Can You Drink Water When Fasting?

Fasting means you don't eat or drink anything but water usually for 8 to 12 hours beforehand. If your appointment is at 8 a.m. and you're told to fast for 8 hours, only water is OK after midnight. If it's a 12-hour fast, avoid food and drink after 8 p.m. the night before.

Is it OK to drink water while fasting?

Solid foods break your fast and cause your body to reenter the fed state, which lasts for several hours as your body breaks down and digests your food ( 1 ). However, water doesn't affect blood sugar or insulin levels. Therefore, you can safely drink it while intermittent fasting.

Can you drink water when fasting for a blood test?

General guidelines: During your fast, you may drink water, but it must contain no additives (e.g. tea, coffee, or cordials). You should avoid alcohol for 24 hours (1 day) prior to the test, if possible. Unless your doctor advises otherwise, you should continue taking any current medications.