Here we'll be explaining the risk factors, but we won't be diving into what to watch out for. Look for the post Is Dry Fasting Dangerous for that.
Dry fasting as a healing method originated with Leonid Schennikov in Russia. That's actually where Sergei Filinov discovered Dry Fasting and decided to try it in his own clinics. Shennikov patented a lot of the dry fasting steps and practices, and he had also created a list of contraindications.
Therefore, it's clear that dry fasting has risks as has been demonstrated in Schennikovs clinics and should be taken seriously. I do believe that anyone with a risk factor shown in this list, should still look into fasting as a supplemental technique to their prescribed regimen, but start with a mild version of water fasting.
With a good mental state, water fasting, and medically supervised treatment, it's possible to improve your symptoms to the point that dry fasting becomes a possibility again.
Personally, I believe that dry fasting is the ultimate cure, and it is very sad that some people find it too late in life. It is a burning star that can improve all aspects of your life, and it is critical that you and your loved ones learn about it before you develop risk factors that prevent you from trying it.
Dry fasting is tough. So knowing what you need to watch out for is critical. Learn about the dangers and what are the contraindications. Just because your disease is on here doesn't mean you're out of luck. Join the discord group and check in with some other fasters. Read on for information on dry fasting risk factors and contraindications.
What is dry fasting?
Dry fasting is a type of fasting where individuals abstain from both food and water for a certain period. Unlike traditional fasting, which restricts food intake, or water fasting, which restricts water intake, dry fasting requires the body to rely on its internal water reserves and metabolic reactions for energy.
With roots dating back to ancient times for religious and spiritual purposes, dry fasting has potential health benefits such as reducing inflammation, improving metabolic health, and increasing longevity. However, the risks, including dehydration, kidney stones, and urinary tract infections are there if you don't approach it correctly.
Dry fasting durations vary, with some people opting for 24-hour fasts while others choose longer periods. It is crucial to stay hydrated before and after dry fasting and to consult with a medical professional beforehand, especially if one has underlying health conditions.
When done properly, dry fasting can contribute to overall physical and mental well-being. It is the strongest type of fasting available, and some healing mechanisms can only occur while dry fasting. A 7-day dry fast is comparable to a 21-day water fast.
Malignant Tumors
Malignant tumors are abnormal, uncontrolled cell growths that can spread to surrounding tissues and other parts of the body through the bloodstream or lymphatic system.
They can develop in almost any organ or tissue, such as the lungs, colon, breast, or prostate.
These tumors can cause a wide range of symptoms and complications, including pain, fatigue, and organ dysfunction, and often require aggressive treatments like surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy.
Hepatitis
Hepatitis refers to inflammation of the liver, typically caused by a viral infection. There are five main types of hepatitis viruses: A, B, C, D, and E. Each type presents with different transmission routes, symptoms, and treatment options.
Common symptoms include jaundice, fatigue, and abdominal pain. Vaccines are available for hepatitis A and B, while hepatitis C can be treated with antiviral medications. Hepatitis D and E are less common and have limited treatment options.
Acute Form of Tuberculosis
The acute form of tuberculosis (TB) is a severe and potentially life-threatening stage of the infectious disease caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis. This form of TB rapidly progresses, affecting the lungs primarily but can also spread to other organs.
Symptoms include persistent cough, fever, night sweats, and weight loss. Early diagnosis and treatment with a combination of antibiotics are crucial to prevent complications and transmission of the disease.
Cirrhosis of the Liver
Cirrhosis of the liver is a late-stage liver disease characterized by scarring and impaired liver function. Common causes include chronic alcohol abuse, hepatitis B and C infections, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.
Symptoms may include fatigue, jaundice, and fluid retention. Treatment focuses on managing the underlying cause and complications, with severe cases potentially requiring a liver transplant.
Pregnancy and Lactation
Pregnancy and lactation period refer to the time during which a woman is carrying a fetus and breastfeeding, respectively. Pregnancy is divided into three trimesters, each with specific developmental milestones and potential complications.
Proper prenatal care is essential to ensure a healthy pregnancy and delivery. The lactation period is vital for providing essential nutrients to the infant through breast milk, which contains antibodies that help strengthen the baby's immune system.
Hypotension
Hypotension, or low blood pressure, occurs when the blood pressure in the arteries falls below the normal range. It can result from dehydration, blood loss, certain medications, or underlying medical conditions. Symptoms may include dizziness, fainting, or fatigue. Treatment depends on the cause and may involve increasing fluid intake, adjusting medications, or addressing the underlying condition.
Fresh wounds, damage to the skin
Fresh wounds and damage to the skin involve disruptions of the skin's integrity due to injury, infection, or inflammation. Wound care is essential to prevent infection, promote healing, and minimize scarring. Proper care includes cleaning the wound, applying antibiotic ointment, and covering with a sterile dressing.
