7 Day Water-Only Fasting - Good Idea or Absolute Craziness?

Blue Cat on 27/03/2020 - 19:45
Last edited 27/03/2020 - 19:59

Call me a conspiracy theorist, but I have some sources saying that Australia will go into full lock-down (only allowed to go supermarket and back home) starting Monday, with announcement to be made this Sunday's evening.

So if we will be 2 weeks in quarantine and without jobs, I am thinking to do a 7 day water fast, where for 7 days I will drink only water and eat nothing.
I have no medical conditions and take no medications, not overweight, no dietary limitations or allergies etc. and I am doing this purely in an attempt to get rid of my acne that has been plaguing me ever since I was 14 years old.

We will be at home, so I can stay in bed the whole time I am fasting to avoid problems doing physical activities.

I have tried many fad, non-fad and weird diets before for weeks (for health and skin reasons, some helped, some didn't) so I am not worried that I won't have enough willpower to pull this through.

Just wondering, has anyone tried this before and can give some advice? Maybe some GPs here that want to call me retarded and convince otherwise?

Poll Options

  • 258
    Do it and see what happens.
  • 147
    Do NOT do it, you will not get any benefits from it at all!
Health & Beauty

Comments

    • Blue Cat on 27/03/2020 - 21:06
      +1

      How about seeing a dermatologist instead?

      And be recommended therapies. treatments and products that cost a lot but don't actually help?
      Been there, done that, wasted thousands, doesn't work.

      After about 72 hours, your brain decides it needs more than just ketones to survive.

      I had survived 4 weeks eating only meat, cheese and butter (basically zero carb, high fat diet) and water while working fulltime and I am still not dead, so I am sure my body has experience with using ketones for energy. Though I did lose 5kg off my weight with this that rapidly came back when I started eating carbs again.

      • [Deactivated] on 27/03/2020 - 21:09

        I had survived 4 weeks eating only meat, cheese and butter (basically zero carb, high fat diet) and water

        How was your acne during that time?

        • Blue Cat on 27/03/2020 - 21:14

          My skin was getting significantly better and acne was disappearing and no new pimples would appear for that time, however, I was scared of the weight loss and countless remarks from the coworkers and my friends that I look so skinny. Also, no libido at all, which the missus wouldn't stop complaining about.

          Though others said the skin probably cleared up because I didn't eat any junk food, and not because of my high-fat diet. I will never know.

          • Alley Cat on 27/03/2020 - 21:20

            @Blue Cat: Carbs cause inflammation, which adds load to your liver. Once you stopped putting it in you, your liver was able to function better hence getting rid of the acne. If you ate leafy viggies at the same time, you might have had even better results… Unless of course you ate a lot of innards, which contain a lot of good stuff.

            Fasting will definitely shut down your reproductive system tho. Be mindful of that.

          • John Kimble on 27/03/2020 - 22:23

            @Blue Cat:

            Also, no libido at all, which the missus wouldn't stop complaining about.

            Very nice (in Borat voice)

          • [Deactivated] on 28/03/2020 - 09:28

            @Blue Cat:

            My skin was getting significantly better and acne was disappearing and no new pimples… weight loss… no libido at all,

            You know what else does that? Death.

          • [Deactivated] on 28/03/2020 - 10:30
            +1

            @Blue Cat:

            Though others said the skin probably cleared up because I didn't eat any junk food, and not because of my high-fat diet. I will never know.

            You will never know…. Or you could eliminate junk food from your diet and see if that's what cleared up your acne.

      • paraneoplastic on 27/03/2020 - 21:20
        +8

        Mate… If you're sufficiently concerned and you have severe acne vulgaris go get a referral to a dermatologist (assuming you've already been through doxy/minocycline + benzyl peroxide at various dose, OCP (if you're a female)) they'll give you roaccutane - it's extremely effective (albeit with its own load of side effects)

        If you've wasted thousands you've probably bought cosmetic stuff, to my knowledge there is no prescription label medication which costs "thousands" - which makes me think that you haven't in fact gone and seen a dermatologist. Roaccutane is $40/month

        • Dlw on 27/03/2020 - 22:41

          I had severe acne during my high school years and tried everything. Nothing worked until Roaccutane. If you’re desperate enough, the side effects are nothing. The worst part was having constant dry lips but my skin was totally clear before I finished schooling.

