- Personal
Why I am practising 24-hour water fasting 2 days a week
Fasting has been practiced for centuries for its many health benefits. In recent years, intermittent fasting — alternating periods of eating and fasting — has seen a surge of interest, and one popular form of it is a 24-hour water fast, done twice a week.
There are several potential benefits to this approach:
- Weight loss: Fasting can help you lose weight by reducing your calorie intake. In fact, studies have shown that intermittent fasting can be just as effective for weight loss as traditional calorie restriction.
- Improved insulin sensitivity: Fasting can help improve insulin sensitivity, which can help reduce your risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
- Reduced inflammation: Fasting can help reduce inflammation throughout the body, which can improve your overall health and well-being.
- Increased autophagy: Autophagy is a process by which the body breaks down and recycles damaged cells. Fasting can help increase autophagy, which can help protect your cells from damage and disease.
- Longer lifespan: Studies have shown that fasting can extend lifespan in animals. While there is no definitive research on the effects of fasting on lifespan in humans, it is possible that fasting could have similar benefits.
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) practiced dry fasting, abstaining from both food and water during his fasts. While dry fasting isn’t recommended for everyone, it’s a practice that has been shown to carry its own health benefits.
If you’re considering a twice-weekly 24-hour water fast, talk to your doctor first — fasting isn’t appropriate for everyone, and it’s worth making sure it’s safe for you before you start.
Here are some tips for water fasting:
- Start slowly: If you’ve never fasted before, start with a shorter fast, such as 12 hours, and gradually increase the length over time.
- Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water, along with unsweetened tea and coffee if you like.
- Listen to your body: If you feel lightheaded, dizzy, or weak, break your fast.
- Don’t overdo it when you break your fast: Avoid a large meal — start with small, frequent meals instead.
Here are some of the benefits I’ve experienced from fasting this way:
- Weight loss: I have lost about 10 pounds since I started fasting 2 days a week.
- Improved insulin sensitivity: I have noticed that my blood sugar levels are more stable since I started fasting.
- Reduced inflammation: I have less joint pain and inflammation since I started fasting.
- Increased energy levels: I have more energy throughout the day since I started fasting.
- Mental clarity: I feel more mentally clear and focused since I started fasting.
If you’re considering trying this, I’d encourage you to give it a shot. It’s been a genuinely beneficial experience for me, and I believe it could be for you too.
Why did I choose Monday and Thursday for water fasting?
I settled on Monday and Thursday for a couple of reasons. First, I wanted non-consecutive days, so my body would have a chance to recover before the next fast. Second, I wanted days that weren’t too busy, so I could focus on the fast without too many distractions.
Monday and Thursday have turned out to be ideal for me. Mondays are usually quiet, which gives me the space to focus on fasting. By Thursday, I’m already feeling the benefits from earlier in the week, which keeps me motivated to continue.
If you’re considering trying this yourself, I’d suggest starting with Monday and Thursday. These days have worked well for me, and I believe they could work well for you too.