Side Effects of Fasting

[casablanca]

I've done 2 long fasts (30 and 40 days) and was looking to go for 60. But I heard from a conventional doctor that fasting was extremely hard on the liver and kidneys. She said that loads of impurities were going through those organs way too quickly. Also, she said that the digestive system was still functioning and there was acid and bile being dumped all at once.

I don't know much about how the body works. I'd love your thoughts on this.

[Stina]

Yes, approach fasting with due diligence respect and consideration. I'd especially recommend studying the info over at www.juicefeasting.com That sweet couple put together the most comprehensive fasting program I've ever seen. He did his Master's thesis on fasting. Meanwhile, back at the ranch........the number one tool I'd personally recommend for fasting is either colonics or enemas. My opinion is that if you're not willing to do either, just detox slower by eating all raw.

[bonefish13]

Hi there everyone.
I hope that someone out there can help me. Please bear with me as I am at a loss as to where to start really. As you would of gathered I am new to this and would appreciate your views, comments, but more importantly your advice. I am planning on starting a fast within the next three months, whilst I am doing this fast for my own reasons which are inconsequential I would appreciate some help. I am a fit and healthy 45 year old male, so this is where I shall start. I have been to my Doctors to ask his advice, but unfortunately he was not able to help very much as he had no experience of this. If I do choose to start my fast could someone tell me of the effects, before, during and after. I know that is a lot to know but I truly am at a loss. A lot of web space seems to contradict itself when fasting is discussed, and I was hoping to get some good advice here. One of my main concerns is this. Am I allowed to drink during my fast, water, juice etc., or this not a true fast. If anyone out there can help me I would appreciate it, or maybe you could point me in the right direction.
Many thanks.:)

[lafsalot]

Here's another fasting site that offers a wealth of info:
http://www.freedomyou.com/fasting_book/juice%20fasting.htm

As to the op's question - me personally, I've only done mc's and will no longer do them for more than 30 days. Have done them longer, but found that I have a helluva time getting back on food, even watered down juices.

Cathy

[Raine]

Bonefish13:

As someone who has fasted with both juice and water, my first question to you (which you don't have to answer here on the boards) is to consider why you are fasting. Typically it's because of weight, health or spiritual reasons.

I've personally found success by doing several 3-5 day juice fasts. Then, after reading so much about the wonders of a 30-day juice fast, I set that as a goal for myself. I must say that though I began it for weight/health reasons, the most lasting effects were those that happened emotionally/spiritually around the 20 day mark.

By achieving my goals with juice fasts, I then began with water fasts. The purists will say that ONLY distilled water should be consumed on a water fast. Personally, I'll add a squeeze of lime and sometimes I've even been known to have some iced herbal tea (green not black tea).

Ideally on a water fast, you have the ability to be in a stress free environment and allow yourself to rest well so that your body can begin detoxing. Not all of us have that ability - on my last water fast I achieved 9 days though I was going for 20. Due to my work load of being on location for shoots, I was just too physically drained so broke the fast with fresh juiced vegetables.

If you do decide to go with water, I cannot recommend enough the water fasting board at www.CureZone.com. RawFoodTalk.com is a wonderful site for raw foods, juicing, etc., however, there are some amazingly knowledgeable and informed individuals at the CZ site when it comes specifically to water.

[Aleesha Sattva]

There are a whole lot of very educated people here as well who know lots about fasting so feel free to read through the threads in this section. Reading personal experiences is very educating indeed. ;)

I'm fasting... juice and water... (off to look where I am now)... okay I've been fasting for 6 weeks now... doing between 13-20 weeks in total. I have done short fasts and longer ones. Water fasts and juice feasts... even dry fasted here and there. All of these different modes of fasting are very effective.

I've found - by personal experience - that fasting is not hard on my liver at all. My liver was very sick and between fasting and raw foods I've completely healed it (got the blood tests and results to prove it) :) My doctor is thrilled with my health now - of course... it depends on what type of fasting you are doing. I would recommend Juice Feasting if that is a concern to you or at the very least... lots of green juices (as they are very healing).

But honestly... knowledge is power. You really need some before fasting bonefish... so read read read :)

in light,
Aleesha

[bonefish13]

Thanks to Raine, lafsalot and Aleesha.
Thank you very much for the advice. I will take it all on board and I will keep reading all I can about fasting. I dare say I will be back on this forum very very soon to ask once again. In the meantime thank you everyone for the helping hand.
:)