        • sarahlump on 28/03/2020 - 17:42

          Hormone blockers clear up acne pretty well as well! no testosterone, no acne.

          • Miami Mall Alien on 01/04/2020 - 01:56

            @sarahlump: Acne is not only related to hormonal factors and plenty of men never experience acne throughout their entire lives, despite having normal testosterone levels.

            • sarahlump on 02/04/2020 - 01:06

              @Miami Mall Alien: It helped for me, also acne can be exacerbated by hormonal factors. Testosterone expression results in thicker sebaceous glands which can result in more sebaceous products on the skin. Build up of sebaceous products can result in acne.

              • Miami Mall Alien on 03/04/2020 - 16:43

                @sarahlump: As explained to me by a dermatologist, acne is caused predominantly by faulty-gene coding for the cells that make up the ducts between the sebum glands in your skin and the hair follicles next to them, resulting in those ducts being blocked with dead cells that are unable to be cleared out of those ducts, which then cause the sebum glands to swell and expand as they continue to produce sebum that doesn't end up excreting onto the skin but instead remains trapped under the epidermis and forms a painful swelling known as a pimple, which eventually stretches the epidermis to the point of tearing.

                Higher testosterone expression or not, the root cause is the faulty gene responsible for specific skin cell reproduction, and Isotretinoin (Roaccutane) is the only proven method of treating that permanently.

                Hormone blockers are an incredibly broad class of drugs that will certainly have a huge range of effects on hormonal, endocrinological, immunological, metabolic, reproductive and psychological function, and given they're normally used to postpone puberty in children, I would not take their use lightly and I would not consider them a first choice for anyone with severe acne, given how effective Isotretinoin is (75% success rate for first treatments, over 90% for second treatments) and the fact that its mechanism of action does not specifically target hormonal production or hormone receptors.

                You're probably female I'm assuming, in which a case a low dose of androgenic hormone blockers probably won't produce many noticeable side-effects (at least during short-term use) but for men, particularly those well into adulthood, taking hormone blockers to treat acne is a terribly counter-productive way of treating a dermatological disorder and will have much more pronounced side effects than the usual skin/lip dryness experienced by most when using Isotretinoin.

                • sarahlump on 03/04/2020 - 22:42

                  @Miami Mall Alien: You can also take estrogen with the testosterone blockers. It's a great course of treatment with loads of positive implications.

                  Your comment about gene coding is missing some parts, but it's ok. So Testosterone affects gene expression. It sends a signal that interacts with your DNA to express proteins.
                  One implication of testosterone-based gene expression can be an increase in sebaceous products. We're both saying the same thing.(sorta, you're saying they don't, and that it's just skin, in which case washing your face would solve the issue) The only difference is the reaction to the course of treatment and I guess suggesting alternate courses of treatment. I am not a dermatologist. I'm assuming you aren't either.

                  In my experience Testosterone blockers, Androcur, Aldactone, etc are definitely valid and effective treatments for acne. For both prepubescent, pubescent, and adult humans. However, there are special circumstances surrounding their use for this. The effects of reduced acne are often side effects of their use for other purposes, like you mentioned, preventing puberty, or for blocking the effects of hormones.

                  My gender is a bit irrelevant in this discussion. In the interests of OP and gender, unfortunately, my suggestion of including an estrogen prescription and taking testosterone blockers will likely induce gender dysphoria and result in a negative outcome, which makes it inappropriate for treating OP's acne. In this instance you are providing probably a better treatment option than HRT. However the effects of HRT on acne are documented.

                  Some other benefits are softer smoother skin since this is about skin.

                  I'd also like to mention that hormone blockers also can have an interaction with the skeletal system, you missed it in your description.

                  Also cis men experiencing balding should contact their prescribing GP for a prescription of finasteride. It is a hormone blocker that blocks the effects of dihydrotestosterone. As well as getting their hormone levels checked regularly. In most cis men the levels of T drop drastically around 30 and can have some nasty results. It's basically male menopause. It's super easily treatable.

    • vindictus on 30/03/2020 - 06:30

      There are many health benefits associated with extended autophagy. Protection against cancers and improved longevity have been demonstrated in animal models. You want your body eating itself, it's a natural process we've abandoned with constant food access and it's harming our health.

  • ihbh on 27/03/2020 - 21:26

    Fasts that long should be supervised by a doctor, specifically a specialist in this area.

    It's non-essential given the current situation, so don't do it now. You don't want to waste medical resources to save you in the event something goes wrong at the expense of people suffering from the coronavirus.

