The 3 Types of Fasting

here are a three kinds of fasting.

1. Dry Fasting

This is fasting without eating and drinking. Muslims do this kind of fasting in Ramadan and on certain days of the week, month and year. The fasting period is between the first light of dawn and sunset. While it has health benefits, the real focus is on building patience and willpower, and as an act of worship.

2. Intermittent Fasting

This is water fasting, where drinking plain water is allowed. Some people would also take coffee or tea without sugar and take vitamins, i.e. items with negligible calories, but there is a risk that these would reduce the benefits of the fasting. Intermittent fasting is usually for a period of 16 hours, but can be longer as long as it is within 24 hours. The objective is usually to lose body fat.

3. Prolonged Fasting

This is fasting similar to intermittent fasting but the period is extended past 24 hours. The longest prolonged fasting record is 382 days by Angus Barbieri in 1965; he lost 125kg. So you can substantially lose body fat with prolonged fasting, but the real prize is increased autophagy.

Autophagy is when your body repairs itself, replacing bad cells with new good ones. People have reported improved alertness and memory, improved eyesight and clearer skin.

Intermittent and prolonged fasting are not recommended for people with very low body fat, pregnant women, children and elderly people.