The effects of drinking only water and not eating every day on the body vary from person to person, but generally speaking, this practice can seriously threaten health and even endanger life. The following is a detailed analysis and recommendations： --- ###**1. Changes in the body under starvation** 1. **The first 24-48 hours** -The body consumes stored glycogen (mainly from the liver and muscles) and converts it into glucose for energy. -Symptoms of hypoglycemia may occur: dizziness, fatigue, and inattention. -Some people will enter **Ketosis** (lipolysis produces ketone bodies for energy), accompanied by bad breath, nausea, and fatigue. 2. **After 3-7 days** -After glycogen is exhausted, it begins to break down **fat and muscle**(protein) for energy. - **Muscle loss**Leads to a decrease in basal metabolic rate and weakened immunity. -The risk of imbalance of electrolytes (such as potassium and sodium) increases, which may cause arrhythmia and convulsions. 3. **More than 1 week** -**Impaired organ function**: The heart, liver, and kidneys gradually fail due to long-term lack of nutrients and protein. - * *Vitamin and mineral deficiencies**: For example, vitamin B1 deficiency can lead to nerve damage, and iron deficiency can lead to anemia. -Severe malnutrition may cause multiple organ failure and even death. --- ###**2. Individual differences and limit time** -**Healthy adults**: May barely survive for several weeks, but will be accompanied by irreversible organ damage. -**Special populations** (children, pregnant women, patients with chronic diseases): the risk is higher and serious consequences may occur in a shorter period of time. -**Extreme cases**: Historically, hunger strikers have lived for the longest time for about 60-70 days (with a small amount of electrolyte supplementation), but with permanent sequelae. --- ###**3. The harm of drinking only water for a long time** 1. **Metabolic disorders**: The basal metabolic rate drops sharply, and it is easy to rebound after resuming the diet (“diet-gluttony” cycle). 2. **Muscle atrophy**: Protein breakdown leads to weakening of strength and difficulty in movement. 3. **Collapse of immunity**: The risk of infection is significantly increased. 4. **Psychological effects**: Increased risk of depression, anxiety, and eating disorders. --- ###**Fourth, health advice** 1. **Do not try extreme fasting**: Even if you lose weight in the short term, the cost is damage to your health. 2. **Scientific weight loss method**： - **Balanced diet**: Control the calorie gap (300-500 kcal less per day than consumption) and ensure protein and dietary fiber intake. -**Regular exercise**: Combine aerobic and strength training to reduce muscle loss. -**Adequate sleep and decompression**: Avoid stressful eating. 3. **Special circumstances require medical attention**: If fasting is required due to illness (such as preoperative preparation), it should be carried out under the guidance of a doctor and supplemented with the necessary nutrient solution. --- ###**Summary** **Healthy survival time**: Ordinary people may have serious problems within 1-2 weeks by drinking water alone, and it may be fatal for more than 3 weeks. However, the specific time varies from person to person, and health has been severely damaged in the process. **Core recommendation**: The body needs a continuous supply of nutrients, and extreme fasting is not advisable. If you have weight loss or health management needs, please consult a dietitian or doctor to develop a sustainable plan.