  • ozhunter on 27/03/2020 - 21:26
    +8

    Definitely go for it. I started with intermittent fasting, OMAD, and have since done multiple 3, 5, and 7 day water fasts.

    I did drink green tea mixed with apple cider vinegar and lemon juice. It helps with the hunger, and seems to be just generally good for you. Take vitamins and minerals if you need.

    I do a 3/5 day water fast every month, and plan to do 1-2 7 day water fasts a year.

    It's surprising how good you feel by not eating. First couple times were a bit rough because I had an incredibly bad diet. It's also a great way to kick start weight loss.

    • Laurana on 28/03/2020 - 06:20
      +2

      Agreed. I’m really surprised how many people think you’ll die if you can’t have food for a couple of days.

      I’ve done it for a week before and it was fine. Definitely tough as hell though. My husband has gone an entire 3 weeks with nothing but liquids (he had calorific drinks) and he reckons after the first week he didn’t feel hungry at all.

      As bobb mentioned, the key is to stay hydrated. Drink a lot of water and electrolytes and that will ease up the hunger.

      It’s obviously not sustainable long term, but it’s a great way to kick start a weight loss program or Intermittent Fasting. One last advice: be mindful to not overeat when you break the fast.

      • Gareth on 28/03/2020 - 14:23
        +3

        Agreed with you both. Humans have evolved for tens of thousands of years with short to medium fasts. It's only in the last century that we've been fed (too much) constantly. Of course, the food and pharmaceutical industries are scared of any idea which means less reliance on them.

        Have done several 5-day fasts, no problems really. (And will probably do at least one in the coming weeks assuming we're in lockdown).

        The major mental problem is usually around the 48 hour period where you feel quite hungry. After that, it goes away, with small periods where your body is really telling you it needs electrolytes and water. So stay hydrated! (I know, we've all said it, but it's the most important thing).

        The other essential thing if you're going to properly fast is to actually fast. There are silly recommendations about eating small meals/barley sugars etc, ignore this, it only starves your body, as you're not feeding it enough. Your body understands fasts, not small meals in the middle of a fast.

        Be very careful with introducing food again - there is "refeeding syndrome" which CAN cause death if you overdid it. A small meal, and then another 3-4 hours later is much better than 1 large meal.

        However, OP needs to think about the overall health of their body. A 5 day fast is only 5 days, if you finish it and go back to bad habits afterwards, any gain is going to be short-lived. Consider removing dairy for skin issues, it does seem to make a significant difference for many.

  • crashloaded on 27/03/2020 - 21:29
    +5

    I'm doing the opposite and going for every possible uber eats meal.

  • sam buster on 27/03/2020 - 21:31

    When I was 15 I took part in a 24-hour sponsored fast.
    It was a failure.
    Not one person got through it without secret snacking in the middle of the night and despite being a County-level athlete I had barely enough energy to make it home at the end.
    That said, it was held in a hall full of teenagers, so we weren't conserving energy or anything.

    I wouldn't bother asking advice on here until you've gotten through the first day ;)
    Seriously though, if you are feeling weak or ill then eat something!

  • Axelstrife on 27/03/2020 - 21:36
    +1

    As someone who's fasted over 2400 total hours since 1st November last year and dropped 22KG i say go for it, but don't do it too much if you're not overweight as you say.

    For extended fast's like that you will need Supplements i know i got headaches on extended fast's like a week if i didn't get any salt.

    • Blue Cat on 27/03/2020 - 21:50

      but don't do it too much if you're not overweight as you say.

      I only plan it do it once and do not have any plans to repeat it, only want to see what happens.

      For extended fast's like that you will need Supplements i know i got headaches on extended fast's like a week if i didn't get any salt.

      Noted, if I do get headaches or massive pains I am ready to add some salt.

      And I think it's one of the points I forgot to mention is I don't want to torture myself or inflict pain onto myself, so if I feel some REAL pain going on that is not just a psychological desire for food, I am ready to stop it and finally start eating something.

  • MagicMushroom on 27/03/2020 - 21:51

    Won't recommend at this time of the year. It will certainly increase your chance of ending up in the emergency dept and who knows you may already have COVID19 in the incubation stage.

    I struggled with acne too when I was a teenager which made my eczema to quite a scary level. Have you heard of Isotretinoin capsules(Oratane)? It's a prescription medicine and worked that for me.

