(also referred to as...)
Fast, Juice Fast, Monodiet, Water Fast
Introduction
Fasting is a therapeutic technique where one purposely does not eat food for a specific period of time. This practice is rooted in history and is a common aspect of Christianity, Hinduism, Islam, Judaism, and other religious beliefs. Fasting is an efficient means to detoxify, cleanse, and rejuvenate the body and reinforces our relationship between food and well-being. Indeed, many cultures use fasting to improve health. Native American cultures have traditionally used sweat lodges and fasting to purify body, mind, and spirit. Fasting is also performed by various people/groups for social and political causes.
Your liver filters and eliminates toxins and bacterial wastes from the bloodstream. And as the health of your liver largely determines that of your body, it is important to keep this vital organ healthy. Accumulated toxins from the air, chemical cleaners, cosmetics, food, gasoline, pesticides, paint, and water we are exposed to daily over-stress your liver and reduce its ability to properly function. Consequently, toxins are not removed as effectively as they could be. Fasting offers an opportunity for an overworked liver to rest, repair, and function more efficiently.
Types Of Fasts
When fasting, most people choose between a juice fast or water fast.
Juice Fast
This gentle form of fasting involves ingesting various fruit and vegetable juices. Juice fasts average three to five days, however, some can last seven to ten days. Fresh apple, beet, barleygrass, cabbage, carrot, celery, cucumber, grape, lemon, papaya, sunflower sprout, and wheatgrass juices will provide ample variety and nutritional content. Vegetable broth and green drinks may also be taken. Avoid oranges and tomatoes.
Freshly squeezed juices are more live and nutrient-rich than their bottled, processed, pasteurized counterparts available in stores. If purchasing bottled juices, use only those made with 100% real juice. To prepare lemon juice, squeeze the juice of one whole organic lemon into one cup warm water. If you are using raw cabbage juice to treat ulcers, cancer, and all colon problems, drink the juice as soon as it is prepared as it will lose vitamin content as it sits. Other juices can be prepared in a juicer. For more information, see the dedicated section on Juicing.
It is important to use organic fruit and vegetable juices during your fast as non-organic products may contain fungicides, herbicides, pesticides, and preserving agents that negate the positive benefits of detoxification. Better yet, purchase your own organic fruits and vegetables and juice at home!
The juices provide your body with necessary vitamins, minerals, and enzymes that reduce the impact of not eating food while still receiving the detoxification benefits of a fast. You may wish to chew the juice before swallowing or drink with a spoon. Herbal teas that promote bowel, kidney, and liver function may also be used.
A juice fast generally promotes a healthy diet following the fasting period, as awareness between who you are and what you eat grows significantly during the fast.
Water Fast
This intensive form of fasting involves ingesting only water for twenty four to thirty six hours. However, some water fasts can last five days. A water fast is generally not recommended, as toxins are released into the bloodstream too quickly, leading to headaches, nausea, and a number of other side effects. Use this form of fasting only under the supervision and recommendation of your naturopath or other health practitioner.
During a water fast, you should consume a minimum of four pints/2.2L and a maximum of eight pints/4.4L of water during the fast. Use only purified, non-chlorinated, spring water for the most effective results. Herbal teas that promote bowel, kidney, and liver function may also be used. On your last day, eat raw foods (fruit salad, leafy vegetables, et cetera) in addition to the recommended amount of water. Consult with your naturopath or other health practitioner to determine the specifics of a water fast appropriate for your needs.
Limited Diets
One variation on fasting is to consume only certain foods over a period of time. The "monodiet" involves eating only one type of food, such as organic apples or brown rice. This special detoxification regime requires proper supervision by your naturopath or other health practitioner and such diets should not be considered fads to achieve quick weight loss.
Before The Fast
Fasting should be done when you have time to slow done, relax, and reduce excess stress. You may not feel 100% during your fast and it is important to focus your energies on the healing process. Additional demands may cause further stress to your body, reducing the effectiveness of the fast.
If you are not familiar with fasting, you should conduct one only under the supervision of your naturopath or other health practitioner. Generally, three-day fasts are not long enough to cause much concern if not carried out properly. Longer-term fasts should be supervised to ensure a problem-free session.
