Water Fasting & Heartburn - Is it Normal?

by Susan
(Illinois)

I have been on a water fast for 6 days and I have experienced terrible heartburn... the worst I have ever had. Is this normal? I have not been able to find anything about this anywhere. Your help would be appreciated.

Dear Susan:

This is Robert Dave Johnston, webmaster of Fitness Through Fasting. The heartburn you are feeling is normal for many people. The acidity in your stomach increases substantially when one is not ingesting solid food.

In some cases this acidity materializes in heartburn. The best way to counteract this that I have found is simply to take an anti acid. Seltzer water with a small squeeze or lime also helps to soothe the acidity.

In addition, the toxins hidden in your fatty cells are released into the bloodstream when on a water fast. These toxins are processed by the digestive system and one of the side-effects is heartburn.

It is actually a symptom of detoxification. So you can be thankful that it appears your body is doing its job and cleansing itself. I am not sure how long you intend to fast, but these symptoms are normally gone between days 9 to 11.

I hope this helps. Keep us posted!

Take Care

Rob