What can I drink during a spiritual fast?

December 22, 2025 •

4 min read

While medical literature suggests humans can survive for weeks without food, they can only endure a few days without water, depending on conditions. For those embarking on a spiritual fast, understanding proper hydration is crucial to safely sustain your journey and maintain your focus on spiritual growth rather than physical distress.

Quick Summary

Different types of spiritual fasts permit various liquids, from water-only fasts to more permissive liquid fasts. The choice depends on the fast's purpose and individual health. Key drinks include water, herbal teas, and broths, while sugary or alcoholic beverages are generally avoided. It is essential to stay hydrated and listen to your body throughout the process.

Key Points

Check Fasting Type: Different fasts permit different liquids; water-only fasts are most restrictive, while liquid fasts allow broader options like juices and broths.
Prioritize Water: Plain water is universally essential for hydration during any fast that permits it, preventing dehydration, headaches, and fatigue.
Consider Herbal Teas: Caffeine-free herbal teas can be soothing and provide variety without breaking the fast, unlike caffeinated options for those sensitive to them.
Use Broths for Longer Fasts: For extended fasts, clear vegetable or bone broth helps replenish vital electrolytes and minerals without causing digestive strain.
Avoid Sugary Drinks and Alcohol: Sugary beverages and alcohol should be avoided entirely during spiritual fasts to maintain spiritual focus and avoid adverse health effects.
Monitor Caffeine Intake: If you choose to drink black coffee or tea, do so in moderation and without additives, as excessive caffeine can cause dehydration and jitters.
Consult a Doctor: Always seek medical advice before fasting, especially for extended periods or with pre-existing health conditions like diabetes.

Understanding Types of Spiritual Fasts

The beverages you can consume during a spiritual fast depend entirely on the specific type of fast you have undertaken. Different spiritual traditions outline distinct guidelines regarding liquid intake. A clear understanding of these categories is the first step toward a successful and safe fast.

The Absolute Fast: No Food, No Drink

An absolute fast involves abstaining from both food and water for a very short period, typically no more than three days. This is an extremely rigorous form of fasting and should only be undertaken with extreme caution and spiritual guidance. Due to the high risk of dehydration, this type of fast is not recommended for extended durations. Examples from scripture include Moses and Esther.

The Water-Only Fast

This common spiritual fast involves abstaining from all food but permitting the consumption of plain water. This approach is powerful for spiritual discipline but can lead to physical discomfort and should be approached with care. Staying adequately hydrated is the primary focus, with a minimum of 100 ounces of water daily often recommended for those on a longer water fast.

The Liquid-Only Fast

Less restrictive than a water-only fast, this type allows for a range of calorie-free or low-calorie liquids. This makes extended fasting more sustainable and provides some nutritional support. Permissible drinks often include natural fruit juices, clear broths, and certain teas.

The Daniel Fast

This partial fast, inspired by the Prophet Daniel, involves restricting one's diet to fruits, vegetables, legumes, whole grains, nuts, and seeds, while abstaining from meat, dairy, sweets, and processed foods. In this fast, drinking only water and 100% fruit juices is typically permitted.

Approved Liquids for Spiritual Fasting

For those on a liquid-inclusive fast, several safe and nourishing options can support your body while you focus on your spiritual journey. It is critical to avoid sugary, caffeinated, or alcoholic beverages, as they can interfere with the spiritual purpose of the fast.

Water: The most fundamental and universal drink for any fast that permits liquid intake. Staying hydrated is paramount to avoiding headaches and dizziness. Infusing water with lemon or cucumber can add flavor without calories.
Herbal Teas: Caffeine-free herbal teas like chamomile, peppermint, or ginger are excellent choices. They can soothe the stomach and provide a comforting warmth without breaking the fast.
Clear Broths: For longer liquid fasts, clear vegetable, chicken, or bone broth can provide essential minerals and electrolytes, preventing fatigue and muscle cramps. It is important to choose low-sodium or sodium-free options to avoid excessive salt intake.
Electrolyte-Enhanced Drinks: During longer fasts, replenishing electrolytes is vital. Plain water with a pinch of Himalayan pink salt can help maintain balance. Zero-calorie electrolyte drinks are also an option.
Black Coffee (in moderation): For some fasts, particularly certain interpretations of the Daniel fast or intermittent fasting, plain black coffee without sugar, milk, or creamer is permissible. However, its stimulating effect can be a distraction for some, and overuse can lead to dehydration.