Elimination Pathways
The elimination pathways in the body must be open and functioning properly before choosing to fast. Engaging in a fast that liberates stored toxins in the body may do more harm than good if elimination pathways are blocked or toxins are released from cells faster than your body can deal with them.
A healthy digestive system will facilitate a more efficient, effective fast. Increasing your fibre intake before your fast will help cleanse the colon. Oat bran is an excellent fibre for this purpose. You may also wish to supplement with acidophilus and bifidus to replenish beneficial bacteria in the digestive tract. Look for a dairy-free formulation with at least 2.5 billion viable cultures per capsule and keep refrigerated. Take 2 or 3 capsules daily on an empty stomach, preferably in the morning or right before bed. Supplements with Fructooligosaccharides (FOS) provide a beneficial "bed" and initial food source for the bacteria. If dairy allergies have been ruled out, you can also eat yogurt that has had either bacterial culture added.
Fasting Duration
Typical fasts last three to five days, while others may be one month or longer. Short fasts of three days or less offer your body a quick "tune-up" by eliminating toxins and cleansing the blood. This leads to increased energy levels and an improved ability to fend off short-term illnesses such as a cold or flu. Fasts of five days or longer may be used when dealing with more serious conditions, such as arthritis or chronic headaches, as this approach offers a more intense cleanse that promotes immune system healing and rebuilding.
In any case, a fast should be conducted only under the supervision of your naturopath or other health practitioner to ensure your needs are being met and that you accomplish your goals effectively and without harm. This becomes more prudent when engaging in fasts longer than five days.
For Starters
Begin your fast by eliminating alcohol, caffeine, stimulants, and sugars several days beforehand. However, do not cut essential prescription drugs or other necessary intakes. Consult with your naturopath or other health practitioner to ensure you avoid any side effects from eliminating various elements from your diet. In addition, slowly eliminate foods from your diet and eat only brown rice and steamed vegetables for several days beforehand, along with plenty of water between meals. This approach will make for a more effective fast.
During the Fast
As mentioned previously, you may not feel 100% during your fast as your liver, kidneys, bowels, and skin help rid the blood and tissues of toxins and other accumulated matter. You may experience body aches, body odour, coated tongue, dark urine, diarrhea, dizziness, dry skin, foul-smelling stools, headaches, insomnia, irritability, bronchial/sinus mucus buildup and discharge, nausea, skin eruptions, and weakness during the detoxification process. Some people experience depression and a head cold may also occur. The greater the concentration of toxins the body, the worse you are likely to feel. Keep in mind that these symptoms are part of the fasting process and should quickly pass. If symptoms are severe, you may use a daily lemon enema to cleanse the colon and a daily coffee enema to support liver detoxification. For more information, see the dedicated section on Enema.
For the first twenty-four hours of a fast, your body will burn carbohydrates, in the form of glycogen, for energy. Once glycogen reserves are depleted, your body will burn fat for energy. Some muscle tissue will also be lost during a fast as protein is broken down. This process releases ammonia and nitrogen into the bloodstream, contributing to the feelings of weakness and nausea mentioned above. Hunger pains are usually the worst on the first day of a fast. After a few days, your body learns to conserve energy and your metabolism will slow down.
Supporting Your Fast
It is important to use organic food as much as possible during your fast, particularly during a juice fast (see Types of Fasts, above). While juicing still has many beneficial effects on your body, using fruits and vegetables laced with fungicides, herbicides, pesticides, and preserving agents can result in a less effective fast.
You can further complement your fast by promoting elimination pathways. Have a hot bath, shower, or sauna session to help your skin sweat out toxins. Massage therapy will help dislodge accumulated toxins in various tissues. Enemas and colon cleansing further promote toxin elimination.
Do not chew gum during your fast, as your digestive system will secrete enzymes into the gastrointestinal tract in anticipation of a meal. An empty stomach and stagnant digestive enzymes is not a good combination.
If you must satisfy hunger pangs, eat a slice of watermelon, by itself, with no other foods. Fresh (not canned) organic applesauce may also be eaten. Leave the skin on the uncooked apples and prepare in a blender or food processor.
