Fasting
What on Earth is Fasting?
Fasting has been a part of major world religions since as long as history has been recorded! It is an extended abstinence from food that may or may not be accompanied by abstinence from liquids as well. Sounds a little hardcore, huh? Well it doesn’t have to be a full-blown 40 day famine these days. It depends what you want out of it.
Why Would Anyone Want to Fast?
Fasting can be used to kick-start a thorough detox regime in the case of serious health crises, such as cancer. The general idea of fasting for health reasons is not really to lose weight fast as many think, but to assist the body in ridding itself of toxins. Most foods we consume contain toxins; even some fresh fruits and vegetables contain toxic levels of pesticides. Fasting assures that minimum levels of new toxins enter the body, so the digestive system can get to work on clearing out old toxin stores.
While fasting during a health crisis will usually require abstinence from food for 2 weeks to a month, healthy individuals looking to boost their energy levels might prefer a smaller fast from a couple of days to one week. Some even prefer to have freshly squeezed juices instead of going totally cold turkey on the tucker. It’s entirely up to the individual as to how far they want to go with it.
What can I expect to Feel Following a Fast?
During the first couple of days of a fast, expect to feel quite ill! You will most likely awaken with a white-coated tongue and foul-smelling sweat as your body deals with toxins that normally get put in the too-hard basket as the body concentrates on more essential cleansing tasks. So it’s pretty nasty stuff to begin with. However, past that hard point and you’re on your way to feeling more energetic, more vital, and well, more clean! You’ll sleep deeper, enjoy the taste of food more as your taste buds become unclogged, and your bowel movements will become more regular. What’s not to like?
The Full Monty: Full on Fasting
If you are planning to embark on a fast lasting more than a week, plan ahead. Check with your trusted GP to ensure that fasting is beneficial for you. Obviously take the time off work because without food you can feel quite weak and unable to perform simple tasks as the body concentrates on purging those toxins! Also, the bowel movements can cease during longer fasts, and it’s a good idea to take regular laxatives after the third day to ensure that those toxins are finding their way out. And go easy when you come out of the fast, starting with simple foods like bananas…don’t go straight for the happy meal or you’ll feel pretty sad about it straight afterwards! Consider taking acidophilus supplements following a fast to replenish good bacteria levels in the bowels, and to ensure that your body is equipped to deal with the task of eliminating those toxins!!
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