
Jordyn Woods And Karl-Anthony Towns: A Look At Their Four-Year Relationship

Jordyn Woods and Karl Anthony Towns' relationship is a living testament to the age-old phrase that true love conquers all. The model and NBA star, who have been together for over four years, have captivated the public and fans alike with their social media posts, lavish lifestyle, and transparency regarding their personal lives.
Throughout their romance, Woods and Towns have showcased a deep appreciation for one another through their unwavering support during their triumphs and tribulations.
These include the star launching her clothing brand WOODS by Jordyn in 2023, the Minnesota Timberwolves center, and his team's elimination from the 2024 Western Conference Finals. This comes after the Minnesota Timberwolves' historic advance to the finals for the first time in over twenty years.
In tribute to Woods and Towns' resilient partnership, xoNecole looks back at their love story.
2020: Woods and Towns Began Dating
The couple started dating in May 2020, years after they met through a mutual friend. Woods and Towns' relationship didn't initially start romantically.
Although the exact timeline of when the pair initially met is unclear, Towns shared in 2021 during Woods' Instagram series Regular-ishthat they were friends for a while before it blossomed into something more.
"Me and Jordyn met years ago, knowing common people, and just became friends. And ever since then, our relationship grew where we became more than friends," he said, "I'm not saying in that way, but just best friends. And then we started having a deeper relationship."
Towns added that the challenges they encountered during the global pandemic made the duo evaluate their platonic relationship before taking the next step. In 2020, the basketball player lost eight family members, including his mother, Jacqueline Towns, to COVID-19.
"It just so happened, the COVID came and kind of brought its challenges, and it kind of forced us to either pick where our relationship was going to go as friends or something more. And we chose the latter," he stated.
Woods and Towns’ Relationship Become Instagram Official
In September 2020, a few months into their budding romance, the couple became Instagram official after sharing photos on their respective accounts as they celebrated Woods' 23rd birthday in Mexico.
Woods' post featured the pair posing on the beach in matching Versace swimsuits. In addition to the upload, Woods penned a sentimental caption.
"I found you, then I found me," she wrote. Towns followed suit by posting similar photos and expressing how Woods has positively impacted his life. "There are darknesses in life and there are lights," he said. "You are one of the lights, the light of all lights."
That same month, during an interview with Extra TV, Woods opened up about her relationship with Towns and how the pair bonded over their similarities in life, including losing their parents at a young age.
The entrepreneur’s father, John Woods, passed away in 2017 following a brief battle with cancer.
"I just think that when you find the right one, you can really learn a lot more about yourself. It's about learning to evolve with someone," she said. "The right person will bring a lot out of you. I think that we have been friends for a long time, and naturally, we really connected over the both of us losing a parent at a very young age, so it was a very organic relationship."
2021: Woods Extends Her Support To Towns Following His COVID-19 Diagnosis
In January 2021, Towns revealed on his social media platforms that he had tested positive for COVID-19 and planned to follow every protocol as he attempted to regain his health. In the upload, the NBA star explained how this diagnosis had affected his immediate family after losing loved ones to the virus.
"It breaks my heart that my family, and particularly my father and sister, continue to suffer from the anxiety that comes along with this diagnosis as we know all too well what the end result could be," he wrote. "To my niece and nephew, Jolani and Max, I promise you I will not end up in a box next to grandma, and I will beat this."
Immediately after his posts, Woods took to her respective Twitter account to support Towns.
"Praying for you babe. I know you're going to pull through. God's got you and your most powerful guardian Angel up there," she said while referring to Towns' mother.
Towns Praises Woods For Holding Him Down
Following his recovery from COVID-19, Towns took to his Instagram story to shout out Woods for her love and guidance as he overcame various hardships.
"My woman has held me down more than the world knows. From my mother and family members dying (1 on her bday in Cabo), getting hit by a drunk driver (was 2pm in the afternoon FYI) in LA this Off-Season and staying with me in the hospital for the night and helping me in rehab, to this stint with COVID she has been there with me every step of the way and stayed ten toes down," he wrote.
The Minnesota Timberwolves forward added that his love for Woods had deepened as she had seen him through those moments. "My love for her knows no bounds and I would be remiss if I don't acknowledge the power a good woman can have in your life," he stated. "Men, treat your woman like a Queen so she can treat you like a King."
