Fasting
By john | March 5, 2008
Fasting the restriction of dietary intake to liquids may allow the body to rid itself of toxins while promoting healing. Because the body expends a great deal of energy breaking down foods, a fast, which usually last from 2 to 5 days, may provide a resting period for the body. While the digestive system rests, the excretion of toxins continues and no new toxins are being introduced into the body. In addition to its physical healing effects, fasting may promote mental and spiritual well-being.
Fasting has been practiced for centuries in many cultures. Ancient cultures used fasts not for weight loss or detoxification, but as a means of self-deprivation for religious purposes. Today, Islam and Judaism still require fasting on certain holidays.
All fasting regimens allow fluidseither water, juices, or herbal teas. Many naturopathic doctors recommend fasting, usually twice a year for 5 days, as part of a regular health maintenance program. Some recommend a vegetable juice fast, while others consider juice a food and recommend water only.
Reported uses
Fasting is believed to enable the body to cleanse the liver, kidneys, and colon, flush out toxins, and purify the blood. The energy the body saves during a fast can be redirected to other functions, such as revitalizing the immune system. Some of the conditions that may benefit from fasting include hypertension, arthritis, food allergies (identification and elimination), inflammatory diseases, and headaches.
How the treatment is performed
Therapeutic fasting regimens vary according to the philosophy of the practitioner and the purpose of the fast. The patient usually must undergo some form of preparation before beginning the fast, such as eating raw fruits and vegetables or drinking certain fluids for a prescribed amount of time. For example, he may be instructed to drink a specified amount of water along with pure juices and two to three cups of herbal tea each day. The practitioner will determine the duration and type of fast (water or juice) that is appropriate for the patient. Most practitioners suggest a 2-to 3-day fast, although longer fasts are sometimes recommended.
When a water fast is used, it’s recommended that the patient drink at least three glasses of distilled or spring water daily. Some practitioners believe that a juice fast is less stressful on the body because juice provides necessary nutrients and can prevent low blood glucose levels. In addition, water fasting may cause the body to release toxins too quickly, resulting in headaches. Vegetable juices are preferable to fruit juices, which contain large amounts of sugar.
A patient who is ending a fast shouldn’t resume eating with a single large meal because the GI system needs time to replenish digestive juices. Rather, he should eat several small meals spaced several hours apart to allow his body time to readjust to solid food. The patient should also avoid eating highly refined or spicy foods to prevent diarrhea, vomiting, or abdominal pain. The longer the fast, the more consideration and care is needed when reintroducing food. Water fasts are usually broken first with fruit or vegetable juices, with the reintroduction of solid foods taking place gradually. Juice fasts are usually followed by a 2-day diet of fresh raw fruits and vegetables.
Hazards
Some practitioners of conventional medicine claim that fasting may impair the immune system by depriving the body of essential nutrients. In addition, when blood glucose levels decline, the body starts breaking down muscle to provide energy. This muscle breakdown results in Increased production of ammonia and nitrogen, leaving the patient weak, tired, and nauseated.
Other adverse effects may include dry skin or skin eruptions, headaches, dizziness, irritability, coated tongue, foulsmelling stools, body aches, and mucous discharge; however, fasting advocates say these symptoms are signs that toxins are leaving the body. More serious complications, such as cardiac arrhythmias (from electrolyte imbalances), anemia, hypotension, and bradycardia, have also been reported. The longer the fast, the more dangerous it becomes.
Fasting is contraindicated in pregnancy and breast-feeding.
Clinical considerations
- Urge patients to consult a health care provider before beginning any type of fast. This is especially important for patients with health problems and those taking prescribed medications. Dosage requirements may change during a fast.
- Fasting is contraindicated for patients with diabetes, eating disorders, epilepsy, kidney disease, severe bronchial asthma, stomach ulcers, ulcerative colitis, tuberculosis, or malnutrition. It’s also not recommended for children, the elderly, or pregnant or lactating women.
- If you are caring for.a fasting patient, advise him to notify a health care provider if he experiences any adverse reactions, especially potentially life-threatening ones such as an irregular heartbeat.
Training - No formal training for practitioners who guide patients in fasting exists in the United States.
Research summary
The concepts behind the use of fasting and the claims made regarding its effects haven’t yet been validated scientifically.
Tagged under:dietary intake fruits and vegetables Health Flash health maintenance program herbal tea herbal teas juices naturopathic doctors raw fruits vegetable juice
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