30 Day All Fruit Fast Benefits, Dangers, and Results

30 Day Fruit Fast Results

Fruit fasting, also called fruitarianism, is the practice of eating only raw fruits for 30 days or longer. Some fruit fasts allow limited nuts and seeds. What are the benefits and drawbacks of following an all fruit diet for a month? Here we explore typical 30 day fruit fast results.

What is a 30 Day Fruit Fast?

A 30 day all fruit fast involves eating only raw fruits or dried fruits for 30 consecutive days. Some versions allow raw nuts and seeds. No other foods, protein, grains, or dairy are permitted during the fast.

Water, herbal teas, and vegetable juices may be consumed in addition to fruit. But no coffee, alcohol, or other beverages are allowed. Supplements are optional if needed to correct deficiencies.

Typical daily fruit intake ranges from 1,500-2,500 calories, eaten in 3-6 meals spaced throughout the day. Mono-fruit meals and fruit rotation based on digestion and nutrient balance are encouraged.

Fast durations range from 3-40+ days, but one month is common. Some fruitarians maintain the diet long-term for purported health benefits.

30 Day Fruit Fast Expected Weight Loss

Due to the low calorie and low protein intake, significant weight loss often occurs on a 30 day all fruit diet. However, experts warn the methods behind this rapid weight loss can be dangerous.

Expected weight loss averages 2-7 pounds per week on a fruit fast, equating to 8-28 pounds over 30 days. Losing 1-2 pounds per day is common initially as glycogen stores release water weight.

This rapid weight loss slows as the fast progresses and initial water weight drops. Nutritional deficiencies also contribute to fatigue, loss of energy, and muscle wasting - reducing calorie needs.

Other Physical Effects

In addition to major weight loss, several other physical effects typically occur during and after a 30 day fruit fast:

• Reduced inflammation - From the antioxidant and detoxification effects of fruit.
• Clearer skin - Fruit provides hydration, vitamins, minerals for skin health.
• Improved digestion - Due to the easily digestible nature of raw ripe fruit.
• Tooth enamel erosion - From 30 days of constant fruit sugars and acids.
• Hair loss - From protein deficiency and nutrient imbalance.
• Irregular menstruation - Due to low body fat stores in women.
• Low blood sugar - From inadequate calories to maintain glucose levels.

Proposed Benefits of a 30 Day Fruit Fast

Advocates claim that an all fruit diet for 30 days can provide these benefits:

• Rapid weight loss - Due to low calories and low protein.
• Toxin elimination - Fruit's hydration and fiber aid waste removal.
• Lowered disease risk - From fruit's antioxidants, phytochemicals, and anti-inflammatory effects.
• Improved mood - Potentially from B vitamin intake.
• Clearer thinking - Due to omitting common allergens and toxins.
• Healthier digestion - Fruit digests easier than many other foods.
• Body alkaline - Fruit metabolites yield an alkaline ash, reducing acidosis.

However, these proposed benefits lack extensive scientific research, and experts warn of the risks.

Dangers and Health Risks

While quick weight loss occurs, a 30 day fruit fast may lead to these negative health consequences:

• Nutrient deficiencies - From lack of protein, fatty acids, B12, iron, zinc, calcium.
• Muscle loss - Inadequate protein causes breakdown of muscle tissue.
• Hair thinning - Protein deficiency affects hair growth and strength.
• Fatigue - Due to inadequate calories for energy needs.
• Headaches - From low sodium, calories, and blood sugar.
• Irregular heartbeat - Electrolyte imbalance disrupts heart rhythm.
• Tooth decay - Constant fruit sugar erodes enamel over 30 days.

These risks make fruit fasting for 30 days an extreme and controversial practice. Any fast longer than 5 days should only be done under medical supervision due to the health dangers.

