24-Hour Water Fasting Benefits: Is It Worth It?

24-Hour Water Fasting Benefits: Is It Worth It?

Embarking on a journey to reset your body and mind might be simpler than you think. In recent years, water fasting has sparked curiosity and debate among health enthusiasts and researchers alike.

Water fasting is a practice where you consume only water for a set period, typically to promote detoxification, metabolic rest, and other health benefits.

Imagine giving your digestive system a day off while your body focuses on rejuvenation. Below, we'll delve into how a full day of water fasting can help unlock improved energy, mental clarity, and metabolic balance.

"When you fast, the body goes into maintenance mode, self-healing." -Dr. Sebi

What Is Water Fasting?

First off, fasting in general is defined as any period of 8 or more hours when one goes without food. From that definition alone, we all qualify to have fasted (you don't eat while you sleep, right?).

Water fasting specifically is any period when you do not eat or drink anything except water. Typically people fast for 1 to 3 days, but longer fasts are possible once you are experienced. During a fast, you need to stay hydrated, and relaxed, for maximum healing potential.

Benefits of Water Fasting

Eliminates Waste and Toxins

Water fasting promotes autophagy (the body's natural process of cleaning out damaged cells). The accumulation of old damaged cells makes the body weaker and makes diseases more likely.

Not eating once in a while is a small price to pay for your health. It's like having a cellular clear-out, then being able to replace damaged cells with more efficient ones.

Facilitates Gut Motility

Water plays an important role in the digestive system. As a solvent for nutrients, it helps transport them from the blood into the cells. In addition, water prevents and relieves constipation, making the trip to the bathroom a little more bearable.

Promotes Glowing Skin

Remember autophagy? Getting rid of old dead skin cells and replacing them with new healthier cells gives you that youthful glow that everyone will wish they were you. Water rehydrates the skin, improves its elasticity, and makes your skin smoother and brighter.

Risks of Water Fasting

Every cloud has a silver lining, but every rose has its thorns. Though there are so many benefits of water fasting, it's important to also mention the risks of water fasting if done incorrectly.

Nutrient Deficiencies

Water fasting restricts other foods, since you're only drinking water. Our bodies need nutrients to function effectively. These nutrients are in the foods we eat and are not in water. 

When water fasting your body is working harder, especially your immune system. This is why Dr. Sebi recommended herbal supplements like Green Food Plus when fasting, so you don't become nutrient deficient.

Wrong Type of Weight Loss

Although water fasting can help with weight loss—research has shown that you can lose almost 1 kilogram (2.2 pounds) a day through water fasting—this weight loss comes from stores of carbohydrates before you lose any fat. It can also result in muscle loss if you fast for too long.

Worsen Certain Health Conditions

Although the benefits of water fasting to a healthy individual are numerous, people with certain conditions need to be more careful. If you have gout or unmanaged diabetes, you must seek supervision from a professional experienced with fasting to support you.

How to Prepare for Water Fasting

Here are some tips on what to do before a fast to make the cleansing process more effective

  1. Ensure your last meal is small and low in carbohydrates, this helps you get into the fasted state (ketosis, a fat-burning state) more quickly and will reduce hunger.
  2. Ease yourself into the habit. You don’t have to start with a 3-day fast. Start short at 24 hours, or less even, and increase gradually.
  3. Do your research. Before water fasting, you need to know the dos and don’ts, what you can eat, and the pros and cons of fasting. 
  4. Prepare yourself mentally. Your mind can be an asset or a liability. A positive mindset will increase the success of your water fast.
  5. Prepare your post-fast meal. After you end your fast fast, small meals that are energy dense are better. Incorporating nuts into your meal, using avocado as a spread, and adding healthy oils as your salad dressing increases the calories in a rather small amount of your food. Identify what you want to eat, shop your ingredients in advance (you may not want to do so after the fast), and have everything set.

Disclaimer: This is not a one-size-fits-all situation, so what works for one person may or may not work for another. Consult a healthcare provider before starting a fasting practice.