    • paraneoplastic on 27/03/2020 - 22:16
      +7

      OP doesn't like proven study based medicine - only things buzzfeed and "10 secrets to get rid of acne, doctors DoN't wAnT YoU tO kNoW!!" kind of stuff

  • Diji1 on 27/03/2020 - 22:20
    +3

    Fasting has health benefits.

    Evidence is mounting that a lot of the benefit is avoiding the modern Western diet.

    I do intermittent fasting everyday not eating until 3 or 4 o'clock usually.

  • Cave Fire on 27/03/2020 - 22:40

    hmm, yt + modern internet makes it easy to find info on how to start, but tends to gloss over safety. I picked some skin problems after 80/20 fruitarian, 4hr body, then three months vegetarian in 2011. I relied on protein powder + too much soy led to itchy skin allergies I haven't cleared since then. Have spent close to $500+ on different meds. I found about fasting around then as well. The main thing is to have someone supervise. I did 48hrs without telling someone and this could have ended badly.

  • Godric on 27/03/2020 - 22:46

    I couldn't last past lunch

  • qwerty on 27/03/2020 - 22:50

    Snake diet - you will get all your salts and see the same benefit

  • michaelTito on 27/03/2020 - 23:01
    +1

    Your source… Is it channel 7 or 9?

    • Mechz on 30/03/2020 - 01:35

      Jokes on you it was Studio 10!

      • michaelTito on 30/03/2020 - 16:12

        Soooo. I need my money back. Source was incorrect.

  • garetz on 27/03/2020 - 23:29

    Don't fast more than 72 hours, its the epitome of foolishness.

  • BuyoTheCat on 28/03/2020 - 00:12
    +1

    Can be done. I tried that last year. If a skinny Indian can fast for 21 days, I can do 7. I lasted 3.

    If you do fast, this is what will happen. You will feel HUNGRY. Hunger like you have never felt. this is when your brain and body is asking for glucose. No glucose to give mate. Then the brain goes. Give me SOMETHING!! And your body goes. What about ketones. You want that.

    “Yes!” Says the brain.

    Then the body starts burning fat for Ketones.
    The brain goes “ahhhhhhh” and it starts.

    So I started looking into it and I learnt about ketosis. Which is what your body goes into when you fast. It has no more glucose to use for energy so you run on Ketones. I enjoyed running on ketones. I dont have hunger pangs and my life does not revolve around food. These days I am not on ketones anymore. The benefit of the experience changed my perspective on food in a way that it does not run my life. The first time you fast it will be really hard, there is a wall that you will hit…and if you keep pushing, you will get over it and it is serenity.

    These days I am no longer running on keystones. It is a lot of effort.

    If you dont want to lose muscles mass, do not fast for extended time. I cannot say how long it will take before your body start to break down muscle for glucose. If you hit the gym. All your gains will be lost.
    However, it is an interesting experiment.

    Perhaps try 3 days first, then 5 and build it up to 7. I

  • hmac on 28/03/2020 - 00:25
    +1

    Do it for Ozbargain!

  • savara on 28/03/2020 - 00:54
    -1

    It is a very common practice in Jainism religion in India, which is followed by millions of people every year. People just drink boiled water for 8 days. search "aththai jain fast" for more information

    https://www.dnaindia.com/technology/report-survival-techniqu…

  • Axelstrife on 28/03/2020 - 02:46
    +1

    "You will feel HUNGRY. Hunger like you have never felt"

    Honestly in my thousands of hours fasting ive learnt that to be completely incorrect, it's no different to being hungry normally except you can't simply eat something, the first 24 hours are always the hardest after that the hunger comes and goes but it never feels any worse then when you are normally hungry if it does somethings wrong and you should stop.

    Cravings on the other hand is the real bitch, DO NOT think about food. the longer you get into a fast the more you start to crave literally anything

    • BuyoTheCat on 28/03/2020 - 13:20
      +2

      This was what i felt when I decided to do it. I Might have exaggerating a bit. It was purely mental This was when I first tried it. I didn’t know what was involved. Now I can fast quite easily. The first attempt was rather horrific.

      I had no cravings though. hot chips. Nah pass. Beer, nah pass.
      With subsequent attempts, it got easier.

      • Axelstrife on 28/03/2020 - 14:43

        I guess different people feel it different'y similar to pain.