Thrombosis
Thrombosis is the formation of a blood clot within a blood vessel, which can obstruct blood flow and lead to serious complications. Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism are common types of thrombosis.
Risk factors include immobility, surgery, and certain medical conditions. Treatment may involve anticoagulant medications, compression stockings, or in severe cases, surgical intervention.
Heart Failure 2nd and 3rd degree
Heart failure 2-3 degrees, also known as moderate to severe heart failure, is a progressive condition in which the heart is unable to pump blood efficiently enough to meet the body's demands.
Symptoms include shortness of breath, fatigue, and fluid retention. Treatment may involve medications, lifestyle changes, and in severe cases, the use of medical devices or a heart transplant.
Renal and Liver failure
Renal and hepatic failure refer to the loss of kidney and liver function, respectively. In renal failure, the kidneys can no longer effectively filter waste from the blood, leading to a buildup of toxins. Symptoms include fatigue
Thyroid Disease
Thyroid disease encompasses a range of disorders that affect the thyroid gland, which produces hormones that regulate metabolism, growth, and development. Conditions include hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, and thyroid nodules. Symptoms vary depending on the specific disorder, and treatments may involve medications, surgery, or radioactive iodine therapy.
Hemophilia
Hemophilia is an inherited bleeding disorder caused by a deficiency in one of the blood clotting factors, most commonly factor VIII (hemophilia A) or factor IX (hemophilia B).
People with hemophilia experience prolonged bleeding episodes, which can be spontaneous or result from injury. Treatment primarily involves the infusion of clotting factor concentrates to replace the missing factor and control bleeding.
Myocardial infarction
Large focal myocardial infarction, commonly known as a heart attack, occurs when blood flow to a part of the heart is blocked, usually by a blood clot. This can lead to the death of heart muscle tissue, which can cause permanent damage and decrease heart function.
Symptoms include chest pain, shortness of breath, and nausea. Immediate treatment is essential and may involve medications, angioplasty, or surgery.
Dystrophy
Dystrophy is a group of inherited disorders characterized by progressive muscle weakness and degeneration. The most well-known form is Duchenne muscular dystrophy, which primarily affects boys.
Symptoms typically begin in early childhood and worsen over time, eventually leading to severe mobility limitations. There is currently no cure for dystrophy, but treatments can help manage symptoms and improve quality of life.
Under the age of 20
Please be aware that fasting for children is usually not advised. However, it's important to note that fasting for children as low as 12 years old has been performed for the Muslim holiday Ramadan for thousands of years.
Personally, I would consider it an option if my child was suffering from something that your current doctors could not help with. There are a lot of childhood diseases, including possible complications from viruses like covid and even the flu. These complications very often have no cure and have had no cure for decades now.
Things like Lupus, ME/CFS, and other autoimmune diseases. In these cases, you're referred to as just managing the symptoms and trying to give your child the best quality of life. Such situations sometimes require you as the parent to step in and take control.
Diet change is usually the safest and smartest first move. But if that doesn't really help and you are pressed for time, I think that following a Ramadan-style schedule for dry fasting is well within reason and something every parent should have in their back pocket.
Over the age of 63
Old age going to old age. Unfortunately, these numbers come from the only known dry fasting patents in the world. The patents are from Russia and are owned by Leonnid Schennikov. It makes sense to create an age range for better results.
Hopefully, that means you will be taking this much more seriously and approaching it very cautiously. There are methods to prepare for a dry fast that are meticulous and very safe. Following the principle of baby steps. Make sure you consult and discuss with a fasting specialist.
If you are too skinny
Although a lot of high-level breatharians and spiritual dry fasters will say that it's possible to dry fast without much fat, it is a risky endeavor. You are highly recommended to only fast if you have spare body weight.
This is where it becomes tricky because processed food helps you put on the weight the fastest. Feel free to reach out to me for this information as I have practiced and coached many people on putting on weight pre-fast.
If your fasting coach does not recommend putting on weight before your fast, be aware. The science is simple. Dry fasting, like all other forms of starvation and fasting, uses up your fat and protein molecules. Dry fasting is amazing in the sense that it gobbles up fat first and foremost.
There is a prioritization for fat because it also releases the most water and provides the highest caloric energy release, both things that are needed when you are in an extreme fasted state that doesn't provide either. Water fasting actually works by taking an equal balance of fat and protein, and that's why you lose more muscle on a water fast and have slightly less mental clarity. Gluconeogenesis.
If you don't have enough fat on a dry fast, you can bet your proteins will be targeted next, and if you continue, the proteins that comprise your organs will start getting eaten. If you're thinking 'Great, I want to remodel my sick organs', think again. Your sick cells are already being targetted through Chaperone Mediated Autophagy, and it is one of dry fastings amazing held secrets.
Read more about the common questions pertaining to the dangers of a dry fast.
Read more about Autophagy and Chaperone Mediated Autophagy Here