Medical Information - The Skinny on Fasting

Most people in the developed world have never, and will never, go without any food for a single day of their lives - save certain religious traditions or in the case of a really bad flu! But for many people in the poorest nations, hunger is a daily reality, largely made worse by climate change, and it is not one from which they can escape. The Climate Justice Fast stands in solidarity with all those affected by climate change, however our fast is dramatically different from their hunger, precisely because it is voluntary and can end as soon as we choose to end it.

For one-day fasts:

For a normal, healthy person, 24 hours without food should not pose any health risks, provided that they drink lots of water (about 1.5-2L is ideal).

    * Do not fast with us if you are on medication or are ill in any way.
    * Also, we recommend that you stop taking stimulants such as coffee, sugar and alcohol at least 24 hours before your fast begins. The same goes for red meats and other heavy foods.
    * During the 24 hour communal fast, you should only drink water. But drink a lot of it during the day! You should wear warm clothes and keep generally warm and relaxed. You might feel fatigue, nausea or get a headache. It's alright and will go away again.
    * The day after your fast you should only eat light food, such as fruits and vegetables. You can combine it with pasta or rice. Go to bed early and get some rest.

No one should fast who:

    * Has a history of heart, liver or kidney problems,
    * Is pregnant,
    * Has any psychological or eating disorder,
    * Has recently had surgery,
    * Has a history of diabetes, gastric or duodenal ulcers.

For under eighteens:

    * Drink plenty of water, fruit juice or tea.
    * You can eat an energy sweet, like a barley sugar, every 4 hours.
    * If you're at primary school you must NOT skip food for more than 8 hours. When you finish fasting, ease your way back to normal eating by having something light and healthy like a salad or fruit.
    * No under-18 should fast more than 24 hours.