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


Sea Moss and Cholesterol: A Natural Ally for Heart Health

Benefits of Sea Moss Sea moss, also known as Irish moss, is a nutrient-rich seaweed that has gained popularity for...

Sea Moss Benefits for Hair

Sea moss, also known as Irish moss, has been gaining popularity as a superfood in recent years. This nutrient-rich seaweed...

Batana Oil for Split Ends: The Ultimate Solution

  Split ends can be a frustrating issue for anyone trying to maintain healthy hair. Fortunately, batana oil, derived from...

Clear Your Vision: How to Get Rid of Eye Mucus for Good

Waking up with crusty, sticky eyes can be more than just annoying—it can be a sign of something that needs...

Batana Oil for Hair Loss: Benefits and Uses

Batana oil, derived from the nuts of the American palm tree, is becoming increasingly popular in the hair care industry...

Sea Moss for Joints: A Natural Remedy for Mobility and Relief

Sore joints? Stiff mornings? Sea moss might be your natural solution. Packed with minerals and anti-inflammatory compounds, this red algae...

Sea Moss and Batana Oil for Skin: Nature's Best Kept Secrets

In recent years, natural remedies have gained immense popularity, particularly in the skincare realm. Among these, sea moss and batana...

Sea Moss Benefits for Diabetes

Sea moss, also known as Irish moss, is a type of red algae that is gaining popularity for its numerous...

Can Stress Cause Constipation?

From tight shoulders to a tight stomach, stress can affect more than your mood—it can slow down digestion and leave...

Batana Oil for Beard Growth: Everything You Need to Know

Beard growth is a common concern for many men. With various products available in the market, Batana Oil has emerged...

Magical Muicle: The Herbal Energy Boost Your Mornings Need

Looking for a natural way to kickstart your day? Muicle is an herb known for its natural energy-boosting properties and...

Juneteenth and Healing: Honoring Black Legacy Through Wellness & Dr. Sebi’s Teachings

What Is Juneteenth and Why It Matters Juneteenth marks the true arrival of emancipation in the U.S.—June 19, 1865—when enslaved...

Say Goodbye to Menopause Discomfort: How Red Clover Can Help You Thrive

If hot flashes, mood swings, and restless nights are stealing your peace, red clover could be the answer you’ve been...

From Hunger to Healing: The Stages of Fasting, Explained

As you fast, your body goes through several distinct phases that help detox, heal, and restore. Each phase plays a...

Avoid These Foods That Cause Mucus at All Costs!

Mucus buildup can make you feel sluggish, congested, and uncomfortable—so why keep eating foods that fuel it?

Snack Smarter: Try These Healthy Energy Ball Recipes

When hunger strikes, skip the junk and grab an energy ball, perfect for fueling your day.

How Dr. Sebi Products Helped Me Overcome Infertility

Today, we’re honored to spotlight the journey of one woman who overcame infertility through dedication to an alkaline lifestyle and...

Discovering Damiana: The Natural Aphrodisiac Women Have Been Waiting For

Damiana has long been celebrated for its ability to enhance libido, reduce stress, and promote overall health, giving women a...

1 comment

Feed Your Soul With Real Soul Food

Real, natural, unadulterated food grew abundantly in nature for thousands of years. Unfortunately, what people know as Soul Food today...

1 comment

Spring Clean Your Health With a Cleanse

Showering, and brushing your teeth are daily cleansing rituals to promote good health. But, what about cleaning the inside of...

1 comment

Is Oil Good For You?

Is oil good for you? As part of a healthy lifestyle, here at Dr. Sebi's Cell Food, we suggest you...

1 comment

Why Sleep Is Important — and How to Improve Yours!

Sleep is essential for health, yet, humans are the only animal to fight this natural urge. Sleep deprivation can be...

1 comment

Trust Your Gut to Think Clearly

Your gut sometimes feels like it has a mind of its own. That’s because it has its own “brain” that...

The Importance of Alkaline Foods, According to Dr. Sebi

Dr. Sebi taught us about acidity, alkalinity, and disease, but are you sharing the message?

7 Plant-Based Proteins to Support Your Muscles

A common concern among people who follow — or want to follow — a plant-based diet is muscle loss and...

4 Dr. Sebi-Approved Delicious Detox Smoothie Recipes

Detoxing doesn’t have to mean giving up flavor. By incorporating nutrient-dense ingredients, you can support our body's natural detox processes...

Bringing Balance Back: How Fasting Can Help You Manage Diabetes

Dr. Sebi often spoke of the importance of fasting to restore its natural alkaline state. Because when approached mindfully, fasting...

I Was Anemic Until I Found This ‘Game-Changer’ Product From Dr. Sebi

Today, Tracy’s anemia is gone, her energy is restored, and her confidence has soared. Here’s her story—in her own words.

Sea Moss, Demystified: Answers to Your Top Questions

Dr. Sebi was a passionate advocate for sea moss, and in that spirit, we want to provide you with answers...

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...

1 comment

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...

2 comments

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...

4 comments

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...

1 comment

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...

1 comment

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...

1 comment

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...

1 comment

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...

2 comments

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...

5 comments

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!...

4 comments

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...

1 comment

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...