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Hi, I'm 23 Year Old Male. 70kg. I Am Going
Question: Hi, I'm 23 year old male. 70kg. I am going to start a water only fast for 7 days. Is it safe and what are the risks and how should I prepare for it ?
Thank you
Thank you
Brief Answer:
Adverse effects of prolonged fasting
Detailed Answer:
Hi......
Welcome to Ask a doctor.
I am Dr Ajeet XXXXXXX
Yes.There are multiple risks involved.
First and foremost is risk of dehydration specially under such hot conditions with sky rocketing temperatures.
Second is risk of dyselectrolytaemia.There is a balance of electrolytes in our body.A water only fast will cause dilutional hyponatraemia in which body sodium levels fall and there are chances of seizures and altered sensorium.With a fall in potassium levels,there are chances of conduction abnormalities of heart called arrhythmias.
Due to catabolism,there is excess acid production in body disturbing the acid base balance (called ketosis).Ketones are excreted in urine which are normally not.
Due to decrease blood volume ,blood pressure falls and pulse becomes feeble.
Dehydration and decreased blood flow to kidneys can cause decreased urinary output and renal failure.
You should take some precautions during this fasting. Have adequate water so that blood pressure and blood flow is maintained.Try to take sufficient amount of calories and good amount of salts prior to fast,to make adequate body stores.Restrict physical activity during this period so that energy expenditure and muscle fatigue can be avoided.
Hope that I have answered your query. Please let me know if you have any doubts.
All the very best.
Regards
Adverse effects of prolonged fasting
Detailed Answer:
Hi......
Welcome to Ask a doctor.
I am Dr Ajeet XXXXXXX
Yes.There are multiple risks involved.
First and foremost is risk of dehydration specially under such hot conditions with sky rocketing temperatures.
Second is risk of dyselectrolytaemia.There is a balance of electrolytes in our body.A water only fast will cause dilutional hyponatraemia in which body sodium levels fall and there are chances of seizures and altered sensorium.With a fall in potassium levels,there are chances of conduction abnormalities of heart called arrhythmias.
Due to catabolism,there is excess acid production in body disturbing the acid base balance (called ketosis).Ketones are excreted in urine which are normally not.
Due to decrease blood volume ,blood pressure falls and pulse becomes feeble.
Dehydration and decreased blood flow to kidneys can cause decreased urinary output and renal failure.
You should take some precautions during this fasting. Have adequate water so that blood pressure and blood flow is maintained.Try to take sufficient amount of calories and good amount of salts prior to fast,to make adequate body stores.Restrict physical activity during this period so that energy expenditure and muscle fatigue can be avoided.
Hope that I have answered your query. Please let me know if you have any doubts.
All the very best.
Regards
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Yogesh D
Hello, Dr Ajeet XXXXXXX
Thank you for answering the question. Since you have mentioned the various risks with the 7 days, i consider it is very dangerous. I am now considering shortening the length of the fast to 3 days (72 hours). I am planning to drink 3L water a day to keep myself hydrated. I would like to know if there are any major risks with the 72 hour fast with water ? Also, i just have some doubts on how to break the fast after 3 days. What food to have after the 3 days water fast ?
Thank you.
XXXXXXX
Thank you for answering the question. Since you have mentioned the various risks with the 7 days, i consider it is very dangerous. I am now considering shortening the length of the fast to 3 days (72 hours). I am planning to drink 3L water a day to keep myself hydrated. I would like to know if there are any major risks with the 72 hour fast with water ? Also, i just have some doubts on how to break the fast after 3 days. What food to have after the 3 days water fast ?
Thank you.
XXXXXXX
Brief Answer:
Period of fasting
Detailed Answer:
That is a good decision of yours to shorten the fast duration from 7 to 3 days.There are no major risks involved in that.There won't be any major adversity to your health provided you keep yourself well hydrated.
After you break your fast,take some fluids preferably fruit juices and coconut water.It will provide ready energy which can be easily assimilated by the body.Avoid fatty, oily and heavy meals because due to the fasting state,your digestive system would not be used to it and body would not be able to digest it.
Fruit juice can be followed by some semisolids like oats.After a period of time,you can take solid food.Meals should be small and frequent.
Hope that I have answered your query.If you have any other queries,please let me know.
Wishing you the best.
Regards
Period of fasting
Detailed Answer:
That is a good decision of yours to shorten the fast duration from 7 to 3 days.There are no major risks involved in that.There won't be any major adversity to your health provided you keep yourself well hydrated.
After you break your fast,take some fluids preferably fruit juices and coconut water.It will provide ready energy which can be easily assimilated by the body.Avoid fatty, oily and heavy meals because due to the fasting state,your digestive system would not be used to it and body would not be able to digest it.
Fruit juice can be followed by some semisolids like oats.After a period of time,you can take solid food.Meals should be small and frequent.
Hope that I have answered your query.If you have any other queries,please let me know.
Wishing you the best.
Regards
Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Prasad
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