Fasting has become a hot topic in wellness circles — some see it as a tool for mental clarity, others swear by its weight loss benefits.
Actor Nargis Fakhri, too, swears by a unique fasting ritual — but with a serious caveat. In a recent interview, she revealed that she goes on an intense water-only fast twice a year, lasting nine days each time. “I do fasting twice a year, no food at all, just water for nine days. It’s very difficult. But once I’m done, I’m telling you, you look snatched. I mean, the jawline is out, the face is glowing. But I wouldn’t recommend it,” she told Soha Ali Khan during a chat on Hauterrfly’s YouTube channel.
While she credited the fast for improving her appearance, she was quick to warn that such extreme practices aren’t advisable for everyone. “Everybody wants a quick fix, but there’s no quick fix. It’s always a combination of things, and the combination for me seems to be great sleep. I sleep like eight hours a night. I also try to hydrate. Then, also, my food choices. Like, I want foods that are nutritious and have vitamins and minerals in them,” she added.
So, is a nine-day water-only fast medically safe for the average person, and what risks might it pose to physical or mental health?
Dr Anjana Kalia, ayurvedic doctor and nutritionist at Diet Clinix, tells indianexpress.com, “A nine-day water-only fast is not considered medically safe for the average person. Prolonged fasting without any caloric or nutritional intake can lead to serious physical and mental health risks. These include electrolyte imbalances, dehydration, low blood sugar, muscle loss, dizziness, fatigue, and heart rhythm abnormalities.”
She continues, “The body needs a constant supply of essential nutrients — vitamins, minerals, glucose, and proteins — to function properly. Prolonged fasting can weaken the immune system, impair kidney function, and negatively affect mental clarity and mood. It is perilous for people with diabetes, low blood pressure, or any chronic illness. Fasting beyond 24 to 72 hours should only be done under strict medical supervision.”
Nargis mentions looking “snatched” and having glowing skin after such a fast. Can such visible benefits be attributed to fasting?
While it is possible to notice short-term physical changes like a slimmer appearance or glowing skin after a fast, Dr Kalia stresses, these effects are usually temporary. The ‘snatched’ look often results from water loss and reduced bloating, not actual fat loss or improved health.
“Similarly, clearer skin may be due to reduced intake of processed foods or allergens, but long-term skin health depends more on a balanced diet, hydration, and overall wellness. The glow can quickly fade once normal eating resumes or if the body becomes nutrient-deficient. So while fasting might give a temporary ‘clean’ look, it is not a reliable or healthy method for beauty or wellness,” states the expert.
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Healthier and more sustainable alternatives to extreme fasting
Dr Kalia suggests that rather than extreme fasting, it’s healthier to “adopt consistent lifestyle habits.” Eat a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean protein, and healthy fats. Drink plenty of water throughout the day. Avoid excessive sugar, alcohol, and processed foods. Getting 7-8 hours of sleep, managing stress, and including light exercise (like walking or yoga) are also key.
For skin health, she adds that foods rich in antioxidants (like berries, nuts, and leafy greens) and omega-3 fats (like flaxseeds or fatty fish) are especially beneficial. These changes are not only safer but also more sustainable and effective in the long run.
DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine.
