Fasting for 21 days straight starting Jan 3 if anyone wants to join me

[livenraw]

I am aiming to go 100% next year and have decided to start off with a 21 day fast first. Last year, I ate clean and then did a 21 day fast, but after much debating, I decided that it would be easier to put healthy food in a healthy body instead of feeding a clogged body healthy food. For instance, take a dirty water bottle and then fill it with pure water. What do you get? Dirty water. Eventually, the water bottle will become clean, but it will take a lot of time. But if the water bottle is already clean, and you fill it with pure water, it will continue to stay clean and get cleaner and cleaner as it goes along. So that's why I am beginning the New Year with this but I am giving myself two days to eat very clean before the 21 days just so the detox won't be as drastic. I'm hoping these 21 days will finally help me to break my love and cravings for coffee and cooked food.

So join me if you feel led or feel the need!

[misslinda]

oh i get it......i thought you were going to bust out saying that you would need to get over the champagne hangover of New years to start this fast......... :p

Count me in........^5

[margi]

I was thinking of doing the Master Cleanse starting Jan 1st. I think I need to read more about it before I decide to committ.

[Rawling]

A fast sounds good. I am starting tomorrow 100% raw except for the champagne on new years eve. so I should be cleaned out a little. a small concern is Im a waitress which entails walking a moving alot. Also Ill be starting a new semester of school so ill need much brain power. Ive done a 10 day fast a while ago but I had nothing to do for those 10 days so i just sat around. Just curious about those of you who have fasted while worked or went to school if it went good or was uncomfortable or what. So maybe Ill just join you for the last few days of the fast so ill have even more time to be 100% raw. hhmmm i dunno

[Beanie]

I'm doing a 7-day juice detox fast but I might not start until Thursday. I'm going to a raw chocolate party on Sat night and on the 3rd day, I'm only allowed lemon juice and water. So I want to be off work that day and need to ease into it I think! So I'm in!!

[misslinda]

A fast sounds good. I am starting tomorrow 100% raw except for the champagne on new years eve. so I should be cleaned out a little. a small concern is Im a waitress which entails walking a moving alot. Also Ill be starting a new semester of school so ill need much brain power. Ive done a 10 day fast a while ago but I had nothing to do for those 10 days so i just sat around. Just curious about those of you who have fasted while worked or went to school if it went good or was uncomfortable or what. So maybe Ill just join you for the last few days of the fast so ill have even more time to be 100% raw. hhmmm i dunno


If you can do these thing with an inner calmness it makes juicing easy...grant it you will experience some of the natural detox symptoms. Juicing is nice b/c you have nutrients to replenish you as you carry on. I maintained my 12 day juice fast with 2-3 x day exercising and luckily I work out of my home and work is flexible but don't go more than 3 hours without water or juices.

Whenever I was away from home, I always had either water or the "master cleanser" lemoade handy. Planning is key to making sure you don't fall off the deep end. Even if you can't do a complete 21day, you can always do a few days.....transition into fruits and then work into your raw entrees.

I really felt a difference in energy and stamnia by the 10th and 12 day. I need to get back to that too.

[Purl]

count me in-I was gonna do it anyway. I gave myself Jan 3rd as a start day too. ;) I think I'm gonna start with juice for a few days, then try the Master cleanse. I ordered the Master Cleanse Book, but it won't be here til the 4th. Anyway-I like the analogy of the dirty water bottle. That was basically my thought. I am fasting to help speed up the detox and help break my addiction to bad foods. I already beat my coffee addiction and learned something very important-ANY form of caffiene is addictive to me. :rolleyes:

[mrobinbird]

COUNT ME IN!!!!! I completely agree about eating right and I'd rather get rid of most of the bad stuff in a fast than detox for a few months and try to loose weight. I am ready to take off the excess pounds!! And I don't mean that in a way that I want to be skinny - I desire to be healthy :p

We should start a forum for January fasting like the Green smoothie forum. I wonder how that's done....

[Rawling]

I dont know how many people are doing this but I plan on it and would like a partner to talk to atleast every day throughout the fast. if anyone is interested please pmsg me or reply to this post! :)

[Kitty]

I am going to do it as well, fell off hard when I got a cold and been eating horrible ever since so need to get back on track.

