Water Fasting

[blheywood]

Thank you jen for the reply/post.

[99Cents]

I'm on day two of the water fast. I thought I'd poke my head and say hi. I weighed out all the other options that come with fasting (juice, master cleanse) and the water fast seemed to be the better choice for me.

I dropped two pounds yesterday, I'm not craving food and I'm working out. The goal is two weeks but we'll see where it takes me.

[H2Ogrl]

Hey everyone! Okay I wondered if what I am doing will "okay." I did a short water fast for 4 days and I LOVED it....yes it was a little hard but I want to slowly ease my way in for a longer fast. Well I did this last week and this week I am doing another 4 days but with tea: black, detox, and dandelion tea. Here's my short term plan for until I am mentally ready to do a longer water fast.

Week 1: Mon-Thursday water
Week 2: Mon-Thursday hot tea
Week 3: Mon-Thursday water
Week 4: Mon-Thursday hot tea



Is it okay that I am doing tea with my "water fast?"

Opinions appreciated!!!

[The Coronet]

just a quick question to all those of you who have done more than 10 days...I read somewhere that all your wrinkles start disappearing...is this true!?

[konmai]

starting the fast today.

[jenjen27]

You will not lose wrinkles in 10days I dont think.. I didnt with 14 days.

In my experiences you wont start feeling the effects of the detoxification until approx day 4-5. THen you will definately see the white tounge, smelly breath that is hard to get rid of.. weak.. very weak at times. If you body is weak REST! Your body will detox faster if you rest instead of exercise. Fasting is a time to do without food.. to meditate.. have some inner revelations in fixing YOU... read.. nap...

The weight you are losing is water weight and bowel weight from not having any food in your digestive system. YOu will lose 2-4lbs a day depending on your begining weight for the first few days.. then it will lower to 0-2lbs a day after that. You will gain most of it back if you change the eating habits and portion control afterwards.. but you will not keep it all off... some will gain it all back. But the main thing here is you are fixing your body. So many things can be fixed to help you get a weight loss.. Eating right is one thing.. stop putting things in your body that are not good for you. It will help reset and restore metabolism, hormonal, and chemical balances. It might not happen all in the first fast depening on how long you go.

My first fast cleared up alot of anger inside me, my acne had gotten really bad after my last two kids and that has cleared up 95%, I did lose just a few pounds, I was already eating healthy and made that change a couple years ago, but this made it even more clearer and helped with portion control. I felt better and more alive. My attitude changed and I was happier. I believe it helped me to somewhat balance my hormones and chemical balances if not completely at least enough to see the difference. ( my husband and kids can vouch for that LOL)

Your body is going thru alot of changes and working hard to get rid of all that junk you have polluted it with. Take care of your body and give it the time and extra care of rest to do its job. If you over work yourself when its doing this.. it will only make it harder on your body to do its job.

I have started a new fast and on day 7. It seems to have been harder to do without the temptations this time than the first.. but I am determined to get my body as clean as I can. I am going thru the detoxification right now.. Ive been weak.. sometimes I can move around for a bit but others only for a little bit and I feel I have to sit down. I rest as often as I can. Ive been getting dizzy, I stop and just rest against a wall until I get past it. Biggest time is in the shower so Ive resorted to a warm bath.. the hotter it is the worse it is for me to get out without feeling dizzy etc. Husband is helping alot around the house along with the kids and helping so I dont have to do much. Its a real difficult experience because you really need to take care of yourself and listen to your body.. if it wants to rest.. then rest!! I found on my last fast that the more I pushed my self during detoxification the less i lost... the more I rested then I lost a pound or two. I have had headaches the last couple of mornings and by mid morning they are gone.. that usually means releasing of blood toxins. I dont have really any ailiments.

My last detox I felt a bit of pain in my lower side abdomin (bladder I think) because I have alot of bladder infections since last two kids. I had chest pains.. I believe to be my lungs because I smoked for 15+ years.. quit 6 years ago. The detoxification that time only lasted a few days like 4 maybe then I got some energy back.. they do say you will have healing crises (that is what they call it when your body is doing all these things) and then you will get energy back and then you will go into another healing crises if it needs to keep fixing things. Although I didnt stick around for another one.. we will see if I do on this one. Not sure how long I am going to go.. I told myself.. at least 7 days and go from there. Depends on how I feel and how I do.

