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waterproof

Intermittent Drinking

We all know that it is important to drink enough, BUT not all day long. Intermittent drinking is about frequency and not quantity. Intermittent bulk drinking is defined as drinking to a feeling of satiety, regulated by a slight thirst. 

Besides reducing the number of times we drink, we go deeper into the effects of water fasting.

When we waterproof, we drink nothing for a period of time. This method has been used for thousands of years for various reasons. A water-fasting period usually lasts 1-3 days (24-72 hours). Longer is also possible, but we do not recommend this without guidance.  The main reason why people fasting, is to improve their overall health.

We look at it in a bit more detail below ⇓.

Intermittent Drinking
Intermittent Drinking
Intermittent Drinking

Drink when you are thirsty

Do you know the feeling of real thirst? When is the last time you consciously experienced that feeling? The answer is quite simple when you were able to drink away half a litre or more in one go.

When we go back in evolution, we see that humans sometimes did not drink for days, simply because water was not available. If we didn't drink for three days, the brain drew fluid from other parts of the body to keep functioning.

Our bodies are not made to drink without thirst. When we drink throughout the day by taking sips of water, tea or other drinks, we constantly activate our immune system to protect us from bacteria and other pathogens. Besides, by drinking a little bit each time, you disrupt the natural fluid and mineral balance and have to urinate a lot as a result.

Why the following belief is a lie:

"We should drink one and a half to two litres of water a day"

Listen to your own body. Are you thirsty? Then drink! But beware, many people drink 2 to 3 litres a day "by default" just "because they have to".

It is a belief we have been taught. Health authorities are currently still all too happy to advise it: "You should drink 1.5 to 2 litres of water a day". This is a rule they say applies to every human being. If we think logically, this cannot be right. 

Being thirsty is not a bad thing, just as being hungry is not a bad thing, as long as it is brief. When we drink all day long, we put our bodies under continuous stress. Our bodies are not made to drink all day long.

How do I start Intermittent Drinking?

Don't drink all day, limit the number of drinking occasions to 3 times a day

Intermittent Fasting

Generating thirst

Wake up to a real thirst quencher once a week. Exercise intensely for 40 to 60 minutes and finish with a sauna or hot yoga session. Wait to drink until after the session. Are you done? Then go bulk drinking until you are satiated.

Intermittent Fasting

Waterproof

You can do water fasting by drinking NOTHING for 24 hours, for example. As with Intermittent fasting, you build this up. For example, start by not drinking anything from 7pm to 7am and build up to 24 hours. REMEMBER: Ideally, you combine water and food fasting because food also contains moisture and thus breaks the water fasting.

Health benefits Intermittent Drinking

Mild momentary thirst is a super powerful stress trigger. It causes:

  • Growth of the hippocampus
  • Lowering blood pressure via vasopressin
  • Removal of toxins from the body
  • DNA repair
  • Learning to keep moisture better
  • More efficient thermoregulation

What substances are released into the body during water fasting?

Vasopressin

water fasting

Thirst triggers the release of vasopressin, a hormone that lowers blood pressure. Vasopressin, also known as antidiuretic hormone (ADH), is a hormone produced in the hypothalamus and then released by the posterior pituitary gland. Vasopressin plays an important role in regulating water balance in the body. Here are some of its main functions:

  1. Water retention: One of the main functions of vasopressin is to promote water retention in the body. The hormone regulates the reabsorption of water in the kidneys, reducing the amount of water excreted in the urine.

  2. Regulation of urine production: By increasing the reabsorption of water in the kidneys, vasopressin reduces the amount of urine produced. This reduces water loss through urine and helps preserve body fluids.

  3. Blood pressure regulation

  4. Regulation of thirst: Plays a role in regulating thirst response.

The "Trust And Love" Hormone Oxytocin

OXYTOCINE

Recent research shows that "feeling thirsty" not only regulates water and mineral balance, but also the "trust and love" hormone oxytocin, while decreasing the production of the typical stress hormone cortisol. A hot environment, dryness and increased sweating activate oxytocin production, just as breastfeeding does for mother and child. This hormone is also known as the "trust and love" hormone.

Oxytocin has several positive effects on the immune system:

  • Reduces inflammatory response, making the body better able to fight infections and diseases
  • Stimulates the production of antibodies, which improves the immune system strengthened and improves resistance to pathogens

What is bulk drinking and how do you do it?

Start the day by drinking a larger amount of water at once. Continue drinking until your body says stop and you feel you can't drink any more. Learn to listen to your body. Drink only when you are thirsty and then keep drinking until you are completely satiated. 1 drink takes about 10minutes.

So that can also mean drinking more one day than another; depending on weather conditions; how much you exercise and what you eat.

Why are we going water fasting?

Firstly, to improve our health. When we do not drink for an extended period, we purify our body and mind. 

Secondly, it literally resets the metabolism, meaning our body no longer runs on glucose, but rather on fat reserves. This causes a gradual decrease in body fat. 

Moreover, your body purifies itself by converting old and broken cells into energy and proteins. This process is called autophagy.

It is not for nothing that it is also recommended from several religious movements, with Ramadan being the most famous example.