Fluids
Fluid intake is essential during a fast to facilitate proper kidney function and flush toxins. However, there is a lack of consensus as to whether fruit and vegetables juices are better than water or vice versa. Both approaches are effective and should be based on your individual needs and goals. Taking in fluids also reduces hunger cravings. For more information, see Types of Fasts, above.
Fasting = Freedom
Be sure to keep yourself occupied during the fast so you think less about food and more about other aspects of your life. Pick up a craft or hobby that may have fallen by the wayside during the daily demands of life. Make for some much-needed personal time. Write, draw, and create! Perform gentle exercise. Sleep well. Meditate. Plan and organize events in your life. Do some light gardening. Enjoy the sunshine. Breathe some fresh air. And while you are cleansing internally, why not clear up the clutter in the house, too!
Additional Hints
As previously mentioned, rest, take naps, and above all, relax. This is a time of healing and repair. Avoid strenuous exercise so your body can conserve energy.
If your tongue is coated and/or you have an unpleasant taste in your mouth, rinse with fresh lemon juice. If you wear dentures, keep them in during the fast to avoid gum shrinkage.
Wash or brush your skin to promote elimination through the largest organ in the body and improve circulation. Avoid harsh soaps, shampoos, and deodorants, which may contain the very toxins you are attempting to eliminate. Use naturally sourced products instead.
Be sure to keep warm as your lowered metabolism may make you more susceptible to chills.
Finishing the Fast
The steps towards completing a fast are as important as starting one. Feasting after fasting will hinder any beneficial gains achieved during the fast. As you complete your fast, your metabolism will slowly return to a normal level, digestive juice secretion will slowly increase, and your stomach will return to its normal size. As a result, your food intake should complement this transition.
Start with juices, fresh fruits, and vegetables, and slowly work your way back to a whole-food, varied diet. Keep food combinations simple for starters, chew more slowly than normal, and do not eat cooked foods. Increase your fibre intake to promote colon cleansing. Oat bran is an excellent choice. Wheat bran (and related supplements) is not and may cause irritation of the colon wall.
If you are completing a water fast, eat only fruit and vegetable juices for starters before moving back to whole fruits, vegetables, and grains. The length of your fast will determine the duration of your transition back to (or into) a healthy diet free of hydrogenated/saturated fats, salt, and chemical-laden foods. Complement your return to a full diet with minimal stress and maximum relaxation. Remember, working your way out is just as important as preparation for the fast. Be sure to thoroughly enjoy this aspect of the experience!
Once the fast is complete, most people feel terrific! This is primarily due to the pain-killing, mood-boosting endorphins released during the fast to ease hunger pangs. Energy and alertness levels are up and food allergies are either reduced or completely disappear. A stronger immune system will make you more resilient to infection and a refreshed liver will eliminate unwanted material more efficiently. Any loss in muscle mass that may have occurred should be quickly regained upon the return to a regular, whole food diet.
Ailments / Situations Where Used
Aside from eliminating many toxins from the body, fasting improves immune system function and eliminates food allergens from the intestines. Fasting also improves general allergies, colon disorders, and respiratory ailments. Acute illnesses also benefit from fasting as the fast allows the body to slow down, rest, and recover from the illness at hand.
Fasting is used as a form of "general maintenance" by many people to routinely cleanse the body and promote vitality. You may wish to fast once per season, for example, or during the spring or summer, when you are more active.
Contraindications / Precautions / Warnings
If you have a debilitating disease, insulin-dependent diabetes, hypoglycemia, eating disorder, extremely low energy levels, are recovering from any form of substance abuse, are recovering from surgery, are underweight, or are taking many medications, do not undergo any type of fast without proper consultation from your naturopath or other health practitioner.
No form of fasting should be undertaken by pregnant or lactating women.
Never use fasting as a means to lose weight. The few pounds you lose will be from water and are quickly regained upon the return to a normal diet. Many "fad" diets are based on this principle and, consequently, are never successful.
Fasting isn’t appropriate for everyone. You can detoxify the body naturally with herbal fiber supplements that will cleanse the colon without the side-effects often experienced during fasting. Be sure to combine any detoxification regimen with lots of purified water.
Ailment / Situation Listing
See also
Detoxification, Enema, Juicing, and Organic Food
