We are going to tell you what dry fasting is, a practice that has become fashionable on social networks and that could alarmingly harm health.
Dry fasting is a practice that consists of withdrawing fluid intake. It has become fashionable in recent years due to the impact of social networks, despite being dangerous.
Nutrition experts advise against this type of protocol that is based on water restriction, since it could cause great damage in the short and medium term. After all, most of the human body is made up of water.
Before starting, it is important to note that you have to be careful with the trends that are popularized in the media . Many of them do not have a scientific basis, so their practice could harm the body.
It is always advisable to consult a professional before starting any type of restrictive approach.
How is dry fasting done?
As the influencers explain , dry fasting is done by avoiding the intake of water as such and incorporating liquids into the diet from foods, such as fruits , vegetables and coconuts. They maintain that in this way fluid retention is eliminated, a fairly common problem in women.
However, science does not support this mechanism. In fact, it is advisable to consume mineral water a day in quantities of around 2 litres.
Advocates of the practice also claim that dry fasting can improve sports performance , since the body gets used to retaining more fluid inside and not losing it. A 2% loss of body water has been shown to negatively impact performance.
However, it is said that dry fasting would reduce the chances of this happening. But really, with a little search in the scientific literature, the hypothesis can already be ruled out.
It is clear that in the absence of water intake, the body sets in motion mechanisms to save fluids, but in no case are these associated with lower performance. On the contrary. Under conditions of physical activity, sweating is required as a thermoregulatory element . If this is suspended, the hydroelectrolytic balance is affected , the body temperature increases and the risks are high.
Sweating during exercise is key so that the body does not collapse due to the increase in temperature.
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Is it convenient to do dry fasting?
As you may have deduced, practicing dry fasting is totally inadvisable for your health . It is a protocol that can put life at risk, especially in summer periods and in older adults.
As the years go by, it is increasingly important to drink enough fluids. Since the water balance is affected by aging.
In addition, it is not enough just to drink mineral water as such. If there is sweating, it will be necessary to replace mineral salts to avoid situations of hyponatremia .
According to a study published in the journal Frontiers of Hormone Research , hyponatremia is caused by a reduction in sodium concentration and can be fatal . Management is usually carried out at the hospital level, with symptoms that can sometimes resemble those generated by heat stroke.
This is why athletes often combine water with certain sports drinks with electrolytes and carbohydrates . This can efficiently delay the onset of fatigue. Liquid losses will be partially compensated and substrates will be provided to perform optimally.
You may also be interested in 10 different ways to follow intermittent fasting
The best hydration tool is water
Not only is it important to avoid dry fasting, but the main tool to maintain a good state of hydration is mineral water. The consumption of soft drinks and juices has increased in recent years, which is very bad news. We are talking about products that contain a large amount of simple sugars and artificial additives.
According to research published in the journal BMJ , the regular intake of sugary drinks is linearly associated with the risk of metabolic click here now pathologies, such as type 2 diabetes. Simple carbohydrates present in liquids soon reach the bloodstream blood, causing blood glucose levels to rise. The excess of compensatory work on the part of the pancreas causes inefficiencies in its functioning.
Water is always necessary, every day, and in adequate amounts to compensate for losses.
Dry fasting is a bad alternative for health
Dry fasting does not have scientific evidence or the endorsement of nutrition experts. It is considered a harmful protocol that should be avoided .
The same does not happen with intermittent fasting, for example. Here if the positive effects on the human body have been demonstrated. But in this case, one of the premises is to constantly ensure a good state of hydration.
Keep in mind that in order to achieve good health over the years, you have to avoid miracle products and diets . Focus on a lifestyle based on healthy habits.
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