Welcome these "bad" things and see them as "GOOD" it means your body is fixing the wrongs! I read if you look positive at it.. it will be easier to handle.. if you stress and get upset about it.. it will be harder on your body.

But that is what I read and it sounded logical to me.

I just wanted to tell you what I am going thru so you see what my experiences are. I might have forgotten something who knows.. well I am getting tired here so off to my comfty recliner LOL.

Jen

[jenjen27]

I ended my fast on day 10.. my hunger was coming back.. I felt great as long as I was sitting down otherwise I felt weak and out of breath quickly when on my feet.. dizzy etc... So I figured it was time. I started with some apples.

Jen

[The Coronet]

Thanks for that jenjen27. You have more will power than i again even dream of. So has anyone else noticed wrinles diminshing with enough fasting...Im lucky enough not to have any, but I just curious if it is true!

[jenjen27]

Thanks... I do think that wrinkles are from stress, poor nutrition, high salt intake, over doing creams, and sunlight. I think fasting in some ways will help over time by cleaning your body of toxins and letting your digestive system rest and renew itself. Getting into better eating of fruits and veggies, organic foods as much as possible. and taking some vitamins will really help clear up wrinkles and give a better complexion. I had acne that I couldnt get rid of until I fasted. SO that there is a plus for me. Fasting can help your skin alot! I havent noticed any wrinkles gone but I look at myself better in the mirror everyday now. Maybe I will slow down the process of them getting worse? I think fasting yearly over time people will see a some sort of difference.

Hope someone else has some extra insight for you but this is mine.
Take care!
Jen

[4Mind4Life]

Water fasting doesn't sound too healthy to me....It seems like you could flood your system easily...(40 lbs. in 3 weeks = unhealthy....)

I'm going to be open-minded, do some research, and probably give this a try to see how it works out for me.

[The Coronet]

Hey jenjen27

I definietly agree with you especially about the use of creams. My dad is 85 and he doesnt have a single wrinkle on him...he never ever used a cream in his life, not even suntan lotion! My mum is 20 years younger and she has a few although she looks good for her age and she is cream obsessed! Anyway not to go off topic I think you are spot on about the fasting, its got to make you shine from the inside out!

[Excellent Lodestar]

Originally Posted by The Coronet

So has anyone else noticed wrinkles diminishing with enough fasting...I'm lucky enough not to have any, but I just curious if it is true!

If you experience diminishing wrinkles, one reason could be that fasting causes growth Hormone release. Which is a master rejuvenatory hormone. People pay Big $$ for GH injections to look youthful. this is fact. Fasting is one natural way to cause GH release, as well as Sprinting type sports/Activities. You can google "Fasting GH release" it's pretty well documented.
Now the part people hate...The key is after a fast going with a clean "paleo-diet".ANYTHING processed is OUT. If it's packaged-forget it. Fresh veggies salads, Olive oil, Beans,Small abouts of lean meat,Salmon, any fruit,nuts.intermittent fasting 1-2 days a month to keep the visible results. oh yeah, and you'll look and feel fantastic.
These sites really woke me up
Art De Vany: Evolutionary Fitness Archives

Mark’s Daily Apple

Good luck Everyone

[escapee]

Everyone of us need "raw materials" such as essential fatty acids, minerals and vitamin to manufacture growth hormone. I believe water fasting for long term will significantly deplete the level of your body's essential nutrients . Any sign of degradation of bodily function should serve as a warning that your body is deficient on certain nutrients.

The Okinawans, famed for their good health and longeivity, have significantly higher sex hormone than the rest of world. I believe their secret lies in optimal nutrition (mostly home grown whole food), clean water, exercise, adequate rest, healthy family life and sun exposure.

