Juice Fast--Day 8 Summary

January 12—Day 8

6:04 a.m. Writing “Day 8” feels surreal. Certainly it feels like I’m approaching the end. And funny, it’s here I’m most content with the fast, most appreciative for it. When it comes time to eat, I’ll eat, but I won’t be clamoring “Get out of my way! Where’s the food?!”  I’m at peace and that’s a rare and very good feeling. And this is where, for me, the clean on the inside wants to project clean on the outside. I want to be nice and kind and patient. I want to appreciate the people and things around me. All very introspective, I know, but that’s where I am this morning.

Right now, I’m having very watered-down yerba mate, just for a change. I’ll get my lemon and ginger with my fresh juice later today.

1:00 p.m.  I just had a wonderful deep-muscle massage. (I don't get massages very often, so this was a real treat, fast or no fast!) I know that you need to drink more water afterwards to flush the displaced toxins away, but even if I didn’t know I should, I would have. I’m so thirsty!!  

I haven’t yet prepared either the powdered combo or the fresh juice. I’ve felt too good all day, and I’m taking in plenty of fluids, so I think I’ll just let my body guide me as to when or if I drink them today.

5:30 p.m.  One of my favorite beverages on the a tiny “allowed” list during a fast is Kombucha tea.

Kombucha is a living (fermented) health drink made by fermenting tea and sugar with the kombucha culture. The result can taste like something between sparkling apple cider and champagne, depending on what kind of tea you use. The alcohol and sugar content is negligible for even a whole serving and, while fasting. I use it as more of a tonic and only drink an ounce or two. The sharp, carbonated, fizzy feeling clears the "cruddy" build up in my mouth and makes teeth and gums feel clean. Plus the taste is quite a treat. It's not what you'd imagine fermented tea to taste like.

I got a bottle at my local health food store this afternoon and between the massage and a shot of kombucha, I'm feeling downright pampered!

9:47 p.m. I got concerned about no vitamin source today, so I made my powder drink. My energy has been good all day. This fast has been easier than some in the past--no headaches, lightheadedness, or major weakness. Usually I see evidence of gastrointestinal candida die-off after the enemas, but not this time. Huh, could it be that I've peeled through that layer of the onion on previous, shorter fasts?

Speaking of enemas, here's the next in the series of emails:

Hello Everyone,

You might want to review my last email on the importance of a healthy colon before going forward.

A cleanse or fast is the perfect time to get a jump-start on good colon health.  Remember, while the body is resting from its normal work of digestion it can focus its energy on repair and rejuvenation. There are several wonderful colon cleansing programs that are very effective and easy to use.  The two that I have personally used can be found here:

http://www.naturessunshine.com/us/products/cleanstart-cleanse/cat-2-185.aspx

http://www.drnatura.com/colonix_program.php

Both of the above websites also contain much more valuable information on colon cleanses.

Most of the programs involve a two-part daily program of herbs (in capsule form) that cleanse, nourish, and strengthen the bowel; and a fiber drink to gently “sweep out” what the herbs loosen from the colon wall.  While neither of the above sites necessitates or even recommends a complete fast as part of the program (they do give some dietary guidelines that will enhance the program’s effectiveness) using a colon cleanse during a fast is an especially effective and fast combination to begin to bring the bowel back into balance.

If you do choose a complete fast, I must offer one last bit of advice relating to the colon.  If you research very much on fasting in general you will discover that opinion is somewhat divided over whether or not daily enemas should be a part of the process. Most sources say to include them. Make no mistake--you MUST include the enemas!!  In fact the newer you are to cleansing, the more important the enema. The average person’s colon is too built-up with toxic matter for the body to be able to “keep up” and properly eliminate the outpouring of toxins during a fast without this assistance.  A well-timed enema can completely halt the symptoms of a cleansing crisis. (I discussed the cleansing crises in a previous letter.)

If the idea of self-administering an enema is completely foreign and distasteful to you, I first of all can guess your age to be under 50! Anyone older knows that mother and grandmother had no finer tool in their home medicine cabinet than the enema bag.  We are such big wimps in leaving to eventual emergency medical treatment what a simple home solution could have prevented.  Get over your timidity and get online to learn what equipment you need and how to take a home enema!! Then include one in your daily regimen during the fast.