Many cultures have practiced the act of fasting for centuries, and the health benefits of fasting have been studied extensively in recent years. From weight loss to improved metabolic health, fasting offers a range of potential advantages for both body and mind.

But, it’s important to understand the science behind this practice to properly complete a period of fasting. Though some fasts avoid beverages, staying hydrated is still absolutely essential for your body to function. In this guide, we’ll talk about the health benefits of fasting, how to fast, and how water and fasting are connected.

What is Fasting?

By definition, fasting is the act of not consuming any calories for an extended period of time. We intake calories through foods and drinks, so abstaining from this means not consuming food or drinks with calories. Some beverages, such as plain water, are calorie-free or low in calories, like zero-sugar electrolyte drink mixes. Consuming zero-calorie products will not break a fast.

Strict fasters will say that anything but water is breaking a fast, but low-calorie electrolyte drinks provide a lot of benefits. When fasting, your body is rapidly losing vital electrolytes through sweating and urinating. Water does not contain electrolytes, and whether you’re trying a keto diet or testing out fasting, electrolytes are essential to helping your body properly function.

Though some people do a “dry fast,” or a fast without food or drinks, this can be dangerous as your body is much more susceptible to dehydration. Staying hydrated is key to avoiding mild, moderate, and severe dehydration symptoms.

Types of Fasting

There are many different ways to and reasons why people fast. Some fast for religious purposes while others want to experience the health benefits of fasting. Though many fasting methods exist, we will focus on the main categories to give you a broad overview of how common types of fasting work.

• Prolonged Fasting: This method of fasting typically lasts longer than 24 hours and can go on as long as a week or more. It is essential to have medical supervision or monitoring when doing a prolonged fast as there are many possible risks associated with it if not done properly.

• Intermittent Fasting: IF, or intermittent fasting, is a more common and less intense method that can be broken down into a few subcategories. Essentially, intermittent fasting requires regular periods of eating and restricting calories, but you can adjust these periods. For example, some people restrict their eating to one eight-hour window a day.

What are the Health Benefits of Fasting?

Fasting has gained popularity amongst the wellness and fitness community for its potential health benefits and ability to promote cellular repair and regeneration. When you are fasting, your body uses its stored glucose, and once it has been depleted, it begins to burn fat for energy, a process known as metabolic switching.

A wide range of health benefits are associated with fasting—both physical and mental. Some of the most common health benefits of fasting include:

• Weight loss

• Reduces inflammation

• Improves blood sugar control

• Lowers insulin levels

• Activates cellular repair processes

• Increases level of antioxidants

• Promotes autophagy, a process that removes damaged cells and toxins from the body

• Improves cognitive function, such as memory, focus, and concentration

• Impacts mood and may reduce feelings of anxiety and depression

Although there are myriad health benefits associated with fasting, it is not a practice to be taken lightly. Talk to your doctor if you’re considering a fasting practice to make sure it will work with your body’s specific needs and diet.

Fasting is not recommended for people who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have an underlying medical condition.

Additionally, it’s important to listen to what your body is telling you. If you experience any adverse side effects or extreme discomfort, break the fast. Your body is likely telling you it requires some much-needed nourishment.

DripDrop Zero Provides Much-Needed Electrolytes

If you determine that a fasting practice might be right for you after talking to a medical professional, you should remember the important connection between water and fasting. Hydration is still essential. And because you’re losing key electrolytes when fasting, integrating an electrolyte drink mix with zero sugar and low calories can help your body carry out essential functions and get you through the fasting period.

DripDrop Zero is packed with electrolytes and the same delicious flavor as the original formula. Adding DripDrop Zero to your water will help you reap all those health benefits of fasting while boosting your body’s electrolytes. It’s designed to hydrate fast, so you can stay in optimal shape.