Emma Van Carlen, a fasting coach, shared her experience of going on a water-only fast for 18 days on TikTok. Apart from water, herbal tea, and electrolytes, she had consumed nothing else. After the long fast, she felt that the experience had been "truly transformative", despite the struggles she encountered along the way. Many experts, however, advise against such an extreme form of fasting.
For many who want to get in shape or lose a bit of weight here and there, perhaps some might suggest going on an intermittent fasting schedule instead, which involves a regular interval of eating and fasting. Usually, people will fast for 16 hours and then do all their eating within an 8-hour period. Others may have several approaches, but with the same idea of setting a time for fasting and eating.
Doctors say that if anyone were to go on a fast, the maximum number of consecutive days should be three, as going beyond 72 hours is very risky and can result in complications since the body will go through physiological changes that may adversely impact a person's health such as developing an eating disorder or nutrient deficiencies.
Van Carlen, however, has found that her fasting helped reduce inflammation in her body, clearing away her cystic acne, as well as losing 17 pounds. However, she still urges people to consult their doctor first before going on an extended fast.
Obviously, people with underlying conditions like diabetes or have a predisposition toward developing eating disorders should check with their doctor to determine whether it is safe for them to fast, and if they were to go on a fast, what the safest approach would be to do it.
Although fasting may have some benefits such as a decrease in blood pressure and LDL cholesterol levels, researchers have found that prolonged fasting also involves a significant loss of lean mass, which may be concerning as lean mass helps promote a better metabolism.
(Image credit: Emma Van Carlen/TikTok; Newsweek)