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August 15, 2024 – Dry fasting, the practice of abstaining from both food and water, has gained significant attention on social media platforms like TikTok, X, and YouTube, where enthusiasts tout its supposed health benefits. Proponents claim that dry fasting can boost intuition, enhance autophagy, and support weight loss. However, medical professionals are urging caution, particularly for individuals with metabolic disorders and diabetes.
The Claims and the Risks
While advocates of dry fasting assert a wide range of benefits, the medical community remains skeptical due to the lack of substantial evidence supporting these claims. Dr. Deena Adimoolam, an endocrinologist based in New York City, shared concerns about the potential health risks associated with dry fasting. “I had one patient who followed this fasting method often, and over time she developed kidney stones that led to a severe infection,” Dr. Adimoolam reported. “Lack of both water and food can fuel hunger and increase the likelihood of overeating or binge eating once the fast is completed, which does not lead to weight loss. Untreated dehydration can lead to loss of consciousness.”
For individuals with type 2 diabetes, the risks are even more pronounced. Abeer Bader, lead clinical nutrition specialist at the Massachusetts General Hospital Weight Center in Boston, highlighted the dangers of dehydration exacerbating hyperglycemia and increasing the risk of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). “Research also consistently shows that adequate hydration is crucial for maintaining physical and cognitive performance,” Bader noted. Dry fasting can also lead to electrolyte imbalances, particularly concerning for those with diabetes who may already have underlying kidney issues.
Understanding Dry Fasting
The definition of dry fasting, like many fasting practices, has been a subject of debate. According to the first international consensus on fasting terminology published in Cell Metabolism, dry fasting is defined as a fasting regimen during which individuals voluntarily abstain from all foods and beverages, including water, for a certain period. This practice differs from total or complete fasting, where water intake is permitted.
Dry fasting is often included as part of intermittent fasting regimens, where individuals abstain from food and fluid intake for intervals typically lasting 9-20 hours. These fasts, often followed by a refeeding period, are not considered starvation, which involves prolonged periods without food or water.
What the Evidence Says
Although some small studies have explored the short-term effects of dry fasting, the evidence is not yet conclusive. A study from Baylor College of Medicine found that dawn-to-dusk dry fasting for 30 days reduced levels of inflammatory cytokines in participants with a high body mass index. However, the study’s small sample size and short duration mean that more research is needed to validate these findings.
In contrast, a cross-sectional study of fasting blood glucose (FBG) levels in patients with type 2 diabetes during Ramadan intermittent fasting revealed mixed results. The study classified participants into three groups based on FBG changes: reduced, unchanged, or increased levels. These findings suggest that the health effects of dry fasting may vary among individuals, further emphasizing the need for personalized medical advice.
Advice for Patients
Given the potential risks, medical professionals are advising patients to consider safer alternatives to dry fasting for managing weight and diabetes. “Alternate ways of eating, such as intermittent fasting without dry fasting or a low-carbohydrate diet, can achieve similar goals while reducing risks,” Bader suggested. Diets like the Mediterranean diet or plant-based diets that emphasize whole foods and balanced nutrition are also recommended.
For those who choose to fast, including for religious reasons, maintaining proper hydration and balanced nutrition during eating periods is crucial to managing diabetes effectively and preventing complications. “Each of these dietary strategies offers potential benefits for managing type 2 diabetes and improving overall health,” Bader added.
In summary, while dry fasting has gained popularity on social media, its purported benefits are not supported by robust scientific evidence, and the risks, particularly for individuals with metabolic disorders and diabetes, are significant. Medical professionals recommend caution and encourage patients to seek safer, evidence-based dietary strategies for managing their health.
