[MightySunTzu]

Originally Posted by Wes

Hey MightySunTzu... ok, noted. Water fasting is clearly one of those topics where there are many different opinions... in the various threads that are dedicated to it in this forum, there are always many points and perspectives.

Hey there Wes,

Yes you are right again. Even among experts there are extreme disagreements on this subject.

As for me i can offer these objective benefits from my most recent fast... and let us ask ourselves this... "if fasting is so bad, why do so many amazingly beneficial things take place?".

1. Very sore foot became completely healed (in the first 5 days). Very sore ankle (when stretched a certain way) became 80% healed. Misc. sore shoulder, neck and back muscles restored to a healthful pain free state.
2. Skin became amazingly soft, like that of a baby.
3. Stubborn growth under eye almost completely disappeared (and completely disappeared within another month or two with healthful eating and exercise).
4. Lungs which struggled with each session of cardio became like new, no longer a hinderance to intense activity.
5. 12-16 pounds of actual fat melted away (over a 30 day fast).
6. Mind became substantially more clear (this one point is admittedly less objective).
7. Sweat and breath became clean smelling.
8. Sense of smell greatly enhanced.
9. Energy levels greatly increased.

These are off the top of my head. There are many additional benefits seen and unseen. I would nearly bet my life that my blood pressure and cholesterol levels were optimized, that any pre-diabetes or pre-cancerous cells were reversed, that all of my organs and my blood (and my every cell) were fantastically purified and rejuvenated.

Originally Posted by Wes

As I always say, experience is the best teacher: different things will work differently for each person, according to their specific characteristics. Those who want to try it, can complete it and reach their goals, or simply stop when they feel unconfortable (being responsible is essencial, just like in everything else).

Agreed again. I always recommend that people take a fast a day (or a moment) at a time.

Originally Posted by Wes

All I say is that I wouldn't recommend a "just water" fasting to a friend, for the mentioned reasons, which I still consider valid. If your experience with it is positive, though, I respect that.

As i respect your opinions.

Originally Posted by Wes

Still, these are subjective discussions, as forum readers don't know the actual body characteristics and values of the person. And that's fundamental in ANY diet/fasting program, in my opinion. As in everything, one size DOES NOT fit all.

This also is true. From my perspective a water fast will be phenomenally beneficial to the vast majority of people. For others with unique circumstances, it could be the wrong path.

Originally Posted by Wes

As for the eating/not eating issue, sure, it depends... there are many kinds of fasting. It can be total or just partial; it can refer to just food, or it can also involve other behaviors considered toxic.

Again i agree with you . While fasting by the strictest definition means not eating anything and drinking only water, it is common to use the word more liberally, ie: "juice fast", "fruits and vegetables fast", "a fast from watching television".

Originally Posted by Wes

Its a vast theme to which each must find a balance that works for himself. Main point, in which I think we all agree: gathering as much information as possible can be helpful.

Agreed.

Originally Posted by Wes

But a forum can be a not so good way to go at it: personally seeking a professional, such as a nutritionist who can offer personalized medical advice, is usually a better way. That's my opinion, at least.

Fair enough, but this can be a bit tricky. It could be a lot different with nutritionists, but it is amazing how little the average medical practitioner (doctor) knows about fasting... and as well, if one wanted to entertain a little bit of conspiracy thinking, it is interesting to consider that allowing ones body to heal by taking a break from eating would specifically take business away from these individuals. A conspiracy theorist might say that perhaps doctors know a lot more about the benefits of fasting then they care to share.