Sample 24-Hour Water Fasting Schedule

For those curious about giving water fasting a try, this sample 24-hour schedule—created from the personal experience of Mwaka Mapenzi, mother, writer, and plant-based eater from Mombasa, Kenya. It offers a practical guide to structuring your day for a smoother fasting experience.

  • 8:30 pm Friday: For dinner, I had spaghetti and stir-fried mixed vegetables. I most definitely overate because I knew I had to fast the next day.
  • 10 pm: I had cucumber salad for a snack and went to bed after half an hour.
  • 8 am Saturday: I woke up, had a glass of water, did my morning stretches, and took a bath. Although I had not had my breakfast, I was not feeling hungry (yet).
  • 10:30 am: I did a guided meditation and had a glass of water. After this, I started feeling hungry.
  • 11 am: Idling around made me fantasize about my post-fast meal. I kept myself busy with work and drank water frequently.
  • 1 pm: I decided to take a nap. Usually, I’d be having lunch at this time. My mind kept telling me I should have been eating, although I wasn’t hungry.
  • 2:30 pm: I woke up from my nap and drank a glass of water. At this point, I’ve made a lot of trips to the bathroom, as expected. With the amount of water I drank and ketosis working its magic, I’d be worried if I didn’t pee as much.
  • 3 pm: I wasn’t sure if my body had adapted to being hungry, but I wasn’t fantasizing about food anymore. I sat outside to read a book and a few articles on water fasting (your girl needed some motivation).
  • 5 pm: Being someone who struggles with drinking water, this is the most water I have ever had in my entire existence. I decided to watch my favorite movie.
  • 6:30 pm: The cravings are back, and I’m experiencing a wave of hunger. I decided to take a walk, to catch a breath of fresh air and clear my mind. I ended my day at the beach.
  • 7:30 pm: I got my son from his grandma’s, we walked home (it was quite an eventful day for the little fellow), took a bath, and got comfortable in our pajamas. It was almost time to break my fast, and I was looking forward to dinner.
  • 8 pm: I started preparing dinner. Initially, I planned to prepare vegetable rice and mushroom stew but plans changed. Toddlers are in charge and very unpredictable!

More About the Science of Fasting

Our bodies are like machines, programmed to prioritize immediate and basic tasks (like digestion) over complex ones (like healing). The more we eat, the more our bodies focus on dealing with the inbound food and not the critical cellular repairs and physical maintenance of the body.

Digestion is a slow process that takesaround 4 to 6 hours and requires a lot of energy. So if you eat throughout the day, or late at night, there is little time or energy to heal.

It takes your body 8 to 12 hours to enter a fasting state. The moment you cease eating, many biological changes start to take place in the body. Eating causes an increase in insulin production to break down glucose in food, which takes almost 10 hours for blood sugar levels to drop.

Next, growth hormones are activated to help build muscle, break down fats, and, amazingly, help to reverse the signs of aging. Once your body realizes no more food is on the way, it transits from using glucose to breaking down fat for energy.

The breakdown of fats produces ketones in a process known as ketosis. The presence of ketones equals healing, and more ketones equal more healing in the brain and body. Ketones actually increase the number of mitochondria (the powerhouse of energy production) in your cells so after the fast you will be more efficient at making energy.

The next stage is called autophagy. Autophagy is simply your body cleaning its system: damaged cells out, new healthier cells in. This process is achieved 17 hours into fasting. At the 24-hour mark, the body’s major organs go into a rapid healing state.

Leave a comment

Please note, comments need to be approved before they are published.

Related Journal


Clear the Way! Here’s How to Get Rid of Mucus

By managing mucus buildup through an alkaline diet, lifestyle changes, and strategic Dr. Sebi supplements, you can support your body’s...

I Reversed My Diabetes, High Blood Pressure, and High Cholesterol With Dr. Sebi Products

Heart health is at the center of overall wellness, and for one man, reclaiming it meant stepping away from pharmaceuticals...

Avoid ‘The Big C’ With These Alkaline Anti-Cancer Foods

Cancer is scary, but the good news is that the right foods can make a big difference in your fight...