        Certainly strange about the no cravings thing though, do you ever have craving for a certain food?

  • lothus777 on 28/03/2020 - 03:30
    -2

    Do I claim for youth allowance job seeker (im 21 turning 22) if we go on lockdown? currently working..

  • Autonomic on 28/03/2020 - 03:34
    +1

    Have you actually tried going to a Dr for your acne? Epiduo works wonders.

    • maximum on 28/03/2020 - 07:09

      Great time to do it too. Your skin could be sensitive and look red and noone except your partner would see it. Better than looking scaley and peeling at work.

  • Bourb on 28/03/2020 - 06:24

    Check out Keto and intermittent fasting, no need to starve yourself for a week.

  • luffyex2010 on 28/03/2020 - 06:59

    If people want to starve fast…wouldnt foodpill be a better healthier alternative? Instead of risking stomach ulcers especially people who frequently eat meats.

    Going against nature of not to feed/eat..sounds like a special indian/yoga ability.

    Think I saw one on the news many years back as he has not eat for decades or something like that.

  • sleet on 28/03/2020 - 07:06

    From an acne sufferer with terrible oily skin, I did the 5-2 diet. Two days of just water and zero calories. I know some people do 2 days reduced calories but I chose the stricter option.

    My skin cleared up immensely to the point where half the people saw me said wow your skins cleaered up heaps.

    I tried the keto diet and 16hour fast. Theyve been good for maintaining weight but did not see improvements on skin.

    Must try the 5-2 for 4 weeks and you will see results fast.

  • crob on 28/03/2020 - 07:13
    +3

    wrong time to try something that will weaken your immune system.

  • No ONE on 28/03/2020 - 09:14

    Do it and see what happens

    I'm more inclined push this button just for pleasure. But really No. Do NOT do it.

  • greater mimic on 28/03/2020 - 09:50

    I think it's a very bad idea because you won't get any nutrients, but I voted do it cause fuk it why not shits crazy enough already

  • mapax on 28/03/2020 - 09:57

    It’s only 7 days. Do what you want but expect a little muscle loss, and be careful with what you break your fast with.

    If you want actual relief from acne I’d investigate the possibility of it being related to processed grains or dairy.

  • OzHunterNSW on 28/03/2020 - 10:08

    Stupidness and demonstration of knowing absolutely nothing about what you are contemplating.

    See a doctor, and after this psychologist, visit your GP

  • anonymous01 on 28/03/2020 - 10:17

    How old are you now? How long has the acne been there for? Is it on your face? I had pretty bad acne in my teens, but lost it in my late teens and early 20's.

  • Antikythera on 28/03/2020 - 10:33

    Get your doctor to test you for Diabetes.

    I had similarly to you, had had Acne for 30+ years. I was diagnosed in the last two months with, and started medication for, type 2 Diabetes. I've noticed coincidentally that my Acne has cleared up completely.

    I also had surgery for an unrelated condition in the last month and was given a course of IV antibiotics so that may have had an effect. I changed my diet somewhat but not very significantly. I've lost some weight but not a heap, due to both factors.

    Lastly a 7 day fast is dangerous. I have a mate who does intermittent fasting. It seems to work for him and to be a much more sensible way of incorporating fasting into your lifestyle.

  • johnwinds on 28/03/2020 - 11:20

    I did a 10 day water fast. I don't regret doing it.

  • Cluster on 28/03/2020 - 11:21

    At a time when you need a healthy immune system, you're planning to starve yourself for seven days and quite likely affect your body in various negative ways?

    This does not sound sensible at all. Don't do it.

  • hasher22 on 28/03/2020 - 11:24
    -1

    I did a 3 day water fast. Alot of benefits outweigh the negatives.

    The body doesn't need to eat everyday.

    My experience;
    1st day is the hardest cause your body naturally wants to eat and you'll feel down, headaches etc.
    2nd/3rd day is the best day, you'll full of energy, not really thinking about food unless people around you are eating.

    I lost 1.5kg of fat and still retained my muscle. Did tests at the gym before and after.

    YES: you can still workout. I now workout when fasting, I am stronger and my head is clear. I not full of food which may fatigue people faster.

    BUT: you need to check your health first before fasting, history, diabetes etc…….

    • KLoNe on 29/03/2020 - 09:31
      -1

      Wow. Your information is (profanity)! DO NOT listen to hasher22, Jesus.

