With the constantly growing pressure of getting your physique right for a social media post and meeting the unrealistic body standards, people have started going to unimaginable lengths to try new weight loss mechanisms in the quest for a ‘perfect body and this obsession is where concepts like dry fasting come into the picture.  

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In recent years, the popularity of dry and intermittent fasting peaked but experts fear that the restrictive regimen can be a dangerous cover for various eating disorders and health issues and can do more harm than good. Here is all you need to know about dry fasting

What is dry fasting?

Dry fasting is an aggressive version of fasting that involves extreme or absolute fasting restricting both food and liquid intake. It doesn’t allow any fluids, including water, broth, and tea. This is different from most fasts, which encourage water intake.

Why do people opt for dry fasting?

It is believed that dry fasting works on the method that when the body does not get the water it starts to burn fat to generate energy. The lack or absence of water or any fluid in the body stresses it and it begins to use every available source of energy accessible to keep the internal system going.

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Is dry fasting safe?

It is said that dry fasting helps strengthen the immune system by removing damaged cells, allowing the body to regenerate new ones, and also reduce inflammation, which results in better skin.

However, it involves the excessive restriction of water and other fluids, owing to which doctors believe it to be a dangerous practice.

Side effects of dry fasting

Fatigue: Due to lack or absence of water and proper food, a person on dry fasting tend to feel more tired than ever. This practice also results in absence of important nutrients from the body that can hinder healthy growth.

Persistent hunger: This is no rocket science that dry fasting means unsatisfied hunger. This will result in persistent hunger that can not only makes your body weak but also not lets you concentrate on work and other activities.

Dehydration: Due to excessive restriction of water intake, people on dry fasting often experience dehydration.

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Headaches: Restricting nutrients, especially carbohydrates, can also lead to headaches. In extreme cases and due to prolonged fasting one may also suffer from seizure, brain swelling, heat injury, and kidney failure.

Who shouldn’t try dry fasting?

Those suffering from any kind of pre-existing or underlying disease should strictly avoid dry fasting. Even pregnant and breastfeeding women are recommended not to try this kind of fasting.

A healthy individual should also take an expert’s opinion before trying this method of fasting.