Dry Fasting: How Ancient Genes Benefit Modern Health
When you mimic starvation through fasting, you trigger a variety of genes that help you lose weight, burn fat, and live longer. Dry fasting (or Total Fasting ), where you abstain from both food and water, is a practice that can yield remarkable health benefits. During times of famine and drought in human history, our bodies adapted through genetics to protect us against dehydration. Research indicates there are over 50 different genes that provide these protective benefits, including decreased cancer risk.
Total Fasting
A fascinating study on birds showed that those subjected to dry fasting generated six times more water than those that only drank water. This group also burned more fat. This phenomenon occurs because when fat is burned with oxygen from the air, it chemically converts into water.
The Truth About Water
The emphasis on constant hydration stems from campaigns developed by the government in partnership with bottled water companies like Nestle, Coke, and Pepsi. These campaigns have ingrained in us the belief that dehydration is extremely dangerous and that we need to drink more water. However, if constant hydration were essential, we would also need to eat continuously to avoid hunger. This doesn’t align with the natural fasting states our ancestors experienced.
How to Do Dry Fasting
Before jumping into dry fasting, it’s essential to prepare your body by adapting to a fat-burning state. This can be achieved by following a low-carb keto diet. Starting with water fasting is advisable, where you consume supplements like electrolytes, B vitamins, and sea salt. Transitioning to dry fasting should be done gradually. During this fasting, you’re not consuming any electrolytes, pills, or even coffee.
To ease into this process, start with short-term dry fasting of 12 to 20 hours. This helps your body adjust without causing excessive stress. It’s important to stay in a cool environment and avoid activities that cause heavy sweating, as they can lead to additional dehydration.
Water Fasting vs. Dry Fasting
When comparing water fasting to dry fasting, it’s crucial to note that dry fasting can yield more significant results in a shorter time. One day of dry fasting is equivalent to three days of water fasting in terms of its impact on the body. Water fasting allows for the consumption of supplements and electrolytes, making it a gentler introduction to fasting.
Tips for Doing Dry Fasting
- Stay Cool: Avoid high temperatures and activities that cause excessive sweating to minimize dehydration.
- Gradual Introduction: Begin with short dry fasts and gradually increase the duration as your body adapts.
- Post-Fast Refeeding: After longer fasts, reintroduce food gradually, starting with small amounts of liquids every few hours.
How to End a Fast
Ending a fast should be done with care, especially after longer fast periods. Start with small amounts of liquids such as bone broth or kefir, consuming about 8 ounces every four hours on the first day. Gradually increase your intake over the next few days to help fortify the gut and ensure a smooth transition back to regular eating.
By incorporating dry fasting as an additional tool in your health regimen, you can leverage your body’s ancient genetic adaptations to enhance fat burning and overall well-being. If you’re new to fasting, beginning with a ketogenic low-carb diet can help you transition smoothly into fasting states. By understanding and utilizing these fasting techniques, you can unlock a healthier, more balanced approach to weight loss and longevity.
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