HOW TO FAST AND STAY HEALTHY

Voluntary abstinence from food has been a tradition in most religions and is clearly a spiritual purification rite. From Moses, Elijah and Daniel to Christ, the Bible is filled with fasters who employed it to assist their purification and communion with God. Fasts as long as 40 days were employed. We might consider fasting from phones, cars, computers, talking or whatever activity/consumption we feel is excessive.

WHAT HAPPENS TO YOUR ALIMENTARY SYSTEM WHEN FASTING

The alimentary system is the oesophagus or gullet, the stomach, the small intestine, the large intestine and the rectum and anus. These function by moving consumed food along in a constant action of muscular ripples known as peristalsis, absorbing nutrients and water from it along the way. Eventually the remains are expelled through the rectum and anus as faeces.

Without appropriate dietary preparation the bowel can be left with the remains of animal protein and other unadvised foods which can irritate the bowel lining. In the long term and especially if the individual fasts regularly, they take the same risks that result from chronic constipation being the development of conditions such as colitis, diverticulitis and even, in the long term, cancer.
See PREPARATION FOR FASTING below.

Also, when the stomach and then the gut are not regularly supplied with food the activity begins to slow down and may even apparently cease in a long fast of two to three weeks or more. The production of gastric and intestinal fluids also diminishes. This point should be borne in mind when BREAKING A FAST (see below).

SIDE EFFECTS OF FASTING

*Most people will experience some withdrawal symptoms such as headache, irritability or fatigue. Headache is not at all uncommon for the first day or so.

*Fatigue or irritability may arise at time as may dizziness or lightheadedness.

*Sensitivity increases so that common sounds like television, music or even refrigerators may annoy more.

*The sense of smell is more acute and the tongue will develop a thick white or yellow fur coating which can be scraped or brushed off.

*Bad breath and displeasing tastes in the mouth or unpleasant smelling urine or stools may occur.

*Skin odor or eruptions like spots or acne may appear.

*Digestive upsets, mucousy stools, flatulence or even nausea and vomiting may be experienced during an extensive fast.

*Insomnia or bad dreams may be experienced.

*All of these symptoms, if they occur at all, will manifest early on in the fast and will be transient.

FASTING HAZARDS

*The potential for the development of such problems is maximized with lengthy, noncaloric or water fasts and minimized with juice fasting of reasonable length such as one or two weeks.

*Weakness may occur or muscle cramps resulting from mineral deficiencies.

*Sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium and phosphorus losses occur initially but diminish after a week.

*Blood pressure drops which can lead to dizziness especially when changing position from lying to sitting or sitting to standing.

*Uric acid levels may rise resulting in attacks of gout or kidney stone though this is rare and will be minimized with adequate fluid intake.

*Some research has described hormone level changes with fasting. A fall in thyroid levels will correct itself. Loss of oestrogen as a result of low protein intake can lead to a temporary loss of menstrual flow (amenorrhea).

Contraindications for fasting:
cancer
cardiac arrhythmias
cold weather
eating disorders (anorexia, bulimia)
fatigue
low blood pressure
low immunity
mental illness
nursing mothers
nutritional deficiencies
peptic ulcers
pre- and post-surgery
pregnancy
underweight
weak heart

PREPARATION FOR FASTING

*In preparation for the first day, a few days should be taken to eliminate some foods or habits from the diet, alcohol, nicotine, caffeine and sugar for example.

*Red meats and other animal foods including milk products and eggs should be avoided a day or two before fasting commences.

*Intake of most nutritional supplements may also be curtailed for they are not generally advisable during a fast.

*Three or four days of consuming only fruit and vegetables is well-advised to bring the gut to a state of readiness for the fast.

*To initiate oneself into fasting, begin with a one day fast from sun-up to sundown then a two or three day fast when light foods like raw fruit and vegetables are consumed. Thereafter, five or ten day fasts should be undertaken before embarking on a full forty day fast. The fresh juices of any fruit or vegetable can be used. They provide calories and nutrients on which to function ad build new cells.

BREAKING A FAST

When to stop fasting and make the transition back to a normal diet also demands some care. The need to gently stimulate the gut into action and into production of digestive juices cannot be over-emphasized.

Make a gradual transition rather than having a large celebration meal after a seven day or longer fast. It must be planned and done slowly and carefully to prevent creating symptoms and sickness. It is suggested that the move back to a normal diet be done over several days, the longer the fast, the longer the time.

If the fast has been on water alone, then diluted fruit juices should be taken first - a few teaspoonfuls of orange juice in some water to begin with progressing to stronger mixes throughout the day. This will stimulate the digestion. If a juice fast was undertaken, the transition will be a little easier; A raw or cooked low-starch vegetable such as spinach or other greens, may be used. Grapes, cherries or stewed prunes will help to get the bowel moving again. It is best if a bowel movement occurs within a couple of hours of the first meal.
However you make the transition, go slowly, chew well and do not over-eat or mix too many foods at a meal. Simple vegetable meals, salads or soups to start with. Fruit eaten alone.
Well-cooked brown rice on the second day and progress slowly through grains and vegetables. Some nuts, seeds or legumes can be added then richer protein foods as desired.

For further research

http://www.billbright.com/howtofast/fastsafely.html