The first question you ask yourself when you get to a fasting begins, is: why am I fasting and what is my intention or objective? Why People fasting water has a variety of reasons. Whether for religious or spiritual purposes or in preparation for a medical procedure Or for other health benefits.

How does water fasting affect the immune system?

Water fasting has a positive effect on the immune system. After a day of water fasting, you usually feel wonderfully good. It stimulates the immune system, releasing energy for other important functions.

First, as described above, oxytocin production is stimulated.

In addition, water fasting also affects the stress hormone cortisol. Fasting reduces the production of cortisol. This is necessary, as prolonged exposure to high levels of cortisol damages the immune system and promotes inflammation. By lowering cortisol levels, water fasting contributes to a more balanced immune system.

When you go water fasting, sensitivity to insulin and leptin improves

Scientific research shows that water fasting has positive effects on the sensitivity of insulin and leptin. These hormones play an important role in regulating metabolism and balancing energy intake and expenditure.

Your body uses Insulin to store nutrients from the bloodstream, while leptin makes the body feel full.

What does that mean specifically? When you are more sensitive to insulin, the body lowers blood sugar levels. When we are more sensitive to leptin, we help our body process the hunger signal more efficiently, which also lowers the risk of obesity. In addition contributes to better metabolic health.

Insulin

Insulin sensitivity is crucial for healthy blood sugar regulation. 

Water fasting can make the body more sensitive to insulin, meaning it is better able to lower blood sugar levels. 

This can be beneficial for people with insulin resistance or diabetes, as it can help control blood sugar levels and reduce the risk of complications.

Leptin

Leptin, also called the "satiety hormone" called, plays a role in regulating hunger and energy balance. 

Higher sensitivity to leptin means the body is better able to process hunger signals more efficiently and experience a sense of satiety. 

This reduces the risk of overeating and helps maintain a healthy weight.

Follow the path to health

Ready to take a step in your Journey?

During the heat workshop and the cold workshop, we get to work with water fasting! You will get deep learning first and also dive into the experience yourself to feel what it means for you. 

Cold workshop

The unique combination of cold, movement, hypoxia, hunger and thirst creates a need for innovation in our actions and thinking

Find out more

heat workshop

Increased CO2, muscle acidification and heat literally make you unstoppable & train your overall stress tolerance

Find out more

Questions and answers

Yes. See the scientific article by Dr Plum Leo, Reheis D. Intermittent drinking, oxytocin and human health. Med Hypotheses. 2016 Jul;92:80-3. doi: 10.1016/j.mehy.2016.04.043. Epub 2016 Apr 27.PMID: 27241263

The time a person survives without water depends on several factors, including environmental conditions, individual health and activity level.

Generally, it is assumed that a person does not exceed 3 to 5 days can survive without water.

In extreme conditions, such as very hot and dry climates, dehydration occurs much faster and survival time may be significantly shorter.

Dehydration is a serious medical condition and leads to electrolyte imbalance and causes organ failure, which can ultimately be fatal. Therefore, it is essential to be aware of this and when in doubt, seek help or guidance.

A waterproof can certain medical conditions exacerbate or contribute to disturbed eating habits. In addition it may be accompanied by some side effects, such as feeling thirsty and discomfort. It is important to listen to your body and seek medical advice if necessary before embarking on an extended period of water fasting. The effect can vary depending on individual health and other factors.

 Here are some common side effects of water fasting:

  1. Dizziness and weakness: A common side effect of water fasting is dizziness and weakness. This results from low blood sugar, dehydration,...

  2. Dehydration: Since you do not consume water while fasting, you are at risk of dehydration. Dehydration leads to symptoms such as thirst, dry mouth, ...

  3. Nausea and upset stomach: Some people may experience nausea, stomach cramps or other digestive complaints during fasting. This may be due to a change in stomach acid production or a disruption of the normal digestive process.

  4. Fatigue and mood swings: Fatigue may occur during fasting. In addition, mood swings, irritability and difficulty concentrating may occur.

It is always wise to seek advice before starting an extended period of water fasting and do the fasting under supervision.

You may not water fast if:

  • you are pregnant
  • you are breastfeeding
  • you are a kidney patient
  • you have certain medical conditions (seek advice under medical supervision before experimenting)

It is important to note that water fasting for 24 hours is generally safe for most people, but it can have different effects that vary individually. Longer fasting is also possible, but not recommended. If you do, ensure medical supervision. 

When in doubt, it is always wise to seek medical advice before embarking on a water-fasting programme, especially if you have health problems or are on medication.

One speaks of 'orthostatic hypotension' wann if, for example, you get up quickly out of nowhere and your blood doesn't keep up with this rapid pace and thus a experience dizziness feeling, fainting and/or becoming lightheaded.

Not consuming food or drink for a certain period of time can increase the risk of orthostatic hypotension. Not drinking enough fluids can lead to dehydration, which in turn can lead to a decrease in blood volume and lower blood pressure.

During water fasting, the body may also experience a change in electrolyte balance, particularly a decrease in sodium levels. This may also contribute to an increased risk of orthostatic hypotension, as sodium plays an important role in maintaining fluid balance and regulating blood pressure.

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