Many people who want to lose a few kilos decide to start a hunger strike. Giving up food is something unnatural for the body and the lack of food can cause malaise, general weakness and problems with concentration.
Fasting usually slows down the metabolism and leads to a yo-yo effect, which everyone who decides to start slimming wants to avoid. After the initial rapid weight loss, the body switches to "saving" energy reserves and begins to burn less and less calories.
It turns out that the longer this type of treatment lasts, the harder it is to lose the next kilograms and achieve your dream weight. If one-day posts, aimed at cleansing the body of toxins, relieving it after Christmas culinary madness or preparation for surgery or diagnostic tests make sense, with a long-term hunger strike it is better to be careful.
Indications for fasting
Not everyone can use hunger without fear and it is better not to do it on their own, but consult a doctor or dietitian beforehand. Temporary abandonment of food, however, can have a positive effect on our body and improve our health. If carried out correctly, it can help in the case of susceptibility to respiratory tract infections, cellulite, migraine headaches, allergies, skin diseases, diseases of the digestive system and cardiovascular diseases.
Contraindications to the use of hunger strike
Regardless of the form of fasting, it should not be used by young people who are developing, seniors, pregnant women, breastfeeding women, people after major surgical procedures, taking medications constantly and suffering from mental disorders. A contraindication is also hyperthyroidism, diabetes and cancer. It is worth bearing in mind that fasting is associated with the risk of symptoms, such as mood swings, blemishes on the skin or pain in bones and joints.
How to safely plan a hunger strike?
- Before beginning a hunger strike, consult a dietitian or doctor to make sure that temporary lack of food does not hurt you in any way.
- Choose the right time to post - the body tolerates better food shortages in warm months than in winter when it needs more energy.
- Prepare for fasting - change the menu for an easily digestible diet at least a week before fasting and gradually eliminate certain foods.
- Drink plenty of water and herbal teas that improve the excretion of toxins from the body and speed up metabolism.
- During fasting follow the recommendations of your doctor or dietitian and do not make decisions on your own.
- Rest a lot, do not overwork yourself and avoid physical and intellectual effort.
- When you finish fasting, take care of your body - take a shower, make a massage and lie down to rest in the body. Over the next days, gradually introduce further food products and dishes, starting with these easily digestible.