The Okinawa Centenarian Study : Evidence based gerontology

Effect of essential fatty acid deficiency on membrane fatty acid content and growth hormone stimulation of rat pituitaries during postnatal development -- Soares et al. 36 (6): 1401 -- Journal of Lipid Research

Two-day-old EFA-deficient rats paradoxically exhibited a higher level of 20:4n-6 as compared to control rats. EFA-deficiency also decreased growth rate and GH pituitary responses to GHRH during the prepubertal period. These results suggest that changes in the lipid structure and in pituitary secretion properties elicited by EFA-deficiency depend upon the stage of development.

[Robbie]

Hi, am new to this so bear with me.

Found a free book online on fasting by DeVines & Fielder with soilandhealth.org. My partner and I are currently into day 7 on a water fast hoping to go 40 days but that will depend on many things. Cool if we get to 40 but if not will gently ease into a juice fast. Hope to have the bentonite clay at the need of the fast. So far am amazed at how good it has gone and are thankful for all the postings I have read and the information availiable on the net. Very hard to personally find people here in New Zealand to talk to that have been on water only fasts for long periods. I realise that each individual fast is different but it is still great to hear others peoples personal journeys. We are doing this fast for health and spiritual reason. I have developed a very painful sore throat over the last 2 days which makes it a painful challenge to drink the water. Currently drinking about 2 or slightly more litres a day. Have lost 14lbs. Pulse and bp maintained same. Running slight fever. Using armotherapy oils to inhale and massage and gargle. Any suggestions out there? I has chronic tonsilitis till I was 28 when my tonsils were removed so I feel this is the aftermath of that as the body revisits held states in the body before finally eradicating them. Have welcomed it but alais sleeping at night is a challenge and the day is long. Any comments would be appreciated.

[zabmk]

Try to practice at least 2 days fasting per week

[escapee]

I feel sorry for those who resort to frequent fasting to "heal" their health problem. All of us need a daily intake of essential nutrients to maintain optimal body function. Not getting all these nutrients on a daily basis is potentially harmful for long term health.


Essential nutrient - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Essential fatty acids: ( severely depleted in processed food, fried food and etc / replaced by harmful trans fats or oxidized fats )
Linolenic acid (the shortest chain omega-3 fatty acid)
Linoleic acid (the shortest chain omega-6 fatty acid)

Essential amino acids necessary for all humans:
Histidine
Isoleucine
Lysine
Leucine
Methionine
Phenylalanine
Threonine
Tryptophan
Valine

Essential amino acids necessary for human children and not adults:
Arginine

Vitamins:
Biotin (vitamin B7, vitamin H)
Choline (vitamin Bp)
Folate (folic acid, vitamin B9, vitamin M)
Niacin (vitamin B3, vitamin P, vitamin PP)
Pantothenic acid (vitamin B5)
Riboflavin (vitamin B2, vitamin G)
Thiamine (vitamin B1)
Vitamin A (retinol)
Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine, pyridoxamine, or pyridoxal)
Vitamin B12 (cobalamin)
Vitamin C (ascorbic acid)
Vitamin D (Cholecalciferol, Ergocalciferol, Calcitriol)
Vitamin E (tocopherol)
Vitamin K (naphthoquinoids)

Dietary minerals ( severely depleted in Non-organic food and processed food ) : Biochemical studies reported in 2006 indicate that the following elements (aside from H, C, N, and O) are required for human health:[2]
Calcium (Ca)
Chloride (Cl-)
Cobalt (Co)
Copper (Cu) [3]
Iodine (I)
Iron (Fe)
Magnesium (Mg)
Manganese (Mn) [4]
Molybdenum (Mo)
Phosphorus (P) [5]
Potassium (K)
Selenium (Se) [6]
Sodium (Na)
Sulfur (S)
Zinc (Zn) [7]

Organic vs Inorganic (minerals comparison)

[Amadeus]

escapee, you are talking about two completely different things. Of course the body needs these vitamins and minerals. Humans live off plants that have absorbed sunlight or animals that have eaten plants that absorb sunlight. It's a matter of simple biology. However, fasting serves it's purpose too. It gives your body a long needed rest and flushes your body of toxins. Most of the vitamins and minerals you mentioned are stored in the body and will be available during the fast.