Woods and Towns Shut Down Cheating Allegations
In March 2021, Towns was accused of cheating on Woods with an unidentified woman after screenshots of an alleged conversation between the NBA star and the individual began to circulate online.
Woods immediately cleared up the rumors on Twitter by informing fans not to believe everything they read online.
"So crazy how someone can make fake screenshots and send it to blogs and y'all believe it my relationship is more than solid and I put that on everything," she wrote. Towns weighed in on the allegations on his Twitter account by denying any wrongdoing.
"So I got the baddest girl in the game and you think I'm gonna waste my energy with anyone else gtfoh," he said. "Same haters we got now are gonna be the same ones we have when I put that ring on her finger."
Woods and Towns Celebrate Their First Year Anniversary
In May 2021, Woods and Towns commemorated their first year anniversary in Saint Lucia.
Woods shared a series of photos from their vacation that displayed the decorations that were plastered around their hotel room and the gift she received for the special occasion, a Hermès Birkin bag.
Towns Defends Woods From Body Shamers
Later that year, Towns stood ten toes down for Woods when she faced backlash online after posting a before-and-after weight loss photo to promote her fitness app.
As speculators claimed that the star's slim figure was due to cosmetic procedures and not diet and exercise, Towns fired back on Twitter in a series of posts denying the plastic surgery accusations.
"I've SEEN the hard work and I've seen the results and trust me, this is all natural. Since she was 10 years old, people been calling this woman vile things because of her weight and instead of letting the Internet run her life, she went out the put the damn work in and changed her whole life. FITNESS SAVED HER LIFE!" he said.
The basketball player also professed his admiration for Woods' willingness to rise above the hate she receives on social media. "I love you babe,” he added. “Every day you make me so proud to call you my Girl, my Queen, my Rock, my everything."
Towns Opens Up About How Woods Helped Him Deal With The Loss Of His Mother
In an appearance on Taraji P. Henson and Tracie Jade's Facebook Watch talk show Peace of Mind with Taraji in October 2021, Towns explained that he felt his late mother, Jacqueline Towns, had a hand in his relationship with Woods because it began shortly after her passing.
"A woman that meant so much to me in my life left my life to be replaced by another woman who took that spot," he said. “I feel, in a way, when my mom passed, she's like, 'I'm not going to leave you alone. I'm going to make sure you know who you are supposed to be with.'"
Further into the conversation, the basketball player disclosed that he leaned on Woods for support during that trying moment in his life because she experienced a similar hardship.
"You know she lost her father four years ago, I believe, he added. “So I leaned on her because she's one of those only people who actually knew how I was feeling and what I was going through."
2022: Woods Denies Pregnancy Rumors
In January 2022, Woods and Towns found themselves in the rumor mill once again. This time, social media users were alleging that the couple could be expecting their first child after Woods uploaded a miniature Nike shoe box photo. After receiving numerous comments regarding her pregnancy status, the model shut down the allegations on her Instagram story.
"It was a gift card box. And no I don't want kids right now nor am I pregnant," she said. "I've been wearing baggy clothes because it's cold AF!!!"
Woods Cheers Towns On After Timberwolves Wins Game On A Significant Day
A few months later, in April 2022, Woods celebrated Towns' and his Minnesota Timberwolves teammates' victory against the Los Angeles Clippers by sharing an Instagram post. In addition to the upload, the star highlighted the importance of the date they won.
"This moment was so special to us because today is the 2 year anniversary of Jackie passing,” she said. “I know how tough it's been doing all of this without her so proud of you @karltowns … it's deeper than basketball!!"
Woods And Towns Celebrate Two-Year Anniversary
The following month, Towns surprised Woods with a getaway trip to Mexico in honor of their anniversary.
In an Instagram post, the model shared that the NBA star took her to the same resort where President John F. Kennedy and his wife, Jackie Kennedy, spent their honeymoon.
Woods’ upload also showcased the many activities the couple participated in, including a dinner on the beach, couples massage, and lavish gifts.
Towns Finances Woods Businesses For Her 25th Birthday
In September of that same year, on her 25th birthday, Woods revealed on her Instagram story that Towns had funded two of her prospective businesses by sharing a heartfelt note he wrote.
