Through each fast I've learned it helps to have 1) a spiritual focus and need (who doesn't have that), 2) a toned-down schedule for the first 3 or so days (my toughest part), surrounded by plenty of warm herb teas and cozy chairs, and 3) a special fasting inspiration story. Well, I'd like you to meet number three for this fast:
As far as my fast goes, stay tuned for daily posts in which I will journal my mental and physical state during the fast. As we go along I will reprint here a series of articles I compiled last year around this time that I sent via email to a group of friends who had asked me for information concerning fasting. Hopefully my research and the peek into my journey on this fast will help inspire anyone out there who wants to learn more about this wonderful way back to health.
Here's a repeat of the email I sent last year to begin my series:
Hi Friends,
I am not a trained health professional and this group is for support/informational purposes only. It is up to you to gain whatever assurance you need that any/all of the cleansing methods we will discuss are safe and right for you.
Having made that disclaimer, let me assure you I totally believe in detoxing/fasting for health. (And potentially for spiritual renewal, but we will focus on the physical reasons for and benefits of fasting in this group.) My husband and I have completed numerous fasts from three to eight days in length with fantastic results. At times we use juice (we've ceased fresh fruit due to sugar content and now use "green"juices when fasting and a liver support drink called Ultra Clear), at other times, or for portions of the fast, we fast on water only. Often, we will add a bowel/parasite cleanse before, after, or during the fast which entails additional support products I will discuss in a later email.
Successful fasting requires belief and confidence in what you are doing. Accordingly, we will spend some time learning the benefits (and limitations) of fasting. Additionally, I will chronicle for you in journal form everything I do, feel, etc. at the same time I explain what is happening physiologically throughout the fast.
I recommend that after you determine you are not in a category for whom fasting is contraindicated (a list--maybe not comprehensive, but should give you a general idea--follows), you begin with a 3-day fast and progress to longer fasts later. In some of your studies on fasting you may come across people who recommend very lengthy fasts (I would put anything beyond 2-weeks in this category.) Because I am no expert or trained health professional, I cannot recommend or condone fasts of that length and would suggest anyone attempting such a fast secure guidance from a professional.
The following individuals should not fast or fast only with the included reservations:
I am not a trained health professional and this group is for support/informational purposes only. It is up to you to gain whatever assurance you need that any/all of the cleansing methods we will discuss are safe and right for you.
Having made that disclaimer, let me assure you I totally believe in detoxing/fasting for health. (And potentially for spiritual renewal, but we will focus on the physical reasons for and benefits of fasting in this group.) My husband and I have completed numerous fasts from three to eight days in length with fantastic results. At times we use juice (we've ceased fresh fruit due to sugar content and now use "green"juices when fasting and a liver support drink called Ultra Clear), at other times, or for portions of the fast, we fast on water only. Often, we will add a bowel/parasite cleanse before, after, or during the fast which entails additional support products I will discuss in a later email.
Successful fasting requires belief and confidence in what you are doing. Accordingly, we will spend some time learning the benefits (and limitations) of fasting. Additionally, I will chronicle for you in journal form everything I do, feel, etc. at the same time I explain what is happening physiologically throughout the fast.
I recommend that after you determine you are not in a category for whom fasting is contraindicated (a list--maybe not comprehensive, but should give you a general idea--follows), you begin with a 3-day fast and progress to longer fasts later. In some of your studies on fasting you may come across people who recommend very lengthy fasts (I would put anything beyond 2-weeks in this category.) Because I am no expert or trained health professional, I cannot recommend or condone fasts of that length and would suggest anyone attempting such a fast secure guidance from a professional.
The following individuals should not fast or fast only with the included reservations:
- Children still forming bone and teeth
- Pregnant and lactating women
- Older folks (a relative term, I know. I'm not counting my mom, for instance. She's 70 and had a marvelous experience with her 7-day fast.)
- Patients with advanced cancer, diabetes (type 1), tuberculosis, or cardiovascular disease, should fast only on the advice and direction of a competent medical professional.
- alcoholics or people with otherwise compromised liver function.
- Individuals with hypoglycemia should never fast without using a protein supplement such as spirulina, rice protein or egg white powder.
- Individuals on certain prescription medication--beta blockers, blood thinners, etc.
- Extremely thin individuals need to exercise caution. Fat reserves are used for fuel during fasts--however, most of us have more than we think:)!!
Hey! Be sure to visit Food Renegade, a cool blog that hosts links to many wonderful blogs every Friday!
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