The only thing I may agree with you is the number of times that people on here are reporting that they are fasting. I feel one time a year for about 3 weeks is enough. I do think it is unhealthy to fast 1 day a week, every other month, etc. In this case it seems they are using it as a tool to control their weight.

[escapee]

My question is how much toxins are you able to flush by continually depressing your nutrient source ?


Magnesium Loss Key To Toxic Shock

A low level of the mineral provides an ideal environment for common bacteria to produce a poison that causes the ailment, said the researchers, who provided the first explanation of the link between the fibers and the disease.

Detox For Health: Essential Fatty Acids

They keep blood platelets from sticking together, reduce the possibility of blood clots, help remove fluid from the body and open up blood vessels, improving circulation. If there is a deficiency of essential fatty acids in the diet, as there is in the diets of most Americans, a whole range of circulatory problems including high blood pressure can result. This is directly related to the fact that heart disease is the number one cause of death in the United States.

Zinc antagonizes the effect of botulinum type A toxin at the mouse neuromuscular junction

SpringerLink - Journal Article

[Amadeus]

Well, I'm not sure how to answer that escapee because I'm not a doctor but I can only speak for experience. I've been able to heal parts of my body and feel like a new person only through fasting, something I couldn't do with nutrition and exercize alone.

[JeremyW]

Originally Posted by Robbie

Hi, am new to this so bear with me.

Found a free book online on fasting by DeVines & Fielder with soilandhealth.org. My partner and I are currently into day 7 on a water fast hoping to go 40 days but that will depend on many things. Cool if we get to 40 but if not will gently ease into a juice fast. Hope to have the bentonite clay at the need of the fast. So far am amazed at how good it has gone and are thankful for all the postings I have read and the information availiable on the net. Very hard to personally find people here in New Zealand to talk to that have been on water only fasts for long periods. I realise that each individual fast is different but it is still great to hear others peoples personal journeys. We are doing this fast for health and spiritual reason. I have developed a very painful sore throat over the last 2 days which makes it a painful challenge to drink the water. Currently drinking about 2 or slightly more litres a day. Have lost 14lbs. Pulse and bp maintained same. Running slight fever. Using armotherapy oils to inhale and massage and gargle. Any suggestions out there? I has chronic tonsilitis till I was 28 when my tonsils were removed so I feel this is the aftermath of that as the body revisits held states in the body before finally eradicating them. Have welcomed it but alais sleeping at night is a challenge and the day is long. Any comments would be appreciated.

I'm from New Zealand. I'd be reluctant to try water fasting for more than a day as I am underweight. Though I did try urine therapy so I am pretty open minded.

[escapee]

I've been able to heal parts of my body and feel like a new person only through fasting, something I couldn't do with nutrition and exercize alone.

In contrary, my experience tells me that optimal nutrition (+ herbs / organic food) and exercise are the most effective way to "detoxify" the body. To me, frequent fasting is similar to Anorexia nervoso ( the anorexic ppl tend to suffer heart attack, gum bleeding and etc ) . Best wishes of luck !


The Sad Side of Fasting

After understanding John's medical history and completing a comprehensive physical evaluation, I told him that I believed he was severely malnourished. His teeth were visibly rotting, his hair was noticeably thin and brittle, his nails were covered with cracks and deep ridges, and he was extremely gaunt. I told John that I believed he was deficient in vitamin B12, vitamin D, vitamin A, zinc, iron, DHA and EPA, and finally, healthy protein and fat.

Anorexia nervosa - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Individuals with anorexia often control body weight by voluntary starvation, purging, vomiting, excessive exercise, or other weight control measures, such as diet pills or diuretic drugs. It primarily affects adolescent females, however approximately 10% of people with the diagnosis are male. Anorexia nervosa is a complex condition, involving psychological, neurobiological, and sociological components.[1]

Nutritional factors

Zinc deficiency causes a decrease in appetite that can degenerate in anorexia nervosa (AN), appetite disorders and, notably, inadequate zinc nutriture. The use of zinc in the treatment of anorexia nervosa has been advocated since 1979 by Bakan. At least five trials showed that zinc improved weight gain in anorexia.

