How to Fast Safely: Considerations Before Starting a Fast
If you haven’t done the research, you might find yourself wondering if fasting is safe. You may have heard from people who’ve never even tried it that it’s crazy, dangerous, or just pointless. And yet, for thousands of years, many cultures have embraced fasting wholeheartedly. This ancient practice leads to numerous health benefits for most people — when done correctly.
That said, fasting is not for everyone. Even compulsory religious fasting excuses the sick, the young, and the elderly for their safety. For some people, certain health conditions make fasting inadvisable. Of course, there are many ways to plan and prepare to ensure that you fast as safely as possible. Read on to find out if fasting is right for you and what you should consider before beginning a fast.
The Fasting Diet- In-depth Interview with Dr. Goldhamer & Dr. Group, DC
Length: 93 minutes
Who Should Avoid Fasting?
You should only fast if you’re generally healthy. Some underlying medical issues might prevent you from starting one unless you’re under direct medical instruction or supervision.
You shouldn’t fast if you are on immunosuppressive drugs, currently very ill, or recovering from surgery or injury. Fasting ignites immune cell recycling, a remarkable effect that's like a reset button for your immune defenses. It helps you replace damaged, old, or rickety immune cells with younger, more competent white blood cells once you start eating again. But if you already have a low white blood cell count, you’re better off not fasting to preserve your immune system, even in its weakened state.[1]
Some people should avoid fasting, including:
- Infants and children
- Type 1 diabetics
- Hypoglycemics
- Pregnant and nursing women
- People recovering from a major surgery or serious injury
- Those who are underweight or undernourished
- Persons with a history of eating disorders, such as anorexia, bulimia, or compulsive eating
- People with a history of malnutrition, such as alcoholics
- Anyone with a depressed or compromised immune system
- Those on certain medications, especially those that shouldn't be taken without food
- People with nutritional deficiencies like low iron status
- People with heart issues
- Those who experience severe heartburn
- Those with very low blood pressure (hypotension)
Your body might not respond well to a radical change in diet, particularly if you have any of the health conditions listed above. Fasting is not a "one size fits all" approach to health. You might have an entirely different experience from a friend or family member — this is normal. Fortunately, there are many different types of fasts to choose from, so you can find the one that suits your body and health goals.
Heal Your Body, Mind & Soul With The Power of Fasting
Enter your email below to get a sneak peek of Dr. Group, DC’s new fasting book!
Check Your Inbox!
You'll be receiving an email shortly.
Top Considerations for a Safe Fast
Before fasting, know your limits. Fasting is not something you can just jump into without preparation and research. Your experience, health, nutrition, and personal relationship with food should all be evaluated before you decide to fast.
Experience & Duration
If you’re not an experienced faster, you shouldn’t embark on a 21-day water fast on your first go. Some online resources that advocate this kind of extreme change paint a rosier picture than you will likely experience. First, try going on a juice cleanse or partial fast like my ketogenic fast to acclimate yourself to a more restrictive diet. You can also try intermittent fasting and slowly work your way up to alternate day fasting. One of the primary reasons you should ease into fasting is to see how your body responds. If you know what to expect and what to account for, you’re in a better position to prepare yourself for a fast that’s longer or more challenging.
Health Status
Forget "feed a cold, starve a fever." Focus on your general health status rather than your immediate health goals before deciding to go on a fast. If you’re trying to detox from a junk food binge, organize your diet plan before fasting. Always put your health first. Under certain circumstances, fasting can do more harm than good. Always speak with your trusted healthcare practitioner about your plans before making any radical changes to your diet.
Nutrition & Hydration
Your body keeps a natural reserve of several key nutrients, like the fat-soluble vitamins, to help sustain normal cellular function when you’re not eating. I do not recommend taking any supplements during a water fast as they may interfere with the regenerative process.
Water is arguably the most essential nutrient that your body needs. It’s responsible for transporting other nutrients and waste throughout your body, regulating temperature, and providing the medium in which all your metabolic processes occur.[2] This makes water indispensable when fasting. Many fasters become dehydrated because they’re not getting the same volume of water they normally do from food, which means you’ll have to make up the deficit. Drink enough water so that your urine runs clear.
Your Relationship With Food
People with a history of eating disorders should avoid fasting until they’ve dealt with their food issues. It may seem like an appealing option, but it can reinforce unhealthy eating habits if you’re doing it for the wrong reasons.
If you have a history of abusing food to deal with stress or emotional trauma, you should first find healthier ways of dealing with negative feelings rather than turning to food for solace.
Fasting Safely
When you're fasting, limit intense, strenuous activity so you don’t overtax your body. Fasting is supposed to be a restorative practice, so make sure you get plenty of rest. Nourish your body with plenty of water to keep yourself energized while you’re running off your energy stores. If you do decide to fast, always fast for the benefit of your health, not to make your body look a specific way. If fasting isn’t a healthy option for you, don’t subject your body to it. And if you begin feeling ill, break your fast immediately. Listen to your body — it’ll let you know if you’ve gone too far.
References (2)
- Fasting Triggers Stem Cell Regeneration Of Damaged, Old Immune System. News.usc.edu. N.p., 2017. Web. 5 June 2017.
- Goodenough, Judith, and Betty McGuire. Biology Of Humans: Concepts, Applications, And Issues. 6th ed. Hoboken, New Jersey: Pearson, 2017. Print.
†Results may vary. Information and statements made are for education purposes and are not intended to replace the advice of your doctor. If you have a severe medical condition or health concern, see your physician.
Dr. Edward Group, DC
FOUNDER | HEALER | ADVOCATEDr. Group, DC is a healer and alternative health advocate, and an industry leader and innovator in the field of natural health who is dedicated to helping others. He is a registered doctor of chiropractic (DC), a naturopathic practitioner (NP), and proud alum of Harvard Business School and MIT Sloan School of Management. Dr. Group, DC is the founder of Global Healing – a mission and vision he has shared through best-selling books and frequent media appearances. He aims to spread his message of positivity, hope, and wellness throughout the world.
