast will be day 1 of the retreat.
Day 10 of my fast will be day 7 of the retreat. Day 11 I will be overnight at a hotel and then traveling home.
I am 5’4″ and weigh 153-156 lbs. I have plenty of material to fast on!
I currently exercise by walking: as much as 5 miles at a time, usually walking 1 1/2 – 3 miles about 3 x a week. During meditation retreats sitting is broken up with light exercise such as walking, light gardening and other such chores.
I think my undertaking is highly doable. However, should I be prepared to use an enema if I stop having bowel movements? Would I be able to break my fast with pea protein powder or with bone broth powder if needed? Would it be better to eat a small amount of gluten free oatmeal daily so that I would have some fiber and therefore bowel movements would not be an issue?
I look forward to your response, thank you for this informative and supportive blog.
Ashley Smith
Using an enema is encouraged!
nebojsa borojevic
Would only one 24 hour fast per weed do any good to the body in terms of the health benefits? Or maybe do one 24 hour fast that involves no water and no food as well.
Ashley Smith
A 24 hour fast has many benefits!
Siddharth Dhar
Hello ma’am. I have been suffering with severe Obsessive Compulsive Disorder(OCD) and Depression. I have had various therapies done including Electro Convulsive Therapy(ECT). The doctors have declared I have treatment refractory OCD and should consider going for brain surgery(for treating OCD). I am 30 kgs overweight as well. I have never fasted before but I have a very strong will power. I am 23 years old right now. I don’t know if fasting will help me with my OCD but I want to give it a try and fast for at least 30 days. Like I said, I have a very strong will power and I know I can do it. What I wanted to ask was if I am fasting, can I use soap/face wash/shampoo when I am bathing. I know I should be dry brushing and not using toothpaste for my teeth. But I am not sure about bathing. Also, is it necessary to put sea salt/electrolytes into Reverse Osmosis water or I can do without them as well?
Regards
Ashley Smith
Yes, sea salt, and bathing is just fine!
Siddharth Dhar
One more thing ma’am. What about brushing teeth? I am sure we shouldn’t use toothpaste. So should we drybrush or not brush at all?
Pamela Silva
I’m on day 2 of the 5 day water fast. Can intake my supplements? Electrolytes powder in my water, magnesium, biotin and niacin?
Ashley Smith
salt and water only is best. Or Dr. Pompa’s approved supplements (fasting trio).
Christophe
I have done successfully an intermittent fasting (16/8) for 6 months. I lost 15 lbs in 3 months and kept that weight. Got a drop in Cholesterol and fasting glucose to really good numbers . I tried then to do a prolong water fast to benefit my blood pressure and after 4 days got some heavy pain in my lower back. Since then I have had some pain here and there accompanying with some blood in the urine less frequently. I believe they are kidney stones.
I was wondering how long it will take to get rid of those stones and pain?
Do I need to do another long fast?
How do you find an healthcare provider open minded and knowledgeable into fasting?
I wish I could just go to Dr Fung for a consultation.
Ashley Smith
go to this link to apply to work with Dr. Pompa or one of his practitioners. 🙂
Mel jo es
I am getting ready to have surgery and would like to know if after the surgery I should fast in order to help my body heal quicker
thank you
Mel
Ashley Smith
It’s often a very good idea, though you should check with your doctor.
Siddharth Dhar
Hello ma’am. I wanted to ask two more things.
Should we dry brush(brushing without toothpaste) or not brush at all while water fasting?
Can we exercise during water fasting? If so, which ones should we do? Cardio or weight training? Or can we do both?