Fasting, a method of restricting food intake, has been practiced for thousands of years. <br>Water fasting is a type of fast that restricts everything except water. It has become more popular in recent years as a quick way to lose weight. <br>Studies have shown that water fasting could have health benefits. For example, it may lower the risk of some chronic diseases and stimulate autophagy, a process that helps your body break down and recycle old parts of your cells. <br>That said, human studies on water fasting are very limited. Moreover, it comes with many health risks and is not suitable for everyone. <br>To make sure that water fasting is done safely, people should prepare properly and choose a good time to go without food, when the body does not require too much energy. <br>