The note read, "To My Birthday Girl, Happy 25th Birthday! After this, you get to say you 18 every year like your moms lol … I know every year I have showered you with material gifts that people wish they could to (King S—) but this year, your 25th year walking this earth, it's time to go from that girl to a full woman. You pick two businesses you want to start, and I will fund them. It's time to take that next step in this thing we call life. Te Amo Mucho, let's take over the world…together. Love, KAT."
Alongside the photo, Woods shared in a caption why this gift was extremely sentimental to her. "He knows how hard I have been working on these projects, and this is the last step," she wrote. Although it has yet to be confirmed if the funds were used, Woods' clothing line was one of the businesses she opened shortly after.
2023: Woods Shares The Key To Her Successful Union With Towns
In late 2023, Woods disclosed during an interview with PEOPLE magazine that her relationship with Towns was a success because they were genuinely friends first.
"Friendship and trust,” she said. “We were really good friends before we started dating, and COVID gave us that free time to really get to know each other."
Woods added that their union grew stronger over the years because they have overcome so much together. "We've been through a lot together,” she stated. “We've seen each other at all different ways, times, phases, so I think we have a very strong foundation.”
February 2024: Towns Raves Over Woods
During the 2024 NBA All-Star Weekend, Towns gushed about Woods during his conversation withPEOPLE magazine and explained the importance of having a good partner.
"She is truly special to me. You know, with my mom and my sister, I’ve seen the impact that good women have on men’s lives,” he said. “I'm just blessed that I saw that firsthand before I got with Jordyn so that I could learn to appreciate her."
May 2024: Woods Celebrates Towns After Timberwolves NBA Playoffs Victory
The Minnesota Timberwolves made history in May 2024 when they progressed to the Western Conference Finals after defeating the Denver Nuggets in a seven-series game.
This event was monumental because this was the team's first time going to the finals in twenty years. Woods basked in the moment by praising Towns on Instagram for his resilience.
"Couldn’t be happier for this team and most importantly Karl," she wrote "He has overcome so much adversity to get to the point in his career, let alone knee surgery earlier this season. I am so proud and in awe of him."
On May 21, Woods and Towns celebrated four years together. In honor of the special day Woods uploaded a video collage of their adventures over the years with a song she wrote.
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Your May 2025 Monthly Horoscopes Are All About Blooming Softly & Trusting Divine Timing
May is about being patient, nurturing your dreams, and creating beauty in your world. This is a more stable and generous month than the chaos that April brought, and we get an opportunity for closure, healing, and rejuvenation this month. We are still amid some important retrograde transits, but these are ones we can navigate better by grounding our energy in the present moment, and not allowing ourselves to stress over the what-ifs.
With the Sun in Taurus for most of the month, May reminds us that there is beauty in finding your peace and not allowing anyone to disrupt that.
Pluto goes retrograde in Aquarius from May 4 until October 13, and this will be a time of remembering your power when it comes to your purpose, innovations, and the ability to attract support into your life. Mercury moves into Taurus on May 10, making this a good time for negotiations, creating new plans financially, and sticking to your word on something that holds value to you. The Full Moon of the month occurs in Scorpio on May 12, and this is the Flower Moon of the year, signifying growth and seeing the beauty in your life.
This Full Moon is all about letting go of what doesn’t feel authentic or resonate with you emotionally, and about experiencing more closure and healing within relationship matters.
Your May 2025: A Monthly Overview
Gemini Season officially begins on May 20, and we enter air sign energy, which is good for communication, business, and coming up with inspiring and new ideas. On May 24, Saturn enters Aries, beginning its new transit where it will remain for the next few years. Saturn in Aries is bold, direct, and straightforward, but so are its lessons. There is a gift in resilience and finding your strength during this time, and this transit will show you where your power is, but it may challenge you to confront self-limiting behavior in the process.
Mercury enters Gemini on May 25, and Mercury loves being here. Mercury in Gemini is the creative genius, and this is a month of aligning yourself with this energy. On May 26, we have a New Moon in Gemini, and it’s time to set your intentions for where you want a communication breakthrough in your life, and what new ideas you want to start planting the seeds for. This is a good New Moon for networking, exchanging ideas, having more fun, and getting inspired.
