Water fasting is when you only consume water for a certain period of time. It is used in many religious ways as well as for health and weight loss benefits. It is important to make a decision that is right for you and your body when deciding to begin a fast of this significance. Here are the facts about the two most popular durations of water cleanses.
Overview of The 40 Day Water Fast
1. Mental Strength
Completing a fast, especially one as 40 days, requires a huge amount of mental strength and discipline. Not eating any food for just a single day can take a toll on the mind, 40 days is in an entirely different league.
2. Release Toxins
A water fast is one of the only diets that you do not eat any form of food what so ever, because of this you body begins to cleanse all of the toxins that you have accumulated. Specifically in the kidneys, colon, liver, and lungs.
3. Weight Loss
Weight loss during a water fast is inevitable. You body is getting rid of all the “build – up” in your colon and intestines in the first few days, but after prolonged fasting your body begins to feed off of your fat supply for energy.
4. Spiritual Effects
Fasting is considered a religious or spiritual venture in many religions. It is said that a fast will allow you to clear your body as well as your soul and obtain a higher connection with your spiritual being.
Overview of The 21 Day Water Fast
1. Easier for Beginners
As with anything you should not begin with extremes. This is true also with fasting. If you and your body are not used to the effects of water fasting then you should start with a more healthy time period so you do not put your body into shock. Just as a runner would not begin his training for a marathon by running 26 miles on the first day.
2. Helps You Increase Water Intake, Even After Fasting
As a human being, we are made up mainly of water, it is one of the vital sources of life. Many people do not consume the recommended amount of water on a daily basis (a half gallon), so doing this cleanse can get you into the habit of drinking water. It is said that 21 days is the amount of time it takes for something to become a habit, so you can conclude that if you only drink water for 21 days you will be much more likely to continue your increased consumption and you are done.
3. Skin Improvement
One of the biggest perks of doing a water fast is the amazing effect it can have on your skin. A large percentage of people suffer from acne, dry skin, and eczema in the world. Drinking water will help your skin to purge the bacteria that has been stored in your pores, causing blemishes, and also to re-hydrates your skin.
Differences Between The 40 Day Water Cleanse and The 21 Day Water Cleanse
1. Duration
The most obvious and biggest difference between these water cleanses is the amount of time you are doing them. The effects of the 21 day cleanse will be less extreme than if you where to complete a full 40 days.
2. Weight Loss
Another key difference between these two fasts is the weight that will be lost after you have completed them. Because you begin to lose the most weight after you body begins to dig into your fat supplies, you will lose significantly more weight with a 40 day fast.
3. Difficulty and Danger
Water fasting can have fantastic benefits for your body and mind, however if you jump straight into a 40 day fast you may shock your body and have negative health retributions as a result. Some of these may include extreme fatigue, fainting, constipation, and decreased body temperature. It is important to consult with you health care professional before beginning any type of new diet or cleanse.