However, none of the subjects had undertaken such interventions over the period of 6 months before the study. The number of previously conducted WF by individual subjects ranged from 3 to a dozen or so. Those who had no contraindications to undergo 8-day WF were admitted to further research.Īll subjects were white collar workers and had already practiced WF before. Before starting the study, each subject had medical examinations with the determined blood levels of sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, creatinine, urea, uric acid, β-hydroxybutyrate, glucose and a basic urine test. The study was carried out at the Department of Health Sciences at the Jan Długosz University in Czestochowa and registered at the Urology and Andrology Clinic “Urogen” in Tarnowskie Góry (Poland). The subjects were non-smokers with no history of chronic diseases. Twelve healthy male volunteers aged 50.25 ± 14.18 years were enrolled in the study. 20 Therefore, in order to assess the clinical status and safety of WF individuals, the levels of natremia, kaliemia and volemia should be monitored. On the other hand, the low water consumption accompanying WF, in the absence of nutrients supplied with food, can lead to a significant loss of sodium and potassium from the body and the occurrence of hypovolemia, which threatens the safety of people using this type of intervention. 18, 19 It should be emphasized that the minerals contained in these waters are well absorbed, often much better than those from food, which is an important attribute in times of fasting. This partially covers the body's needs to keep the balance of particular minerals. When undertaking WF, it is recommended that an individual drink 2-3 liters of fluid daily, especially in the form of mineralized water. However, the most noticeable change that occurs during fasting or caloric restriction is weight loss, this reduction applies to both fat-free mass and body fat. 15 The disadvantageous effect of short-term total fasting is the deterioration of bone formation markers. 14 In addition, ketones that persist in the body for an extended period of time can prevent or reverse abnormalities in heart energy metabolism that occur during fasting. 13 Conversely, acidosis stimulates the unfavorable process of calcium release from bones. 10 – 12 Moreover, ketone bodies can promote the excitability of neuronal membranes, the occurrence of autophagy, while reducing inflammation and inhibiting the production of free radicals. They show neuroprotective effects by increased mitochondrial respiration ensuring the production of adenosine triphosphate (ATP). The concentration of ketone bodies, such as β-hydroxybutyrate (β-HB), increases after just a few days of fasting. In the early days of starvation, which is considered a mild and stable state, ketone bodies are an alternative source of energy substrates for the nervous system and other body cells, the metabolism of which depends on glucose. 8, 9 Ketosis, which develops from the first days of fasting, is its metabolic consequence. They should be monitored for possible adverse effects caused by WF, such as: increased uric acid and creatinine blood concentrations, decreased glomerular filtration, or other serious health complications. When using WF, it is crucial to remember to maintain the safety of people participating in such experiments. The WF intervention is defined as a “zero calorie diet”. 3, 4 When taking into account the above data, it can be concluded that even prolonged fasting may not deteriorate health condition, and even have therapeutic values. They include enhanced ketogenesis, modulated hormone activity, reduced inflammation and oxidative stress symptoms, lipolysis, autophagy, and improved physical and emotional well-being. 1, 2 It has been found that this type of intervention stimulates physiological effects that are potentially favorable to health. This type of fasting is believed to improve health and can help motivate a healthy diet and lifestyle changes. Water-only fasting (WF) is an absolute cessation of food consumption while consuming water at libitum.
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