24 Inspiring Gratitude Journal Prompts to Transform Your Day

It’s easy to overlook the small things, but taking time to jot down what you're thankful for can help you...

Fasting for Fat Loss? Here’s When Ketosis Starts When Fasting

The science behind fasting is pretty straightforward: When you don’t eat, your body enters ketosis, shifting from burning carbs to...

Fight Erectile Dysfunction With The Benefits of Yohimbe

Turning your ideal sex life into a reality doesn’t come from a prescription—nature has the answer.

Bugleweed: A Natural Way to Balance Your Thyroid

Bugleweed isn’t just a pretty plant—it’s a healing herb that can help soothe inflammation and keep your thyroid gland in...

‘I Feel Like I’m 25 at 50’: How Dr. Sebi Products Keep Me Young and Healthy

When it comes to feeling your best, age doesn’t have to hold you back. For one dedicated Dr. Sebi customer,...

Detox for Weight Loss and Feel Lighter Right Away

After weeks of indulging in rich holiday foods, you might feel sluggish, bloated, and ready for a change. Detoxing can...

Sending Out an SOS: 10 Signs Your Liver Needs Detoxing

Feeling sluggish and run down? Your body is trying to tell you something. It might be that your liver is...

Setting Intentions: A Guide to Building Better Habits

What if we told you that the life you truly want is within your reach? It’s true! The journey starts...

10 Ways to Find Much-Need Holiday Stress Relief

The holidays are supposed to be the most wonderful time of the year. But if you're feeling more frazzled than...

Savor the Season With Healthy Holiday Recipes

Embracing the holiday season doesn’t mean compromising your health. With these Dr. Sebi-approved recipes, you can enjoy festive meals that...

Waking Up With Anxiety? Here’s What You Can Do

Morning anxiety can feel like a storm cloud that follows you throughout the day. But you don’t have to let...

Chaparral: The Ancient Healing Herb That Could Hold the Cure to Cancer

Hidden in the heart of arid deserts, chaparral has been revered for centuries as a powerful natural remedy—and it may...

1 comment

The Root of All Disease: What Dr. Sebi Said About Mucus

Mucus isn’t just something to worry about when you’re dealing with a cold or congestion. Dr. Sebi taught us that...

How to Get Your pH Balance Back to Normal

Restoring your body’s pH to a healthy level isn’t complicated, but it can make a world of difference in how...

Cuachalalate: The Endangered Plant That's Saving Lives

Cuachalalate has been a staple of traditional Mexican herbal medicine for centuries; becoming so popular it's now an endangered species!...

Seaweed Superfood: How Bladderwrack Benefits Your Thyroid, Joints, Skin, and More

Known to support thyroid function, promote detoxification, and supply essential nutrients, this seaweed superfood is more than just an ocean...

Can You Lose Weight With Intermittent Fasting?

Timing is everything, and when it comes to weight loss, intermittent fasting (IF) has shown that shedding pounds can have...

Can a Dopamine Detox End Your Screen Addiction?

By cutting back on constant digital stimulation, you can reset your brain’s reward system, find more focus, and reconnect with...

Yoga for Longevity: Stretch Your Way to a Longer, Healthier Life

Longevity isn’t just about living longer; it’s about quality of life & living well, and yoga offers the perfect blueprint...

Dr. Sebi-Approved Squash Recipes — Including a Butternut Squash Soup Recipe!

Fall means squash season is here! And we’re serving up simple, savory recipes that will make you fall in love...

6 Tips to Help Prevent Breast Cancer Naturally

Imagine a future where breast cancer prevention is not just a distant hope but a tangible reality. Thankfully, research continues...

8 Easy Apple Recipes for a Healthy Fall

An apple a day keeps culinary boredom away! Whether you’re looking for a quick snack, a refreshing salad, or a...

5 Caffeine Side Effects to Make You Ditch Coffee for Good

Caffeine is a naturally occurring stimulant found in various foods and drinks, including coffee, tea, soda, and chocolate. And while...

