Fasting has turn into a scorching subject in wellness circles — some see it as a instrument for psychological readability, others swear by its weight reduction advantages.
Actor Nargis Fakhri, too, swears by a singular fasting ritual — however with a critical caveat. In a current interview, she revealed that she goes on an intense water-only quick twice a yr, lasting 9 days every time. “I do fasting twice a yr, no meals in any respect, simply water for 9 days. It’s very tough. However as soon as I’m carried out, I’m telling you, you look snatched. I imply, the jawline is out, the face is glowing. However I wouldn’t advocate it,” she instructed Soha Ali Khan throughout a chat on Hauterrfly’s YouTube channel.
Whereas she credited the quick for bettering her look, she was fast to warn that such excessive practices aren’t advisable for everybody. “All people needs a fast repair, however there’s no fast repair. It’s at all times a mix of issues, and the mixture for me appears to be nice sleep. I sleep like eight hours an evening. I additionally attempt to hydrate. Then, additionally, my meals selections. Like, I need meals which can be nutritious and have nutritional vitamins and minerals in them,” she added.
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So, is a nine-day water-only quick medically secure for the common particular person, and what dangers may it pose to bodily or psychological well being?
Dr Anjana Kalia, ayurvedic physician and nutritionist at Weight loss plan Clinix, tells indianexpress.com, “A nine-day water-only quick just isn’t thought of medically secure for the common particular person. Extended fasting with none caloric or dietary consumption can result in critical bodily and psychological well being dangers. These embrace electrolyte imbalances, dehydration, low blood sugar, muscle loss, dizziness, fatigue, and coronary heart rhythm abnormalities.”
She continues, “The physique wants a fixed provide of important vitamins — nutritional vitamins, minerals, glucose, and proteins — to operate correctly. Extended fasting can weaken the immune system, impair kidney operate, and negatively have an effect on psychological readability and temper. It’s perilous for folks with diabetes, low blood strain, or any persistent sickness. Fasting past 24 to 72 hours ought to solely be carried out below strict medical supervision.”
Nargis mentions trying “snatched” and having glowing pores and skin after such a quick. Can such seen advantages be attributed to fasting?
Whereas it’s attainable to note short-term bodily adjustments like a slimmer look or glowing pores and skin after a quick, Dr Kalia stresses, these results are normally short-term. The ‘snatched’ look usually outcomes from water loss and decreased bloating, not precise fats loss or improved well being.
“Equally, clearer pores and skin could also be because of decreased consumption of processed meals or allergens, however long-term pores and skin well being relies upon extra on a balanced weight-reduction plan, hydration, and total wellness. The glow can rapidly fade as soon as regular consuming resumes or if the physique turns into nutrient-deficient. So whereas fasting may give a brief ‘clear’ look, it isn’t a dependable or wholesome technique for magnificence or wellness,” states the skilled.
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More healthy and extra sustainable alternate options to excessive fasting
Dr Kalia means that relatively than excessive fasting, it’s more healthy to “undertake constant life-style habits.” Eat a balanced weight-reduction plan wealthy in fruits, greens, entire grains, lean protein, and wholesome fat. Drink loads of water all through the day. Keep away from extreme sugar, alcohol, and processed meals. Getting 7-8 hours of sleep, managing stress, and together with gentle train (like strolling or yoga) are additionally key.
For pores and skin well being, she provides that meals wealthy in antioxidants (like berries, nuts, and leafy greens) and omega-3 fat (like flaxseeds or fatty fish) are particularly useful. These adjustments are usually not solely safer but additionally extra sustainable and efficient in the long term.
DISCLAIMER: This text is predicated on info from the general public area and/or the consultants we spoke to. At all times seek the advice of your well being practitioner earlier than beginning any routine.
