Fasting

[Mitalp]

Do any of you fast? If so, how often? When you fast, do you drink fruit juices? What have been the benefits?

Thanks!

[cdn2wheeler]

My doc explained it to me this way:

When you fast, your body isn't getting the vitamins, minerals, carbs and energy it needs to do work. That's OK if you're in a coma, but not so hot if you're actually walking around.

There's a myth that fasting cleanses the body of toxins. Totally, completely untrue. On the contrary, the only way to clean one's body of toxins (well, ones that CAN be cleansed... mercury, for instance, is in you for the rest of your life, the body has no way of disposing of it) is through intake of nourishment.

There's some evidence to suggest that levels of toxins in one's body actually becomes more dangerous during a fast, because the toxins that are bound up in body tissues start to get used up to operate the body. If there isn't any fuel being ingested, the body will start to burn its own reserves. If there are toxins in the reserves - in fatty tissue, or example - then they get used too.

But don't take my word for it. Talk to your doctor. A proper, medical doctor, not someone who has an "herbal agenda" to sell.

[bdp]

cdn2wheeler, it's time for a new doctor (or better yet, no doctor). At least find one that reads the scientific and medical literature: many studies demonstrate benefits of fasting.

Anyway, I do a total fast for 24 hours once a month. I recently did a 5 day water-only fast to cure my eczema, and it worked. I also lost 5 lbs of fat that did not return. It was an incredible experience that I will repeat at least yearly.

An excellent book on the topic is Fasting And Eating For Health by Joel Fuhrman MD.

[joelyle]

...its has allowed for periods of spiritual insight. When I don't eat: I think far less about the desires of the body. During times of fasting: I've been more calm and patience, for example.

Much time is spent thinking about food, stoping what is being done, eating, digesting and cleaning up. Without this: there is time freed up. To fast the mind (and the body at the same time): that is even more beneficial.

[Rose of Cairo]

Hi mitalp,

I fasted out of curiosity for seven days with only water and some herbal teas (without green or black tea). It was great!!! I don't know why, but I had a tremendous energy and wanted to walk through the forest all day long. I felt really good, fit and happy. I wasn't even hungry, and didn't feel like eating the foods in the kitchen.

Since I did this I don't think we are so much dependent on food that we need some every single day. Our body has reserves of vitamines and everything else too. No need to stress about it. Learning this was the most important benefit I had from fasting.

Now I'm not a fasting fanatic, but I think I'll do it again from time to time. Sometimes when I feel a bit unfit, tired or clogged, I just have a fruit-and-vegetables-only-day too. It always helps.

[Mitalp]

Hey Rose,

It's funny how you mentioned the urge to keep walking through the forest. I did a three day fast earlier this year, during that time I took a little expedition through Central Park and walked more than I have ever in my life!

The first 24hrs of the fast was a bit difficult, but after a while, my mind overcame the cravings. And I did have lots of spiritual insight during this time.

Thank you all for sharing!