The Benefits of 7 Popular Types of Teas — And 5 of Our Blends to Try

Tea, beyond being a comforting beverage, has been revered for centuries for its incredible health benefits. Whether you're a long-time tea...

How to Stop Procrastinating — Finally!

If you’re looking to build a life where you’re no longer ruled by procrastination—where you can finally get things done...

From Fatigue to Focus: Try These Herbs for Energy

Tired of relying on coffee for a quick energy fix (and the caffeine crash that inevitably follows)? It’s time to...

The Perfect Immunity Shot Recipe for Fall

The back-to-school rush and changing weather can take a toll on your health. With the increased exposure to new and...

The Connection Between Constipation and Lower Back Pain

Constipation is a common and uncomfortable problem for many people, affecting nearly 20% of American adults. Chronic constipation can lead...

Alkaline Foods High in Antioxidants to Add to Your Plate Today

Your cells are under constant attack from free radicals — an unstable molecule with an unpaired electron that can damage...

Celebrating Dr. Sebi’s Legacy With Stories From Those Who Knew Him Best

Dr. Sebi's relentless advocacy for natural remedies over synthetic western medications has left an indelible mark on holistic medicine, encouraging a...

Pelvic Floor Exercises for Men to Strengthen Your Sex Life

Beyond improving your sexual performance, a strong pelvic floor also supports bladder and bowel health, helping to prevent incontinence. Sound...

Digestive Comfort at Last! How to Naturally Relieve Constipation

Dealing with constipation can be uncomfortable and frustrating, but you're not alone. It's a common digestive issue that affects people...

Get That Glow: How to Hydrate Skin

Your skin is your body’s largest organ, and when it isn’t healthy, it can lead to increased risk of infections...

Dr. Sebi’s Homemade Electrolyte Drink Recipe

Our DIY electrolyte drink, crafted with natural, alkaline ingredients, as well as our Sea Moss Gel, is designed to hydrate...

Body in Balance: How to Replenish Electrolytes Naturally

Electrolytes are more than just a buzzword used to sell products; electrolytes are important for maintaining the electrical currents that...

High Estrogen Symptoms Wreaking Havoc on Your Health

High levels of this female sex hormone have been linked to a range of issues, from weight gain and sleep...

Is Summer Making You Sick? Beware of Sun Poisoning

Sunlight nourishes us, but too much can disrupt our natural balance. Beyond the common sunburn, sun poisoning is the result...

Dr. Sebi Healing Teas Are Back and Better Than Ever!

Our Immune Support Tea, Blood Pressure Tea, Stress Relief Tea, Stomach Relief Tea, and Energy Herbal Tea are now packaged...

Ground Yourself With The Positive Benefits of Negative Ions

People have been enhancing their health by walking barefoot since the dawn of history. You might be familiar with the...

True Strength Through Prioritizing Men's Mental Health

Strength is often synonymous with physical prowess. However, true strength encompasses more than muscles; it involves caring for your mental health....

Hair Oiling: How to Get Healthier, Shinier Locks

Whether you're fighting frizz, seeking growth, or longing for softness, incorporating oil into your hair care routine can unlock the...

How Much Weight Can You Lose in 3 Months?

Three months can fly by or drag on, but with the right approach, every day can bring you closer to...

10 Healthy Summer Recipes That Are Deliciously Refreshing

Get ready to savor the flavors of summer with recipes that highlight the freshest alkaline fruits and vegetables available, from...

Take the Quiz: Are You Addicted to Your Device?

Instructions: Answer each question honestly to find out how reliant you are on your cell phone. At the end of...

How to Whiten Teeth Naturally at Home

A radiant smile starts with good oral hygiene, and there are plenty of natural methods that can help whiten your...

Natural Ways to Restore Female Hormonal Balance

You need 200 hormones to regulate your body and ensure wellness. The female sex-hormones (estrogen and progesterone) are involved in...

Can You Thrive on a Plant-Based Diet?

Whenever you talk to your friends, family, or even to yourself, about taking animal products out from your diet, one...