      • hasher22 on 29/03/2020 - 12:08

        Mate, tests don't lie and I am speaking from experience not from theories and books. Just because you may have a different perspective, doesn't mean I am wrong. Everyone is different and your results will be different from mine.

    • zhenjie on 29/03/2020 - 10:16
      -1

      Losing 1.5kg of fat is simple impossible on a 3 day fast. Do the maths.

      • hasher22 on 29/03/2020 - 12:08
        -1

        Mate, tests don't lie and I am speaking from experience not from theories and books. Just because you may have a different perspective, doesn't mean I am wrong. Everyone is different and your results will be different from mine.

        • zhenjie on 31/03/2020 - 00:58
          -1

          Test a gym? Wow, the gold standard. /sarcasm

          It's simple mathematics and basic human biology, not theory. Even Dr Jason Fung wouldn't claim fasting for 3 days alone would make someone lose 1.5kg of body fat. Keep dreaming if it makes you happy.

          • hasher22 on 31/03/2020 - 17:54

            @zhenjie: Don't really care what you think.

            It actually does make me happy and I've lost 10kgs while I actually increased my strength and lifting more at the gym. If you wanna bash other people, maybe you're the one that is unhappy while I am here reaching my goals.

            Go be negative somewhere else.

            • zhenjie on 07/04/2020 - 20:57

              @hasher22: By all means, if living a fantasy that defies the laws of physics is what makes you happy, congrats :)

  • Slunk78 on 28/03/2020 - 11:27

    Plenty of people do 7 day fasts. Most of them start on carnivore diet first though as their hunger is way down.

  • DonWilson on 28/03/2020 - 12:20
    +1

    Have a read of Jason Fung's Complete Guide to Fasting. If you don't want to pay for it I'm sure it's on libgen.

    I've done a couple 5 days and a bunch of other fasts.

    I wouldn't recommend a 7 day for someone who doesn't already have weight issues or related health issues. I would actively work to contact your family to try and get them to do something if you've previously had an eating disorder.

    Fasting can "break the seal" on eating issues. So that's a risk.

    Fasting can also be dangerous for anyone without the necessary excess body fat to sustain yourself during it. Everyone (excluding certain disordered people) has the necessary body fat but sounds like you don't have the excess fat.

    I'd probably go with something simpler like alternate day fasting. And don't do any kind of extended (over 20 hour) fast if your BMI is 21 or lower.

  • jonkvh on 28/03/2020 - 12:41
    +1

    For a first time, a week straight up it too much. Start at 2, then do 3 and so on consecutively. Have done water fasts before but you must also take in salt occasionally.

  • trapper on 28/03/2020 - 13:15
    +1

    If you're over-weight then go for it.

    If not then don't do it.

  • HeWhoKnows on 28/03/2020 - 13:37

    Very foolish but once a week not a bad idea

  • CalmLemons on 28/03/2020 - 14:26

    Doubt you will die but if you have some time you should consider a plant based diet

    Read up on it.

  • Gareth on 28/03/2020 - 14:45
    +2

    My final comment, after reading all the "OMG you're going to die" comments;

    If you do go ahead, there is no failure in deciding to pull out at any time. If you get to a point where you realise it's not for you at this time (for whatever reason), feel free to introduce food again without any concern about being seen to "fail". Most of the time when I do a long fast the only person who knows is my partner (who is completely supportive and sometimes is doing the same) - no-one else knows and therefore there are no judgments either way.

    A brief example is about a year ago I started doing something a little more "out there", by doing a water fast Monday-Friday one week, eating (IF, Keto) the following week, and then going back to water fast - essentially alternate week 5-day fasts. [Do not follow my foolishness]. Anyway on the fourth 5-day fast in succession, by Tuesday afternoon I was feeling really off, perhaps it was being so busy at work, I'm not sure, I just wasn't mentally with the fast - whatever the cause I simply ate a small meal and returned to my "normal" non-fasting regime. It did take a while before I went back to a longer fast, but you can only do what you're prepared for (both physically and mentally).

  • lew380 on 28/03/2020 - 14:46
    +2

    Water fasting is very healthy. Doable for 40+ days (two weeks is my max, Im too skinny already). The body can regenerate somewhat when the energy normally spent digesting goes to repairing and restoring, or something like that, the science is lacking insert alien conspiracy theory here.
    The first 48hrs is hard, but after that your body stops craving food and you have AMAZING ENERGY, almost euphoric(just dont actually go running as you will struggle). This is when your body really starts healing and repairing and you can go about your normal life, just avoid anything strenuous other than light walks.

