Preparations for Prolonged Fasting

There are some preparations to be considered before entering prolonged fasting... In order for it to be a great experience... it is wise to take the time to understand the process and prepare for it... it is a major step and by preparing well, it will have the best possible outcome.

Prolonged Fasting for Healing and Prevention

Used for thousands of years, fasting is one of the oldest therapies in medicine. Many of the great doctors of ancient times and many of the oldest healing systems have recommended it as an integral method of healing and prevention.

Prolonged Fasting is not a cure for any particular disease. Rather, it is an opportunity to give the body a prolonged period of rest to heal and restore itself.

The detoxifying and healing processes that occur during a fast are also active when a person is eating… but a fast can be helpful for people whose conditions are not improving as quickly as they would like.

Prepare the Body

It is wise to prepare the body gently for the fast.

A time of 'house-cleaning' – a time of detox – eliminating all meat, dairy products, fish, eggs, black tea, coffee, sugar, alcohol, cigarettes… greasy foods... This will make the process of prolonged fasting enjoyable, and it is strongly recommended.

However, eliminating all these harmful substances is withdrawal from addictions and will not be easy for most. Well… you're on your way… you were going to give all this up… anyway... some day.

The beautiful day has come! Freedom!

So.. before undertaking a fast, eat mostly raw foods for a week or two and clean up the addictions. This will give the body a chance to detoxify extensively before the fast is started, and will make (water) fasting much more comfortable.

Quit smoking before you start your fast.

Words of Caution

'Fasters' are often astonished to realize that intensified healing can be painful.

We have been programmed by our culture and by doctors to think that if we are doing the right thing for our bodies we should feel better instantaneously.

Most people will have to pay some "past debts" - for their errors in living and dietary excesses. There will be aches and pains and sore sensations.

Only few 'fasters' feel better immediately. The majority of us just have to tough it out, keeping in mind that...

The way out is the way through...

It will be important to remind yourself, at times, that even with some discomfort, and considering the inconvenience of fasting, that you are getting off easy – one month of fasting pays for those years of excess and buys a rejuvenated body.

Note: Ill people should only fast with experienced guidance.

Fasts must be entered and exited with care

To enter a fast, the diet should be gradually lightened over a minimum of 3 days.

First, heavy foods such as meats and dairy products should be eliminated for a day or two.
Grains, nuts, and beans should then be reduced for several days.
The day before a fast, only easily digested foods like fruits, light salads, and soups should be eaten.
During the fast, only pure water and occasional herbal teas should be consumed.

Fasts should be ended as gradually as they are entered, going from lighter to heavier foods, progressively. The diet after a fast should emphasize fresh, wholesome foods.

Fasters should particularly take care not to overeat when they break the fast.

How long should you fast?

Fasts can be performed for varying lengths of time, depending on the person and his or her health requirements. It is a good idea to set a time frame before you start. Make sure you have enough time to stop the fast in a calm setting... breaking the fast while running your regular work schedule is not recommended...

For chronic conditions, therapists recommend from two to four weeks to get the most benefits.
Seven-day fasts are also commonly performed.
A popular fasting program for prevention and general health is a three-day fast taken four times per year, at the change of each season. These can be easily performed over long weekends.
Preventative fasts of one day per week are popular, as well.

Juice fasts are not considered fasts. Juice fasts are less intensive than water fasts because the body doesn't reach the ketosis stage. The advantage of juice fasts is that fruit and vegetable drinks can supply extra energy and nutrients.

You can fit a few days of juice fasting into your normal schedule without significant drops in energy. Juice fasts also have cleansing and detoxifying effects.

Medical supervision is recommended for any fast over three days... this is especially important for first time fasters.

* Water Fasting

* Water Fasting for weight loss

* Intermittent Fasting