Dry fasting is a practice that consists of suspending fluid intake. It has become fashionable in recent years due to the impact of social networks, despite the fact that it is dangerous.
Nutrition experts advise against this type of protocols that are based on water restriction, as they could cause serious damage in the short and medium term. After all, most of the human body is made up of water.
Before we begin, it’s important to note that you have to be careful of the trends that are popularized by the media. Many of them have no scientific basis, so their practice may harm the body.
How is dry fasting done?
As explained by influencersdry fasting is done avoiding water intake as such and incorporating liquids into the diet from food, such as fruits, vegetables and coconuts. They claim this eliminates water retention, a fairly common problem in women.
However, science does not support this mechanism. In fact, it is recommended to consume about 2 liters of mineral water a day.
Proponents of the practice too claim that dry fasting can improve athletic performance, as the body gets used to retaining more liquid inside and not losing it. There is a loss of 2% of body water tried adversely affect performance.
However, it is said that through dry fasting the chances of this happening would be reduced. But in fact, with a little research in the scientific literature, the hypothesis can already be ruled out.
It is clear that in the absence of water intake the body activates fluid saving mechanisms, but in no case are these associated with lower performance. On the contrary. In conditions of physical activity, sweating is necessary as a thermoregulatory element.. If this is stopped, the fluid and electrolyte balance is affected, the body temperature rises and the risks are high.
Is it convenient to do dry fasting?
As you may have deduced, practicing dry fasting is totally not recommended for health. It’s a protocol that can put your life at risk, especially during the summer and in the elderly.
As you get older, it is increasingly important to drink enough fluids. Since the water balance is affected by aging.
Also, it is not enough to just drink mineral water as such. If there is sweating, it will be necessary to replace the mineral salts to avoid situations of hyponatremia.
according to study published in the journal Frontiers of hormone researchhyponatremia it is produced by a decrease in sodium concentration and can be fatal. Management is usually done at the hospital level, with symptoms sometimes resembling those of heatstroke.
This is why athletes often combine water with certain electrolyte and carbohydrate sports drinks. Thus, the onset of fatigue can be efficiently delayed. Liquid losses will be partially compensated and substrates will be provided to function optimally.
The best hydration tool is water
Not only is it important to avoid dry fasting, but the main tool for maintaining a good state of hydration is mineral water. The consumption of soft drinks and juices has increased in recent years, that’s bad news. We are talking about products that contain a large amount of simple sugars and artificial additives.
According to one research published in the journal bmj, regular intake of sugary drinks is linearly associated with the risk of contracting metabolic diseases, such as type 2 diabetes. Simple carbohydrates present in liquids reach the bloodstream early, causing an increase in blood glucose levels. The compensatory overwork of the pancreas causes inefficiencies in its functioning.
Dry fasting is a bad alternative for health
Dry fasting has no scientific evidence or endorsement from nutrition experts. It is considered a malicious protocol that should be avoided.
The same is not true for intermittent fasting, for example. That’s whether the positive effects on the human body have been proven. But in this case one of the premises is to constantly ensure a good state of hydration.
Keep in mind that to achieve good health over the years you have to escape from miracle products and diets. Focus on a lifestyle based on healthy habits.
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