Long-Term 30 Day Fruit Fast Dangers

The risks of fruit fasting grow more severe the longer the diet persists. Dangers of staying fruitarian long-term after a 30 day fast include:

• Ketoacidosis - Buildup of keto acids from inadequate protein damages organs.
• Wasting - Loss of muscle and fat mass from scarcity of calories and protein.
• Immune impairment - Lack of protein, iron, zinc weakens the immune response.
• Neuropathy - Vitamin B12 deficiency may damage nerves.
• Bone loss - Inadequate calcium risks osteoporosis and fractures.
• Developmental delays - In children, growth and maturation depend on balanced nutrition.

Even natural hygienists, who espouse raw vegan diets, advise limiting fruit and warn against long-term fruitarianism. The diet lacks adequate nutrition for health beyond 30 days.

Healthiest Fruits for a 30 Day Fast

If attempting this extreme fast, these fruits provide the most nutrition:

• Berries - Blueberries, strawberries, blackberries offer antioxidants.
• Melons - Watermelon, cantaloupe, honeydew for fluids, electrolytes.
• Bananas - High in potassium, magnesium, fiber, and B6.
• Kiwis - Loaded with vitamin C and potassium.
• Citrus fruits - Oranges, grapes, lemons provide vitamin C.
• Mangoes - Tropical mangoes have vitamin A, C, B6, iron.
• Tomatoes - Technically a fruit, tomatoes offer lycopene, potassium.

However, no fruits provide complete nutrition or adequate protein alone. Supplements are advised on longer fasts under medical guidance.

Best Fruits to Break a 30 Day Fast

Ending a long fruit fast properly helps ease the body's transition back to solid foods. The best fruits to break a 30 day all fruit diet include:

• Watermelon - High water content and sugars hydrate and raise blood glucose levels slowly.
• Applesauce - Easy to digest sauce stabilizes blood sugar and provides fiber.
• Berries - The antioxidants in berries combat cellular damage from fasting.
• Grapes - Grapes replenish electrolyte stores lost during fasting.
• Bananas - Bananas contain potassium needed to end fasts safely.
• Papaya - Papaya aids the gastrointestinal tract with digestive enzymes.

Move to diluted juices, broths, cooked vegetables, nuts, seeds, and legumes slowly over 2 weeks post-fast. Avoid heavy proteins and fats immediately after an extended fruit fast.

How to Transition Off a 30 Day Fruit Fast

Ending a long-term fruit fast requires careful transitioning over 2-4 weeks to prevent adverse reactions. Follow these steps:

1. Continue eating approved fruits for 3 days after ending the fast.
2. Next, add diluted vegetable juices and coconut water for electrolytes.
3. In week 2, introduce broths, cooked vegetables, nuts, seeds, and legumes.
4. Slowly integrate proteins like eggs, dairy, poultry, fish, and meat over 2 more weeks.
5. Keep fats minimal. Add healthy fats like avocado in week 4.
6. Finally, taper back to a regular balanced diet high in plant foods.

Refeeding too quickly risks dangerous shifts in blood sugar, electrolytes, and fluid balance. Work closely with a healthcare provider to end a 30+ day fruit fast safely.

Making Fasting Safer

To make fruit or water fasting safer, be sure to:

• Consult a doctor, especially for fasts over 5 days
• Supplement any critical nutrient deficiencies
• End fasts gradually over 2+ weeks
• Stay adequately hydrated with water and tea
• Avoid intense exercise which stresses the body

However, no fruit fast lasting a month or longer can ever be considered truly safe due to nutritional inadequacies. Even with medical guidance, extended fruit fasts risk serious complications.

The Bottom Line

A 30 day all fruit diet results in dramatic weight loss at the cost of muscle wasting, hair loss, fatigue, low blood sugar, and multiple nutrient deficiencies.

While detox and health claims exist, no research supports the benefits of a 30 day fruit fast. The risks include arrhythmias, tooth decay, hormone disruption, ketoacidosis, osteoporosis, and immunity impairment from nutritional imbalances.

If attempting this fast, supplement accordingly, pick a variety of fruits, stay hydrated, and end the fast gradually over weeks. But a 30 day fruit fast remains a severely deficient and dangerous diet.

Instead emphasize fruits as part of a balanced raw or whole foods diet. Fasts for detoxification or weight loss should not exceed 5 days and require medical support for safety.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.