    Its fun experience that is great for your health. Just ignore everyone negative here who has 0 experience.

    The experts don't like water fasting, they cant sell you anything and they are also not needed! Experts like to feel needed and make money!

    Give it a go, you really cant do any harm!

    • papachris on 29/03/2020 - 00:53

      Erm, have you never heard the saying "three minutes without oxygen, three days without water, three weeks without food"? It refers to the ability for the human body to survive. Try living on just water for 40+ days, and you'll never have health problems again… ever…

      • lew380 on 02/04/2020 - 07:46

        Well that saying is objectively wrong, people can go for even longer than 40 days, you do need fat reserves for longer fasts

  • Morien on 28/03/2020 - 14:54
    +1

    People around the world do this. It’s rather common. Some variants of “intermittent fasting” go for almost as long. Go for it.

    • KLoNe on 29/03/2020 - 09:29

      Dafuq you talking about? Not eating for 7 days is the same as eating every day for 7 days? Wtf?

  • ekul777 on 28/03/2020 - 15:25
    -2

    no link between what you eat and acne.
    I suffered from bad acne in my teenage years and in 20s and specialist and doctors all said no link.
    However eating a healthy balanced diet is good for you in other ways.
    Instead of eating nothing at all maybe lower your fat, sugar intake and try eat more leafy greens fresh fruit and vegetables.
    Its going to be much better for you in the long term what happens in 7 days you'll have created a unhealthy relationship with food because it was taken away from you and you'll crave the unhealthy things.

    • sarahlump on 28/03/2020 - 17:39

      I think OP should consider hormone treatment. And OP might want to see a dermatologist too.

  • Laurenlauren on 28/03/2020 - 15:53

    Making a dietary change that should have doctor supervision and may require hospitalisation if it goes wrong is probably not the smartest idea in the middle of a pandemic… 🤔

    • [Deactivated] on 28/03/2020 - 17:00

      I would go a step further and call it downright selfish.

  • TightAssDude on 28/03/2020 - 16:59

    I've done 14 days.. however 7 is the sweet spot. Key is ensuring your fluids are up… The human body is designed for fasting. Good luck.

    Edit: Only fast when you're 100% healthy.

  • sarahlump on 28/03/2020 - 17:38

    I used to fast at least 3 weeks out of the month for about 2 years. I was horribly unhealthy, and hated myself. Food and bodies just suck. Please be careful, fasting is a gateway to many other unhealthy food relationships.

    In the first 3 days you'll see a rapid drop on the scale as your body looses 1-2kg of water and be amazed but like heroin you'll be chasing it for the rest of your life.

    As others have mentioned, the first 3 days are the hardest and then apart from your teeth hurting, your jaw muscles hurting, and your mouth tasting funny it's fine. You wont be hungry.

    You're gonna stink. Like really bad stink. Your body breaks down proteins in transaminine reactions creating extra urea and it comes out in your sweat so you will smell like really old stale piss. Please be careful.

    Otherwise, enjoy yourself, try to make it be fore something good.

  • Dontdoit on 28/03/2020 - 18:01

    Seems like there a lot of people on here who have experience.

    https://www.reddit.com/r/fasting

    Some other experiences here if needed.

    Go for it. Stop if you feel something.

  • TheBilly on 28/03/2020 - 18:30

    About 24 to 36 hours on water is not even a challenge. After that my hats off to you.

  • ChickenTalon on 28/03/2020 - 18:50
    +1

    I’ve done some 5 day fasts.

    Tough for the first two days then you feel amazing. Helps if you’re already following a Keto / Carnivore diet as your body will barely notice the transition, and you start way less hungry.

    Drink plenty of water and get lots of salt.

  • DoUKnowTheMuffinMan on 28/03/2020 - 19:40
    +1

    The fact that you are staying home and in bed for 24hours will likely make this harder. Time will go slower and if you're anything like me I'd be thinking about food the whole time.
    Goodluck!

  • Blue Cat on 28/03/2020 - 20:33
    +3

    Just want to let you guys know, I read all of the comments but I don't have time to respond to all of them.
    I am happy to see all kinds of skeptic, positive and negative comments so I can hear opinions why I should do it and why I should not.
    As others have pointed out, yes, I have a bit of unhealthy relationship with food because I have difficulty gaining (and maintaining) weight so I am left to keep experimenting until I find a diet that suits me and doesn't ruin my face's skin.