Article continues after the jump.
May 2025 Horoscopes for Every Zodiac Sign
Keep reading for your sun, moon, and rising sign below to see what May has in store for you.
ARIES
The impact from April is finally behind you, and you get to move forward this month, Aries. After a month of retrogrades and Eclipses, you are starting to see the progress of what you have been working towards financially this year. The Sun is in your 2nd house of abundance, self-confidence, and values this month, and you are putting your dreams here first.
With Venus also in Aries for the entire month of May, you are feeling the support within and without this month, and this is a beautiful month unfolding.
On May 24, Saturn enters your sign, beginning its transit in Aries, which will last for the next few years. Saturn is the master of tough love, and you are going to be learning a lot about yourself during his time and going through a growth spurt. The New Moon of May is at the end of the month on May 26 and will be giving you the answers and clarity you have been looking for, highlighting open communication in your life. Overall, this is your month of fewer obstacles and more progress.
TAURUS
Taurus Season is officially underway, and you are the main character right now, Taurus. Remember that. This month is about trusting your intuition and the timing of things, and knowing that things are working in your favor. With Venus, your ruling planet, in your 12th house for the month, you are seeking a lot of closure and culmination right now and are healing what was. Mercury enters your sign from May 10 until May 25, and it’s all about the perspectives you are gaining right now.
Don’t be afraid to ask the important questions and get down to the bottom of things that have been worrying you. On May 12, there is a Full Moon in your 7th house of partnership, and you are closing the door on what has not been working for you in love. You are seeing the clarity of what you need within your emotional world and how you want to navigate the changes you have been through here now.
GEMINI
May is a new beginning for you, Gemini. You have a lot of energy and vitality with you this month, and you are ready to accomplish some personal goals and intentions of yours. For most of the month, the Sun is in your house of closure and healing, and you are finding yourself rejuvenated from the transformations you have been through. Gemini Season officially begins on May 20, and with the Sun in your sign, nothing is holding you back from shining and living in your truth right now.
On May 25, Mercury enters Gemini until June 8, and Mercury loves being in your sign, as this is your planetary ruler.
Mercury in Gemini is forward-thinking, quick, and intelligent. You are coming up with solutions to previous challenges or obstacles, and overcoming something that has felt restrictive mentally. Before the month ends, there is a New Moon in Gemini on May 26, and this New Moon is one of the best times of the year for you to set your intentions and manifest your dreams. Remember you are worthy of what you are setting out to accomplish this month, Gemini.
CANCER
Cancer, this month requires you to slow down, take care of your health, and allow things to come to fruition the way they are meant to. There is a chance you could be overthinking more than usual this month, and you are being reminded that there is only so much that is in your control, and to give yourself some more grace. The Full Moon in Scorpio on May 12 will help you gain a little more clarity of the heart and is going to be a time of feeling the love and appreciation in your life.
Saturn enters your 10th house of career on May 24, remaining here over the next few years, and you are getting an opportunity to grow and discover where you may have been limiting yourself professionally, socially, or within your aspirations in life. This time is all about reminding yourself that you deserve recognition for the work you do, but that you must also be the one believing in yourself as well. On May 12, there is a New Moon in your house of emotional healing, and you are seeing the gifts of alone time, safe spaces, and tending to your creative inklings at the end of the month.
LEO
This month is an opportunity for a new beginning in love and progress within your emotional world, Leo. You are learning to trust your intuition more, and you are putting more of your energy into your heart’s desires. With the Sun in your 10th house for most of the month, you are shining in your truth and remaining confident in your goals in life.
Venus is in your house of adventure for the entire month, and this is a good time for experiencing romance while traveling or getting out of your comfort zone a little.
Saturn makes a significant move from Pisces into Aries at the end of the month and enters your 9th house. With Saturn here, you will be learning more about what mental growth and clarity mean to you, and this is a good time to dedicate yourself to higher education, traveling, gaining a new perspective, and honoring your integrity and values. The New Moon of the month is on May 26, creating magic within your friendships and community.
You are leaving this month with hope in your heart and new plans for the future.
