Can You Drink Water While Intermittent Fasting?

For many newer intermittent fasters, the whole fasting process can be quite intimidating. The worry of having to fast for a majority of the day, the fear of accidentally breaking the fast with the wrong drink, and the cravings for certain foods can be quite overwhelming. You want to start off on the right foot and avoid messing up the fasting process as much as possible.

For some, the toughest part of intermittent fasting is knowing what to eat/drink and when. What if you accidentally break the fast by drinking something high in calories? What if I cave and eat a small thing of cheese right before the fasting window ends? These questions and fears are completely valid to pose. Fret not, however, as intermittent fasting is much less strict than you may think.

While it’s true that eating anything – even a small cheese stick – while fasting can break the point of the fast, there is a ton of leniency with drinks. One of the most common questions regarding intermittent fasting is whether or not it’s okay to drink water. There is a general fear that even the slightest nutrients or calories will ruin the fast. Let’s take a look at what water does to the body to see whether or not it’s okay for someone to drink it during an intermittent fast.

Key Takeaways

• Drinking water is a must during intermittent fasting as it helps replace the nutrients that are usually obtained from food intake and can help avoid dehydration.
• While some drinks may break the fast, plain tea, black coffee, and bone broth are acceptable drinks to have during the fasting window.
• It’s important to take care of your body throughout the fasting process and avoid negative side effects like dehydration and malnutrition.
• Listening to your body is crucial during intermittent fasting, and if you feel like it’s harming you, it’s best to stop and seek medical advice.
• Using fasting apps can be helpful in keeping track of your fasting schedule and making the intermittent fasting journey easier.

Drinking Water is a Must

Not only is it okay to drink water while intermittent fasting, but it’s also necessary for success. When you fast, your body tends to require more water to avoid dehydration. You’re not taking in the normal amount of calories throughout the day so it has less of a reservoir to depend upon and for more active people, this can be an issue.

So, to avoid dehydration, you need to replace your food intake with water. Water is a pivotal part of the intermittent fasting process and one that many fasters accidentally ignore. Without water, your body could be significantly lacking in the necessary nutrients to make it through the fasting process. Stay safe by staying hydrated – water is a must for intermittent fasting.

Avoiding the Negative Side Effects

We’ve mentioned the risk of dehydration, but that’s just one of many possible negative side effects intermittent fasting could offer. Take care of your body throughout the fasting process to avoid negative side effects like dehydration and malnutrition. Your body is going through a drastic change and it needs time to adjust. If you ever reach a point where you feel as though intermittent fasting is harming you, stop and call your doctor to discover the right path forward.

We mentioned how water is a must to avoid dehydration, but sometimes breaking your fast early is a must to stay healthy. Your body might be exhausted from excessive fasting and needs a break. Listen to your body and address any issues that arise to avoid making them worse. Intermittent fasting is all about losing weight while staying healthy, so don’t risk your health to lose weight.

Other Drinks to Have

Water is perfectly okay to drink while intermittent fasting, in fact, it helps the process move along in a seamless manner. It’s also not the only drink that’s recommended to have while fasting though. If you’re looking for nutrients to ease the fasting period, then you shouldn’t limit yourself to just water. Plain tea and black coffee are also perfectly acceptable to have while fasting.

Bone broth is another great drink to have while in the fasting window as it helps restore certain nutrients that water cannot. Don’t fear the fasting window, some drinks are perfectly acceptable to have throughout it.

Don’t forget to check our 10 best fasting apps to make your intermittent fasting journey easier.

FAQ

• Can you drink water while intermittent fasting?

Yes, drinking water is highly encouraged during intermittent fasting. It helps keep you hydrated and can also satisfy curb hunger cravings.

• What other beverages can you consume during intermittent fasting?

During intermittent fasting, you can also consume black coffee, tea, and other non-caloric beverages. However, avoiding drinks containing sugar, cream, or other additives that can break your fast is important.

• How much water should you drink during intermittent fasting?

Drinking at least 8-10 glasses of water per day is recommended, regardless of whether you are fasting or not.

• Can drinking too much water break your fast?

Drinking water in moderation will not break your fast. However, excessive water intake can cause water retention and affect your body’s electrolyte balance.

• What are some benefits of drinking water during intermittent fasting?

Drinking water can help reduce hunger cravings, promote feelings of fullness, and improve digestion. It can also help support overall health and well-being.

• Can drinking water help you lose weight during intermittent fasting?

Drinking water can help support weight loss during intermittent fasting by promoting feelings of fullness and reducing the likelihood of overeating during feeding periods. It can also help boost metabolism and burn more calories.