Fasting
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Fasting has been practiced for health and spiritual rejuvenation for thousands of years. Fasting is the avoidance of solid food, and sometimes liquids for a specific period of time. Some complementary practitioners believe that fasting rests the digestive system, detoxifies the body, and provides other rejuvenating benefits. In some fasting practices, a person will refrain from consumption of all solid and liquid matter, while others stop eating solid foods alone. Juice fasting is a popular and milder fasting practice, during which a person will consume only fruit and vegetable juices and herbal teas.
Some medical practitioners believe that fasting can provide benefits for people with certain gastrointestinal conditions, sleep problems, low energy, mental illness, skin conditions, and other physical ailments. There are, however, people for whom fasting may not be appropriate. Pregnancy, nursing, fatigue, certain heart conditions, pre- and post-surgery times, malnourishment, undernourishment, diabetes, tuberculosis, and other conditions are contraindications of fasting. If you are considering fasting, it is important to speak with a qualified health practitioner before beginning your practice.
There are different recommendations about fasting. Generally speaking, people should choose a time in life when they are relatively relaxed. Beginning with small changes in diet may be beneficial before fasting. A colon cleaning regiment before fasting may also be beneficial. Some people prepare for fasting by gradually increasing their times before eating. Others go straight into a period of fasting that can last anywhere from 24 hours to a week or more. For people new to fasting, it is recommended to begin with no more than three days without advice and supervision.
There are many things that can be done during fasting to maximize your benefit from this practice. Brushing the skin with a dry brush daily can help clear toxins from the skin. Getting fresh air, doing light to moderate exercise, and practicing relaxation techniques are also important during fasting. It is important not to consume alcohol, nicotine, caffeine, and carbonated drinks right before and during a fast. Steams and saunas may give warmth and support detoxification. A health practitioner may make additional recommendations.
There are some potentially adverse effects that can occur during a period of fasting. Headaches, irritability, and fatigue are common during a fast. Rest is very important during a fast to care for the body during these changes. If you feel sick, your weight gets too low, or your energy is too low, it may be wise to come out of fasting.
If you are interested in learning about the benefits and drawbacks of fasting, you may wish to speak with a qualified health practitioner before beginning any fasting regiment to ensure that your endeavors elicit greater health.