VIRGO
May is a month of abundance and fruition for you, Virgo. Your dreams and intentions are coming to fruition, and you are owning that which you have created for yourself. With Venus in Aries, this is a good time for seeing support in your life financially, dedicating yourself to your commitments and responsibilities, and seeing the gifts in that. On May 12, there is a Full Moon in your 3rd house of communication, and this is an intuitive time for you, giving you the strength needed to close the chapter on what you don’t resonate with anymore.
On May 24, Saturn enters your house of shared finances, rebirth, intimacy, and resources, and over the next few years, you will be learning the importance of connecting with people who truly have your best interest at heart, and not committing to what feels unstable. Before the month ends, we have a New Moon in Gemini in your house of career, and this is a good time to manifest and set your intentions for where you want to see professional growth in your life.
Overall, May is about embracing your freedom while honoring the people and connections that help you grow and make you feel more secure in life.
LIBRA
This is a month of feeling empowered and ready to take on anything that comes your way, Libra. You are inspired by the progress you are making in your life right now, and with Venus in your 7th house of love, you are being well-received. This is a month of finding your balance between your path and the growth of your relationships, and there is a sense of support, harmony, and love in your life in May.
You are owning your authenticity and living in your truth fully, and this energy is magnetic.
However, Saturn also enters your 7th house of love this month, where it will remain for the next few years. Saturn empowers and helps you grow, but you can also feel a little more challenged within your relationships during this time. The more you can own your wants and needs, the more you can find vulnerability and support within your relationships. On May 26, a New Moon in a fellow air sign occurs and happens in your 9th house, creating a chance at a new adventure and an opportunity to discover some new inspiration.
SCORPIO
May is about believing in the impossible, Scorpio. It’s time to take a leap of faith in yourself and to remember your power. You are seeking a new beginning in your life, and with the Sun in your 7th house of love for most of the month, you are being supported and encouraged in the process. Pluto, one of your ruling planets, goes retrograde in your house of home and family from May 4 until October, and you are gaining clarity on the people and support systems you can rely on more.
The Full Moon of the month is in your sign on May 12, and this is the Flower Moon of the year. You are in full bloom and ready for whatever is next for you, and this is beautiful. Previous intentions and goals come to fruition for you overall in mid-May, and there is a lot to look forward to right now as you are getting excited about it all. Before the month ends, we have a New Moon in Gemini in your 8th house, creating a sense of empowerment through what you are looking to change and transform in your life right now.
This month is about not being afraid to take more risks and doing things your own way.
SAGITTARIUS
May is a beautiful month of magic, success, and good fortune, Sagittarius. You are feeling lucky this month and are attracting success to you in many different areas of your life. Venus, the planet of love, is in your 5th house of romance for most of the month, and you are enjoying your life, feeling the love within your heart, and expressing yourself freely in May. You are a magnet for your manifestations, and dreams are coming true for you this month, Sag.
On May 12, we have a Full Moon happening in your house of endings and closure, and you are closing out a big chapter in your life this month.
You are letting go of old pain or emotional experiences and choosing not to repeat a pattern that left you feeling hopeless before. On May 26, we have a New Moon in your sister sign, Gemini, enhancing your need for love, connection, and relationship development this month. This is a great New Moon to set your intentions for what partnerships you want to see grow, heal, and come to fruition for you. Overall, May is your month of fruition, balance, and believing in the magic in your life.
CAPRICORN
May is about slowing down and allowing yourself to find the answers you have been looking for, Capricorn. This isn’t the time to rush your progress or doubt where you are in life. The Sun is in your 5th house, and this is good for finding more time for fun, pleasure, self-care, and asking your heart what it needs. With Pluto going retrograde in your 2nd house of values and income, you are being reminded to hold yourself with integrity and to know that you are worthy of the things you are asking for.
The Full Moon on May 12 is a beautiful time to connect with loved ones or those who inspire you. The universe wants to show you that you are not alone this month and that you deserve to live a life where you can enjoy yourself more and manifest your dreams, rather than believing everything needs to be a challenge to be worthy. Saturn, your ruling planet, then enters your 4th house of home and family, and over the next few years, you are going to be rediscovering what home means to you.
AQUARIUS
Your guidance for May is to trust that what is falling from your life or changing for you is doing so for your benefit, Aquarius. Trust that what is happening is happening for you and not to you, and don’t doubt that you will rebuild from this. With Pluto going retrograde in your sign from May 4 until October 13, you need a break from some of the confusion you have been feeling in your personal life, and you are getting a chance to gain a new perspective this month.
