Today, I am starting an 18-day water fast.
Over the past several months, my health has felt completely out of balance. What started as a few concerns slowly turned into a long list of issues that seem to be connected somehow: gut problems, IBS inflammation, hormonal acne, hair loss, iron deficiency, and possible vitamin and mineral deficiencies.
The hardest part has been my skin.
My acne has become severe enough that it affects my daily life, my confidence, my mental health, and the way I show up in the world. There have been days when going to work felt overwhelming, so I called in sick. Days when I avoided seeing friends and family, and days when I simply did not want to leave the house because of how my skin looked.
I have spent countless hours researching gut health, hormones, inflammation, nutrition, and possible root causes. I have changed my diet, tried different approaches, and searched for answers, but I still feel like my body is asking for help.
This fast is my attempt to take a step toward healing.
My goal is not just clearer skin. My goal is to better understand my body and see whether reducing digestive stress and eliminating potential food triggers can help calm some of the inflammation I have been experiencing. I want to observe how my body responds, physically and mentally, and document the journey along the way.
I know this may not be the answer to everything. I know there are no guarantees. But after everything I have experienced, I have to try waterfasting.
Today is Day 1.