    I decided to only do a "trial" water-only fast of 3 days to see how my body will react. If I start feeling internal organ pain for more than a couple of hours, I will stop the fast and start to eat food again. I really don't want to be an extra problem for our already overwhelmed hospitals at the moment.

    I hope to see more comments and keep the discussion going!

    • MagicMushroom on 29/03/2020 - 00:50
      +2

      I have a bit of unhealthy relationship with food

      That seems like the problem to me. I believe one of the major issue contributing to your acne is your food choices + going with xxx diet randomly and in an unhealthy manner.

      I recommend you to go and see an accredited dietitian for advice on diet.

    • Alley Cat on 30/03/2020 - 11:05

      Hey it's been two days, how's it going? Are you still on water?

      I have difficulty gaining (and maintaining) weight

      If it's weight, not just muscle, check for thyroid issues. A simple blood test can do. You might find that's linked to your skin problems too, due to difficulties in metabolising some hormones.

  • franek on 28/03/2020 - 20:57

    I don't think you've said anything about researching diet, fasting or acne. What research have you done that looks useful to you? What do you think about elimination diets and the functional medicine approach?

  • MessyG on 28/03/2020 - 21:17
    +1

    Why tho?

  • ahly92 on 28/03/2020 - 21:20

    I've been intermediate fasting all year now on Monday's and Thursday's (religious purposes) but that involves both food and water for 9 hours then normal food water intake after sunset. Personally I feel like my food intake has reduced slot and rarly feel hungry on normal days.

    I also want to try the water only days for fun so will give it a shot too.

  • bmerigan on 28/03/2020 - 21:45
    +1

    Given there's a fair chance of catching the virus over coming months I'd be inclined to stay as healthy as possible, not deny my body necessary nutrients.

  • bluepop on 28/03/2020 - 22:58

    The longest I’ve done is 5 days. I didn’t start there though- I’d done 3 days twice before. I don’t think you’d be able to do 7 days straight out of the gate- but that’s just my experience.
    I think it’s a good idea, I was thinking the same thing. My understanding is that it’s good for your immune system as your body has energy to repair the damaged cells. There’s talk about it reducing cancer.
    It’s why your body doesn’t feel like eating when sick, so it can use its energy to fight the sickness not digest your food.
    From my experience I get a fever when I fast. Just a heads up if you go anywhere and they check your temperature they might think you’re infected.
    Also I bet you’ll be super bored, because there won’t be much to do, but just be prepared for that too!

  • gimme on 28/03/2020 - 23:21
    +1

    People getting dumber by the minute. Scarier than Covid

  • ozoner on 29/03/2020 - 00:03

    Go see a dermo and get a roaccutane script.

  • papachris on 29/03/2020 - 00:45

    Twelve months on Roaccutane fixed my adult acne problems. Now my facial skin is drier than a Todd River tinnie…

  • apiecost on 29/03/2020 - 01:02
    +1

    I do 5 days all the time. I've read a lot of books on the topic including those from Dr. Jason Fung and feel like I'm well informed on the topic.

    Nothing bad is likely to happen as 7 days is not considered a particularly long fast. If you feel bad, then stop.

    First few days at the worst especially if you've been on a high carb diet but it's nowhere near as difficult as people imagine.

  • berry580 on 29/03/2020 - 04:12

    Based on previous evidence, you should still live by the end of the 7th day, if that helps.

  • KLoNe on 29/03/2020 - 09:25

    Just (profanity) do it and report back, (profanity).

  • this is us on 29/03/2020 - 10:51
    +1

    I had acne when I was young, took a lot of different antibiotics that only worked while I was taking them… After years, I saw a new dermatologist who prescribed Roacutan. Apart from the side effects (mainly my lips so red and sensitive, sometimes bleeding), taking this medication completely changed my life, improved self-esteem… Acne no more…

    You obviously do that with a dermatologist, who will make sure the medication is not destroying your liver or anything like that. I followed all the recommendations and had no problems at all, apart from sensitive skin. I took it for 8 months and believe I should have taken early.

    I won't convince you that this water-based diet is crazy… I don't try to convince flat Earth believers that they are wrong either…

    *Also, measuring damage to your body based on your feeling of "internal organ pain" is not appropriate. When you feel pain it's probably too late.

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