Use this time to get inspired by change rather than let it bring you down, and ground yourself in the present moment more.
Saturn enters Aries in May, where it will remain for the next few years, helping you grow in the areas of your life that have to do with communication, networking, transportation, siblings, and education. You will be learning a lot during this time and will be finding new outlets for self-expression and communication. Before the month ends, we have a New Moon in Gemini occurring in your 5th house of romance, pleasure, hobbies, and entertainment, and after a month of navigating endings, changes, and closures, you are ready for a fresh start and are receiving one in love now.
PISCES
Allow what is to be, be, Pisces. May is a month of allowing yourself to trust the timing of the universe and not giving up hope that things are going to turn out beautifully for you. On May 12, there is a Full Moon in fellow water sign, Scorpio, and this is a time to get inspired and see the benefits of closure. This Full Moon is about gaining a new perspective and not doubting what is clearer to you now, that you are worthy of a new beginning.
On May 24, Saturn moves into your 2nd house of income, and you are going to be moving through a journey of developing financially, and working on maintaining stability while building new foundations in your life. The New Moon in Gemini at the end of the month is about setting your intentions for your home and family life and creating some new energy here. Overall, May is your month of breaking ground on the things you want to create for yourself and trusting the timing of how things are unfolding.
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I’ll be honest — I wish that I had a better (and by “better,” what I mean is more consistent) relationship with water. As I’ve shared a few times before, the main reason why I don’t consume as much of it as I should is because it’s just so…boring. More specifically, to me, it tastes like wet air.
That doesn’t mean I’m not fully aware that I need it in my system, though. And that is why I’ve found a fairly good workaround: either sparkling water or mineral water; to me, they just seem more “exciting”…although, as I will explain different article on bloating, I have had to accept that any kind of carbonation can create a bit more of a tummy bulge than I would like for time to time. Man, you live long enough and you really do come to fully accept that very few things come without at least a couple of “cons.”
Anyway, as I’ve been doing some stair climbing in order to get my body where I want it to be in time for the summer season, believe it or not, something that I’m considering doing is going on a water fast. Not so much for weight reasons but for detox purposes. Because the more research that I’ve done on water fasting, as of late, it really does seem like a quick and effective way to benefit your body, on a few different levels.
Here's what I mean.
What Water Does for Your Body Overall
I’m pretty sure that you grew up hearing somewhere that your body is made up of somewhere around 60 percent water. However, what you may not have known (or didn’t remember) is that your brain and heart reportedly consist of 73 percent water, while your lungs are made up of 83 percent water. Since water keeps you hydrated and it has oxygen in it (which is something that your organs need in order to function properly), that’s enough of a reason to prioritize water consumption on a daily basis (and yes, I am definitely preaching to the choir here).
Okay, but what are some other things that water does for you?
- Water lubricates your joints
- Water helps your body to produce saliva and mucus
- Water improves the quality of your skin and hair
- Water regulates your body temperature
- Water helps you to digest your food better
- Water helps to prevent migraines
- Water helps to make diabetes more manageable
- Water increases your energy levels
- Water helps to maintain your blood pressure
- Water makes your period cramps more bearable
- Water helps you to lose and/or manage your weight
- Water helps to prevent urinary tract infections
- Water can help you get over a hangover quicker
- Water keeps natural lubrication going
- Water increases longevity
And gee, this is just 15 reasons why it’s important to drink no less than 11 cups (cups are smaller than a glass, if you’re thinking about the whole “eight glasses a day” thing) of water daily if you are a woman and 15 cups if you are a man.
That said, if you’re someone like me and you know that you’re not hitting the “cups mark” each and every day, it might be a given that a water fast is something that you should give a shot. Yeah, but what if you’re someone who does enjoy water and you actually do make sure that you keep a bottle of it around with you at all times?
When it comes to going on a water fast, is it something that even you should consider doing as well? My short answer is “yes;” however, check out the next section of this to see why I say so.
