What Happens to Your Bowel Movements During a Water or Dry Fast: Everything You Need to Know

Okay, let’s be real—when we think about fasting, bowel movements are probably the last thing on our minds. Actually, they don’t even make the list! But here’s the thing: regular bodily functions, like going No. 1 and No. 2, don’t exactly work the same way when you’re on a water or dry fast, and I think it’s important to talk about it.

I’ve read tons of blogs on fasting, and no one really touches on this topic, so here we go! When you fast, your body goes into a bit of shock. Since food isn’t coming in regularly, your body thinks you’ve hit hard times and goes into starvation mode to protect you. It starts holding onto everything that could provide energy or sustenance—including your, uh, bowel movements. Yep, your body holds onto that too.

So, here’s the deal: if you’re on a water or dry fast for three days, you’re probably not going to have a bowel movement for three days. You’re not constipated—it’s just that your body is trying to survive by keeping everything it can. It sounds a little gross, I know, but your body is designed to do whatever it takes to keep you going.

But don’t worry! Once you break the fast and start eating consistently again—whether that’s three meals a day or whatever your normal routine is—your bowel movements will return to normal. Just make sure to break your fast the right way. I’ve got a blog post on How to Break a Fast that will help with that. If you don’t follow the right steps, you might end up with diarrhea—and no one wants that!

Now, let’s touch on peeing while fasting. During a water fast, you’ll obviously pee as usual because you’re drinking a lot of water. But here’s something interesting: even during a dry fast, you’ll still pee regularly. How? Well, your body goes into survival mode and starts breaking down excess fat, which creates water that you then excrete as urine. So, every time you pee during a dry fast, just think, “Goodbye, fat!”

I know this isn’t the most glamorous or spiritually exciting topic, but it’s a reality of fasting, and I want you to be prepared.

I hope this blog has been helpful for your fasting journey. I pray that these tips help you be more successful in your prayer and fasting goals.

Shalom!

Lyn