The Best Way To Stay Hydrated During A Fast

Fasting is a popular health trend that offers several health benefits. According to Healthline, it helps control blood sugar levels, fights inflammation, and may even help improve blood pressure and cholesterol. Your brain function might also improve as a result of fasting. 

There are several ways to fast, including intermittent fasting and 24-hour fasts. In order to reap the benefits of fasting, it's important to follow certain protocols. That means not eating or drinking anything that contains any calories for the length of your fast (via Medical News Today). Of course, water is allowed on fasts. Some consume unsweetened tea and black coffee as they have very few calories and can help blunt hunger pangs. 

It's important to note that staying hydrated is especially important when you are fasting. The Harvard School of Public Health points out that hydration helps regulate body temperature while keeping all of your organs functioning. While you can simply drink water during a fast, there is a better way to make sure you stay hydrated.

Electrolytes are compounds in your blood that help your muscles and nerves function while also helping regulate your body's pH levels, per Cleveland Clinic. It's important to replenish electrolytes while you fast because your body loses them through urine and sweat (via Mindbodygreen). While there are a multitude of electrolyte drinks on the market, many of them contain sugar, preservatives, and other unhealthy ingredients, so you may want to create your own concoction at home, per Mindbodygreen. And, it's not as difficult as it may seem.

One of the easiest ways to add electrolytes to your diet is to add a teaspoon of pink Himalayan salt to a glass of water. It contains sodium and other minerals your body needs. Once you do break your fast, you can also consider adding electrolyte-plentiful foods into your diet, like mushrooms, bone broth, and spinach, which can help you replenish your electrolyte stores, says Mindbodygreen.