Fasting is one of the quickest ways to eliminate wastes and enhance the healing processes of the body. The main causes of disease and aging are found in the systemic disorder that interferes with the normal processes of cell metabolism and cell regeneration. “Life, the biological chain that holds our parts together, is only as strong as the weakest vital link, the cell.” (Hans Selye) Accumulation of waste products in the tissues interferes with the nourishment and oxygenation of cells and causes a slowing down of cellular regeneration and rebuilding.
Only about half of all our cells are in peak development and working condition. One fourth are usually in the process of growth and the other fourth in the process of dying and replacement. Quick and effective elimination of dead cells stimulates the building and growth of new cells.
Cellular degeneration from lack of nourishment and improper cleansing results from nutritional deficiencies, sluggish metabolism, sedentary life style, lack of fresh air and water, overeating and consequent poor digestion and assimilation. Fasting speeds up the process of elimination and rebuilding and restores the normal metabolic rate and cell oxygenation.
Why Fasting is Effective
• “The burning of rubbish” When the body is deprived of needed nutrition, it burns and digests its own tissues, starting with those cells that are diseased, damaged, aged or dead.
• “Recycling” The decomposed and burned amino acids are not wasted, but released and used again in the process of building new, young, vital cells.
• “A trip to the dump” During a fast, the eliminative and cleansing capacity of the eliminative organs is greatly increased. For example, during fasting, the concentration of toxins in the urine can be ten times higher than normal. This happens because the organs are “relieved from duty” and can concentrate on old accumulations.
This explains the typical fasting symptoms: offensive breath, dark urine, discharge from colon with enema, skin eruptions, excessive perspiration, catarrhal elimination, headaches, dizziness, nausea.
• “Siesta Time” Fasting affords a time of rest to digestive, assimilative and protective organs.
• “Refreshed again” The fast exerts a normalizing, stabilizing and rejuvenating effect on vital physiological functions. The nervous system is rejuvenated; mental powers are improved; glandular chemistry and hormonal secretions are stimulated and increased; tissue chemical and mineral balance is normalized.
Benefits of Fasting
- Purification
- More energy
- Rejuvenation
- Better sleep
- Relaxation
- Improved attitude
- Clearer skin
- Mental clarity
- Improved vision and hearing
- Improved sense of taste
- Reduction of allergies
- Drug detoxification
- Diet changes
- Resistance to disease
- Enhanced creativity
Contraindications for Fasting
- Anemia
- Hypoglycemia
- Pregnancy
- Nursing
- Pre/Post surgery
- Cancer
- Weak heart
- Diabetes
- Hypotension
- Peptic ulcers
- Cardiac arrhythmia’s
- Alkalosis
Some of these conditions may be improved by fasting, but must be overseen by a health care provider.
What to Expect When Fasting
- Headache
- Fatigue
- Irritability
- Dizziness
- Lightheadedness
- Sensitivity to noise, smell
- White/yellow/gray tongue
- Bad breath/Bad taste in mouth
- Foul smelling urine/stools
- Skin odor and eruptions
- Digestive upset
- Mucous with stools
- Flatulence
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Insomnia
- Bad dreams
- Negative thoughts
What to Drink During Fast
Dilute juices with pure water. Do not use canned or frozen juices. Some bottled juices may be used, but fresh squeezed juice is the best.
Fruit juices:
Lemon – A strong cleanser. Loosens mucus. Good for liver, gall bladder. Helps allergies, asthma, cardiovascular disease, colds.
Citrus – Cardiovascular system, obesity, hemorrhoids, varicose veins
Apple – Liver, intestines
Pear - Gall bladder
Grape – Colon, anemia
Papaya – Stomach, indigestion, hemorrhoids, colitis
Pineapple – Allergies, arthritis, inflammation, edema, hemorrhoids
Watermelon - Kidneys, edema
Black Cherry – Colon, menstrual problems, arthritis, gout
Vegetable juices:
Greens – Cardiovascular disease, skin, eczema, digestion, obesity, bad breath
Spinach - Anemia, eczema
Parsley – Kidneys, edema, arthritis
Beet greens – Gall bladder, liver, osteoporosis
Watercress – Anemia, liver, intestines, breath
Cabbage - Colitis, ulcers
Carrots - Eyes, arthritis, osteoporosis
Beets – Blood, liver, menstrual problems, arthritis
Celery – Kidneys, diabetes, osteoporosis
Cucumber - Edema, diabetes
Garlic – Allergies, colds, hypertension, high serum levels of fat, diabetes
Radish - Liver, high fats, obesity
Potatoes – Intestines, ulcer
Additional Considerations
- Fresh air is needed to support cleansing and oxygenation of cells
- Sunshine
- Exercise as energy allows. Walking, bicycling, swimming
- Bathing, steams, saunas to rid skin of toxins
- Dry skin brushing
- Avoid nutritional supplements and drugs, except mandatory prescriptions
- Avoid alcohol, nicotine, caffeine
- Green powders, Liquid Chlorophyll, amino acid powders may benefit some people
- Colon cleansing. Enemas or herbal laxatives may be needed.
- Relaxation. Schedule the fast when the workload is reduced.
Preparing for the Fast
Prepare yourself for fasting by a short cleansing diet. For 2-3 days, eat nothing but raw fruits and vegetables. Begin with an effective bowel cleanse using herbal laxatives or an enema. On the first day of the fast, take a double enema: use one pint of warm water and let it out right away. Then repeat with a full quart of water with a few drops of lemon juice or chamomile tea added. Dry skin brush, followed by a hot and cold shower. If on a juice fast, alternate juices and water or herb tea throughout the day. Rest in the afternoon and take a walk or therapeutic bath in the evening.
The Fast
Try a 1 day fast first to see what fasting is like. If extreme symptoms appear, try again at a later date, and gradually build on the fast as your body becomes less toxic and more able to handle it. Remember that the more symptoms you experience, the more your body needs to detoxify. Listen to your body.
Breaking the Fast
Break the fast by gradually introducing foods. The first day could begin small portions of fruit, fresh soup, broth and juice, soaked prunes or figs, vegetable salad. On the third day some yogurt, nuts, bread, baked potato could be added. Normal eating could commence on the fourth day.
Tags: cleanse diet, colon cleanse, detoxification, fasting, herbal cleanse, Herbal Cleansing, herbal detoxification, purification diet