Consult a healthcare professional before starting, especially if you have any medical condition, take medications, are pregnant, breastfeeding, underweight, or have a history of eating disorders
Choose a safe fasting duration, starting with a short fast if you are new to fasting
Set a clear start and end time for the fast
Drink only plain water during the fast
Avoid all food, caloric drinks, alcohol, and supplements unless a clinician tells you otherwise
Rest and avoid intense exercise during the fast
Monitor for warning signs such as dizziness, fainting, confusion, chest pain, severe weakness, or vomiting
Stop the fast and seek medical help if severe symptoms occur
Break the fast gently with a small, light meal
Reintroduce food slowly over several hours
Avoid overeating immediately after the fast
Resume normal eating only if you feel well
Do not water fast without medical supervision if you are diabetic, have kidney disease, gout, low blood pressure, or are on blood pressure, diabetes, or diuretic medications