Can You Drink Water During Intermittent Fasting?

With so many types of intermittent fasting, it can be confusing to know what is and isn’t allowed during a fast.

In this article we’ll explain whether you can drink water during intermittent fasting, the recommended daily water intake, and which functions in the body are dependent on drinking water.

Can I drink water during fasting?

Water doesn’t affect your blood sugar or insulin levels like solid foods or caloric beverages, so it’s perfectly OK to drink water during your fast. In fact, more than being OK, drinking water while doing intermittent fasting is even encouraged. You should hydrate your body more during the period you’re not eating anything.

How much water should I drink while fasting?

During your fasting hours, you are more likely to lose electrolytes from the body as you won’t be eating anything. Drinking water helps you replenish your electrolytes.

For women, the daily water requirement is about 2.5 liters, while for men it is 3 liters. These amounts can vary based on your weight, activity level, and health status. Spread the amount of water you have to drink throughout the day.

Drinking a few glasses of water whenever you feel hungry is a good way to suppress hunger during the fasting window, too.

Why is drinking water so important?

Water helps to:

• produce bodily fluids like saliva, mucus, sweat, etc.,
• detoxify the body,
• the transportation in the body cells,
• regulate the body temperature,
• lubricate your tissues, spinal cord, and joints,
• improve your digestion and prevents constipation, and
• improve your mood and the cognitive functions of your brain.

The last word

It’s definitely OK to drink water while you’re doing intermittent fasting. Always encourage yourself to drink more water to stay hydrated. You can check out our simple tips to drink more water.

If you ever need any help or have questions on intermittent fasting, Fasting Kompanion will give you all the answers and support you’re looking for.