Different forms of fasting have been a focus of clinical research in the past and recent years especially as regards weight, blood pressure, and blood glucose control amongst people of different age groups. Water fasting when used for therapeutic purposes involves ingesting only water for a prolonged period with a controlled refeeding diet done under medical supervision.
Alkaline Water
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The benefits of water-only fasting on different health parameters have been studied over the years. There are published study findings to support the benefits of this method of fasting. A recent study on the effects of water-only fasting and refeeding on target markers of cardiometabolic risk found that it caused a significant reduction in weight, body mass index, abdominal circumference, systolic and diastolic blood pressure of the study subjects (Scharf, Zeiler, et al, 2022).
Other studies have reported significant reductions in stress levels, dehydration, blood glucose levels, and other electrolyte changes. Despite the many reported benefits of water-only fasting also known as a zero-calorie diet, it has been highlighted in several reports that this form of fasting could have serious health complications. The limited academic literature on the topic necessitates a study on the possible benefits of a water-only fast on the functions of the lower urinary tract, the prostate, and hormone levels in men.
Water Only Fasting Has Favorable Effects on Urinary Flow Rate
In a recent study to examine the effects of an eight-day water-only fasting on the urogenital system and hormone levels of middle-aged men, the researchers utilized the maximum urinary flow rate to measure the urodynamic changes occurring in the subjects. They were able to demonstrate an improvement in the urinary flow rate of the subjects following the eight days water-only fast (Letkiewicz, Pilis, et al, 2021). All participants did not smoke or take alcohol. They were also allowed to drink as much water as they wanted.
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There was a significant increase in the maximum urinary flow rate of the participants and an improvement in the International Prostate Symptoms Score of the subjects used in this study.
Water-Only Fasting affects Prostate and Testicular Volume
Following the eight days water-only fast, the researchers discovered a reduction in testicular and prostate volume of the participants which was accompanied by a reduction in testosterone levels and body weight. The reduction in testicular and prostate volume as well as body weight was attributed to dehydration caused by ketosis which is a common side effect of the zero-calorie diet.
Clinical Significance
Embarking on a medically supervised water-only fast may have positive benefits for the urogenital system but doesn’t come without complications. Without proper monitoring and intervention, the complications of a zero-calorie diet may outweigh the supposed benefits. Still, for men suffering from BHP (Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia) a reduction in the prostate size and an improvement in urinary flow, doing the water fast may be worth the risks.
Conclusion
Further research is necessary to uncover the impact of this kind of diet on different systems in the body. It is possible that a way could be found to utilize this as a form of therapy in the management of certain health conditions like benign prostatic hyperplasia, etc.
References
Letkiewicz S, Pilis K, Ślęzak A, Pilis A, Pilis W, Żychowska M, Langfort J. Eight Days of Water-Only Fasting Promotes Favorable Changes in the Functioning of the Urogenital System of Middle-Aged Healthy Men. Nutrients. 2021; 13(1):113. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu13010113