Drinks to Avoid During a Spiritual Fast

Just as important as knowing what you can drink is knowing what you should avoid. Certain beverages can undermine the spiritual and physical goals of your fast. These include:

Sugary drinks: Sodas, sweetened juices, and energy drinks are loaded with sugar, which defeats the purpose of the fast and can cause blood sugar spikes and crashes.
Dairy products: Milk, cream, and other dairy beverages contain calories and fat that will break a calorie-restricted fast.
Alcohol: All forms of alcohol should be avoided during a spiritual fast, as they are not conducive to spiritual clarity.
Acidic juices: Some traditions advise against highly acidic juices like orange or tomato, which can be harsh on an empty stomach. If consumed, they should be diluted with water.

Comparing Fasting Types and Approved Drinks


Fast Type	Approved Liquids	Not Permitted	Cautions
Absolute	None	All liquids	Not for extended periods; high dehydration risk.
Water-Only	Plain water	Juice, coffee, tea, etc.	Monitor for dehydration, headaches; only plain water.
Liquid-Only	Water, fruit juices (100%), herbal teas, broths	Sodas, alcohol, dairy, sugary drinks	Watch sugar content in juices; choose low-sodium broths.
Daniel Fast	Water, 100% fruit juices, some herbal teas	Coffee, tea, alcohol, dairy, meat	Focus on fruits and veggies; watch for hidden sweeteners.

Practical Tips for Your Fast

To ensure your spiritual fast is both successful and safe, consider these practical tips:

Hydrate constantly: Sip water slowly throughout the day to keep your body and mind focused. Do not gulp large amounts at once.
Prepare your body: Gradually reduce your caffeine and sugar intake in the days leading up to your fast to minimize withdrawal symptoms.
Seek medical advice: If you have any pre-existing health conditions, especially diabetes, consult a doctor before beginning a fast.
Monitor your energy: Pay attention to how your body feels. If you experience persistent dizziness, extreme weakness, or nausea, consider breaking your fast safely.
Stay spiritually focused: Use the time you would normally spend eating to pray, meditate, and reflect. This keeps your purpose at the forefront of your mind.
Unplug from distractions: Minimize time spent on television, social media, or other distractions to heighten your spiritual focus.

For more detailed guidance on preparing for a biblical fast, resources like those from Cru.org offer helpful steps and insight.

Conclusion

Deciding what to drink during a spiritual fast is a choice that depends on the fast's specific nature, whether it's an absolute, water-only, liquid-only, or partial fast. While water is almost universally accepted and essential for hydration, other options like herbal teas and clear broths can be permissible, depending on the rules you set. The key is to avoid calorie-laden, sugary, or alcoholic drinks that can undermine your spiritual goals. By planning ahead, staying hydrated with approved liquids, and listening to your body, you can safely and effectively use your fast as a tool for deeper spiritual connection.

Frequently Asked Questions

Plain black coffee without any sugar, milk, or cream is acceptable for some liquid or intermittent fasts. However, it is often avoided in stricter spiritual fasts due to its stimulating nature and potential to cause dehydration.

It depends on the type of fast. On a liquid-only or Daniel fast, 100% fruit juices without added sugar are often permitted. For water-only fasts, juice is not allowed.

For longer liquid fasts, bone broth is an excellent source of essential minerals and amino acids, helping to replenish electrolytes and support gut health. Ensure it is clear and low-sodium.

Sugar-free electrolyte drinks or simply adding a pinch of Himalayan salt to your water can help maintain electrolyte balance during extended fasts, preventing dizziness and fatigue.

Only very specific and short-duration fasts, known as absolute fasts, require abstaining from all liquids. For most spiritual fasts, drinking water is essential for your health and is encouraged.

If you feel nauseous, try sipping on some ginger tea or plain water. Excessive caffeine or overly acidic juices can sometimes cause stomach upset, so it's best to stick to gentler options.

Yes, water infused with slices of lemon, cucumber, or mint is generally acceptable during liquid-inclusive fasts. The small amount of flavor doesn't contain enough calories to break the fast.