I have just completed 21 day water fast. I drank only water for 3 weeks.
I have never done one before.
My main objective was to detox my brain, as I have recently felt foggy, unfocused and forgetful. And to detox whole digestive system. It’s been 4 years since I did a proper cleanse (that time it was 40 day grape and lemon fast.)
I must say water fast is easier than most of us think. I imagined I would be lying in bed for 3 weeks half dead, but I actually was extremely productive and busy, had energy, slept like a baby, had great clarity of mind and all my brain fog is gone. I also was in a very even, good mood, able to cook for family without feeling hungry and drove around running errands, including collecting tons of heavy driftwood on the beach. I had occasional spells of fatigue, were I had to lie down for 30 minutes and rest, but I was never dizzy, nor did I have any headaches or other health issues. First week there was some back/ kidneys and digestive mild discomfort, but it was quickly gone.
If you would like to attempt something like this, please do a proper research, it has to be done right. It’s not just drinking water. It’s spring water, sugar free electrolytes, herbal tinctures drops to support kidneys, liver and gut, and few enemas. Also important what you eat few days before and after.
Below I will share my protocol, based on my research online and I how I felt it should be done safely.
First of all, there are a lot of information and testimonials on various Facebook groups, for example Water Fasting. Please search and join a few. You may even find a fasting buddy there.
Second, please watch for Dr Berg video on water fasting HERE.
5 days before starting the fast I stopped coffee, sugar, meat, dairy, grains.
2 days prior to fast I went on raw pressed juices.
Every day of water fast I took these tinctures in a bit of water, morning and evening, to support: kidneys, liver, gut, and one not to have headaches. Please buy equivalents in your area, it doesn’t have to be same exact ones:
Phyto-Force: Gut Soothe
A. Vogel: Nephrosolid (kidney and bladder)
Phyto-Force: Feverfew (headaches and migraines)
A. Vogel: Boldocynara (liver and gallbladder)
4. I have had occasionally some hot water with mint leaves, and hot water with ginger pieces for digestive discomfort, on a first week.
5. I drank water with electrolytes half of the times, and other half plain water. Important to source them without sugar or additives. I tried one with Stevia for a week, it created hormonal disbalance and gave me some bleeding as side effect. Do not get one with Stevia. Sugar free only.
6. I did enemas every 2-3 days for the first 10 days. Some do it every day of the fast, but I felt it was unnesesary. If you feel too much discomfort in the bowels and completely exhausted - time to do an enema, it will make you feel better almost immediately. Not with plain water! With the one you buy at a chemist. I tried one enema with plain boiled water, the water just absorbed itself into the lining of my bowels and nothing came out. That was weird. So in total I may have done 5 enemas.
7. Expect some detox symptoms and don’t be afraid. Every body is diferent. I had lower back pain and occasionally kidneys discomfort, you might have migranes or even skin rush. This is good, it means the body is expelling toxins. If you feel dizzy or fainted, rather visit GP to consult. I did not have severe side effects. Rest for 30 min once or twice a day - it’s important.
8. Every now and then, once a day, I had a pinch of salt on my tongue. I craved it and I knew my body needed it.
9. After I have done fasting, I planned to do 2 days on fresh fruit juices, 2 days on smoothies, then transition to soft foods, like scrumbled eggs and liquidized soups. But on day 1 after fasting my body rejected fruit. Raw apple juice felt too strong and too sweet, I was nauseous all the time. I craved soup. So on day 2 after fast I made myself soup stock out of fresh salmon and drank it. I felt immediately better. Later in the day I ate 2 soft boiled eggs, chewing very well, and was totally fine. Maybe juices transition would work for you, you have to try. I needed warm and salty foods, so soup and eggs worked better for me.
10. I lost a total of 8 kg in 3 weeks. Other people loose as much as 10-11 kg. I plan to maintain weight with strict Keto diet for a while.
I hope I covered it up, please let me know if any questions. :)