What a Water Fast Can Ultimately Do for Your System
I’m pretty sure you know what a fast is, but just to be on the safe side, it’s when a person intentionally decides to go without food and/or drink for a certain period of time. Some people fast for religious or spiritual reasons. Some people do it as a form of detox. Some people do it to address some health issues that they may have. There is also what is known as intermittent fasting (which you can read about here) — but that’s kind of another topic for another time.
Anyway, when it comes to water fasting, specifically, it’s when you make the decision to consume nothing but water for a period of time, usually somewhere between 24-72 hours. And how can doing that help you out as far as your health is concerned? Good question.
Studies have proven that a water fast can help to:
- Reduce inflammation
- Improve heart health
- Treat hypertension
- Fight obesity
- Help to balance your hormones
- Fight against free radicals
- Lower your cancer risk
- Improve your quality of sleep
- Revive your body’s cells
- Decrease stress levels
Goodness, so with all of these great things that can happen to you if you do decide to go on a water fast, are there any challenges to keep in mind? That’s a good question, too. First, if you do happen to have any health issues, you should run your desire to go on a water fast by your doctor first, just to make sure that it doesn’t end up doing you more harm than good.
Something else? Make sure that your fasts last no longer than 72 hours. Your body needs food for fuel, so going beyond three days could prove to be problematic. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, you are currently dealing with an eating disorder (or have in the past), or you’re under 18 or over 65, a water fast is actually not something that you should be doing.
Another thing? If you’re considering a water fast in order to lose weight, while you probably will shed some pounds, a lot of it will probably be water weight, so make sure not to overdo the fast just because you’re seeing what appears to be overnight results. Also, as wild as it may (initially) sound, a water fast can actually dehydrate you. That’s because you don’t just need water but also electrolytes in order for your system to remain hydrated, and ones like potassium, sodium, and magnesium come from food.
However, if after taking in all of what I just said, you believe that you are “in the clear” to do a water fast, I’ve got a few tips for making the process easier and most beneficial for you.
5 Things to Keep in Mind When Doing a Water Fast
So, what if you think that you are more than ready to attempt your first water fast? Here are a few things that you should definitely keep in mind:
1. Eat less 2-3 days before going on the fast. One of the biggest mistakes that people make when it comes to fasting (no matter what kind of fast it is) is not “pre-gaming” for it. By eating lighter and smaller meals (ones that preferably don’t consist of processed foods, dairy, caffeine, or alcohol) 2-3 days before your fast, your body will already have been somewhat prepared for going without food totally.
2. Consider drinking some mineral water. Remember that when you are on a water fast, you’re not taking in any nutrients from food, and that is why you might want to consider consuming mineral water. It gets its name because it has minerals in it like magnesium, potassium, and calcium that can do things like improve your bone health, reduce heart disease, treat constipation, and even help to lower your blood pressure. Mineral water is one way to get some nutrients into your system without “cheating” when it comes to your water fast.
3. Don’t overdo it with the exercising; meditate instead. Again, food provides fuel that gives you energy. This means that if you’re not eating, your system may be moving at a slower pace, and if that is indeed the case, you shouldn’t overextend it. Bottom line: If you are someone who has a consistent workout routine, chill out on that a bit while you are fasting. Instead, opt for something like yoga or meditation, so that you can keep your system calm while you are going without sustenance.
4. Pay attention to potential side effects. Since water fasting tends to send your body through certain metabolic changes, you could experience headaches (even migraines), nausea, fatigue, vomiting, and even feelings of disorientation during your fast. These are not indications to further push yourself. That said, if it’s already been 24 hours, you should pat yourself on the back and consider breaking the fast. If it’s been less time, at the very least, snack on some fruit or try ginger or peppermint tea to see if the side effects subside.
Remember, a fast is supposed to improve your health; if that isn’t happening, don’t try to be a superwoman out here. Do what makes you feel better.
5. Ease back into eating. Just like you had to ease into water fasting, it’s wise to ease out of it as well. Bone broth, fruits, and veggies that contain lots of water (like watermelon, strawberries, cucumbers, zucchini, and peaches) can help your body adjust to being on food again once your fast is done.
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At the end of the day, anything that cleanses you out — mind, body, and spirit — is something worth considering at the very least. And since that is the aim of most fasts, and also since water is healing in so many ways, a water fast might just be what the doctor ordered.
I mean, pun intended (you still should consider trying it, though).
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