AMadeus, my apology if my post offended you in any way, the information above must be shared so the viewers make an informed choice about fasting.

[Amadeus]

escapee, people have been fasting for thousands of years. When we get sick we naturally lose our appetite slowing our digestion down in order for our immune system to heal our bodies. Fasting is the furtherest thing from anorexia, which is prolong starvation. During a fast you only go a few weeks without nutrition, most vitamins are stored in the body for weeks.

[Revanto]

I've been doing water only fasting once a week for the last 12 years or so. Everyone thinnks that it is some sort of weight loss technique but it's not about weight loss. I'm a large guy and I have lost alot of weight through time but I've been doing it to give my body a chance to maintain itself. One good thing about water only fasting is that I used to have problems with asthma. While I rarely have breathing problems now (sometimes I have too much milk or I laugh too much and it can impair my breathing a bit), it's great to be able to breathe clearly every day.

The one things you should consider is that, if you do take on a habit of fasting once a week, make sure you do it randomly (IE not the same day every week or the same time). If you body acclimatises itself to the fasting, it doesn't become as effective.

If you do any 3 or 5 day fasts, never over-exert yourself physically. Just do your normal everyday activities and rest when necessary. It gets weird the first few days living only on water but once you break the barrier, you will find your mind much clearer.

Well, that's my input on the subject.

Revanto

PS: In addition, I'd like to add that fasting and starvation are two different things. Fasting is a state-of-mind as well. If your brain thinks 'ah, he's taking a break so I can function better', your body will adapt better to the situation and will act on a more functional level. It's a fact that mental attitudes affect how the body functions.
Imagine you had a car and you never turned off the engine or took it in for complete maintenance. Fasting would be the equivalent of turning off the engine and taking it to bet maintained often. Not only would your car run better but longer, too.

[kamira1]

Hello everyone,
This is my first time here and also my first day water fasting. I'm really excited about thinking more clearly and feeling new again. I have trashed my body with so much bad food, I know my body needs this.

Please keep me motivated and on the right track.

Thanks
Kamira

[Amadeus]

Go for it Kamira! Just remember to take it a day at a time and drink plenty of water. The first 2 days are hard, but you'll notice the hunger pangs will go away. Set a specific time to stop because you'll lose motivation if you don't have a date to stop. Don't be too ambitious for your first fast. I wouldn't go over a week. Your tongue will be coated with toxins, just brush your tongue with tooth paste.

[beautyscientist]

I have a project coming up that requires a lot of mental clarity and focus for a couple of days. Would anyone recommend a water fast to help this? And if so, should I schedule it to coincide with or just predate the period I need the extra clarity?

[Amadeus]

No, I would predate it before the time you need mental clarity. At least be drinking juice at the time of the event.

[brandedbygrace]

Hi,

I am currently on day 5 of my 80 day water fast I am attempting. I have read through most of this thread and I was just wondering if there has been anyone that has completed at least a 40 day water fast. It would be nice to be able to be reassured from them on this journey I am undertaking.

Chad

[kamira1]

brandedbygrace
Is this your first time water fasting? If not what is the longest you have done this. I water fasted last week for about three days. I am now starting over. I would like to maybe touch basis with you from time to time and maybe have someone to talk to during my fast.

Please let me know if this would be alright.

Thanks
Kamira1

[Revolution]

I've read that a one-per-week fast is good for the health/kidneys elimination etc. and that makes sense to me.

But no offense here but I find it EXTREMELY EXTREMELY EXTREMELY hard to believe that you did a 3 week water fast. I mean hello! even one day is pretty tough!!!

Also I might point out that juice fasting can have serious repercussions. [I'm talking about the 3-4 litres per day variety here.]
-What I am referring to is the extreme imbalance of insulin it can cause [I invite all to do own research]. But from personal experience even just one day of the above described juice fast can cause severe emotional tension/stress.
Regards, Revolution