Is Fasting One Day A Week Healthy?

by Sophie
(Brighton)

Sophie's Question:

I'm trying to prepare my body for slightly longer fasts by having one day a week water fasting.

Would be interested in your views about whether fasting is beneficial ...if so is one day worth it or are longer ones the only ones worth doing?

Andrew's Answer:

Short fasts do a nice job of giving your body a chance to clean house and return you to health.

If you're sick or lose your appetite, go ahead and do a short water-only fast until you're feeling better.

However, there's no need to prepare the body for longer fasts. Your body knows what to do, and and it doesn't need practice.

I do not suggest healthy people fast one day a week, as over the long run this will lead to a calorie deficit if you eat appropriately.

Longer fasts are generally done to address a specific condition or with the overall goal of improving vitality. When they last longer than five or six days, it becomes dangerous to fast without medical supervision. Finding a good fasting retreat is a good choice.