Dry Fasting

There are a lot of types of fasting prevalent in different cultures and religions. It is very easy to get confused between these types. Dry fasting, however, like the name suggests, is the type of fasting in which you cannot drink water, along with eliminating food for a specific duration of the fast.

If you want to know about dry fasting in detail, you have come to the right place.

What is Dry Fasting?

Dry fasting is a popular type of intermittent fasting in which you do not eat food, and contrary to various other forms of fasting, you cannot drink water while dry fasting.

Types of Dry Fasting

There are two types of dry fasting: soft dry fast and hard dry fast. Both of the types involve stopping water consumption for a fast period. The major difference is that during a soft dry fast, you can use water for washing your face, showering, brushing your teeth, and general handwashing. Basic hygiene activities can carry on while on a soft dry fast.

A hard-dry fast is perhaps the strictest type of intermittent fasting. You have to change your habits and lifestyle on a hard, dry fast. All of the basic activities like teeth brushing, showering, and face washing needs to be entirely stopped because any kind of contact with water is now allowed for the hard-dry fasters.

Benefits of Dry Fasting

Like many other types of intermittent fasting, dry fasting is also very beneficial for your health. It can bring the following advantages in your life:

• Increased weight loss as you do not consume any calories, and the fat-burning process occurs rapidly.
• It gives the much-needed rest to your body and allows the organs and the systems to reset themselves.
• Dry fasting is the most common religious practice among the majority of the religions. Muslims dry fast during the month of Ramadan. Similarly, dry fasts are observed in Jainism and Buddhism on a monthly basis.
• It can produce immediate positive effects in your body.
• Wound healing is sped up with dry fasting.
• Blood glucose levels and blood pressure is regulated.
• Better cholesterol levels
• Reduced inflammation and rapid cell regeneration

Important Steps in Observing a Dry Fast

1. You should experience some other types of fasting before observing a dry fast
2. Soft dry fast is better than a hard-fast if you have just started fasting.
3. You should consult your doctor to make sure you are fit and healthy to fast.
4. Consuming salt and omega-3 fatty acids before fasting is helpful in reducing hunger pangs and successfully completing your fast.
5. Start with short periods of fasting.
6. Dry fasts should be coupled with light exercises to enhance health benefits.
7. Drink a lot of water after completing the fast. Eat food in small quantities and consume fewer carbs to make sure the burning of the fats starts early in the next fast.
8. Over time, your body will start adjusting to the routine of dry fasting, and you experience less thirst and hunger.