[SparklePlenty]

Today is Monday January 2nd and I'm starting a Master Cleanse. I'm aiming for 28 days, and feel certain that I will know when it's time to transition to raw healthy eating. I'm with whoever said earlier in this thread that putting raw, healthy food into a clean,clear body feels right and good.

Last time I did a MC, at the very end of 2004, I had a fantastic experience for 21 days, and fabulous results.... and just wasn't ready at that time to commit to eat clean and so, I slid right back into SAD and gained back some of the 20 lbs I lost.

This time I have been loving and adoring myself no matter what :) and I have been eating higher and higher percentages of raw for several months now.....and I know that sets the stage for a much more successful health and weight loss adventure. I am having fun, loving myself and life, and ready to live in a body that, inside and out, reflects my gorgeous spirit!

Let's do it! Let's get radiant!
Jan

[SparklePlenty]

I'm giving myself two days of juicing and smoothies, to get a little more balance before beginning the MC :))

[misslinda]

I fudged yesterday withapples and salad so today marks the first day of my fast---I really want to do 30day but it will be 14 first. i'll check and see how it goes and extend if it feels right.

[myluckystarz]

I'm thinking a juice fast, or lemon water or some such. I doubt I'll go 21 days because I'm a massage therapist and I need to keep working. But I'm definitely in for 7+. This is just what I need.

[lavendarJ]

I hope this isn't a stupid question everyone.... but can someone explain to me about the master cleanse. I am just wondering because I just found out about this site through typing in a search for food combining and eventually I found Alissa Cohen's name and information on being a raw foodist. I was planning on beginning a fast on Wednesday (because its my "birth" day of the week). I could even start tomorrow. I just found out about Alissa and her books and other materials. I am assuming the "master cleanse" is coming from her book and I am going to order it but that doesn't help me for my fast. Initially I was planning to do a fast that I've used in the past (primarily involves live foods, fresh veg and fresh fruit juices). I'd love to join everyone who will begin on tomorrow. I just want to know exactly what the "master cleanse" involves...I am going to surf the rest of this site. I been busy enjoying and being inspired by all the message boards.....

[misslinda]

Master cleanser Program is cleansing program deveoped by Stanley Burrough ---totally seperate from Alissa's book.

Have you visited her store to get an idea what the book is like---YOU WILL LOVE IT!

[lavendarJ]

Thanks Misslinda!

I am so excited... it feels silly to be this excited over fruits and vegetables buy hey - I am.

[misslinda]

Lavendar..


are you going to be doing the measter cleanser?

have you ever done a fast or cleanse before?

current health issues?

anything we can help you with?

[lavendarJ]

Misslinda
I've done them before. For me, it all began in 2002 when I discovered Quenn Afua's book, Heal Thyself for Health and Longevity. Based on what I have read, it sounds like the book is very much in sync with the master cleanse program. There are various stages depending on if the person is a beginner or advanced at natural living. I had already been off of pork and beef for years prior to this. I was still eating chicken once or twice a month. I stopped eating that, incorporated soy into my life, and cut out commercial juices, white flour, all sugar, and all processed foods. I felt the best I'd ever felt. That truly was the best 18 months of my life. I moved back to the hometown and eventually started introdcuing that junk food back into my life. Now, I feel tired and sluggish and I know that it is directly related to my error in eating diseased foods. I had been planning to start a fast on Wednesday and I had been preparing by detoxing my system over the past 2 1/2 days with lemons, oranges, and grapefruits - they help with the cravings for starches and other icky foods.

I really would appreciate any preparation that you could give regarding the master cleanse. I am looking forward to it. I am at a point now where I do not want to deal with anything processed and I have stopped eating veggie burgers and soy products because they are processed with so much salt. I do not have any health problems other than chronic constipation. Oh yeah, I have had problems with fibroids in the past; during the 18 months I discovered that the bloating and pain stopped. I wonder about the fibroids and moreso, the constipation. This scares me, and I haven't seen a traditional doctor about it because he tried to convince me that it is normal to have only 1 bowel movement in a week. There is no way that I am going for that. I drink atleast 1 gallon of water a day unless I am bloated and them I take it down to 64 ounces. When I was eating healthy, my bowel movements were regular in comparison to now (sometimes once a week, when its really bad, sometimes once every two weeks almost). That's why I think it is best for me to remove all bread and starchy grains from my life. So, my main goal is to achieve a healthy functioning colon. I have had one colonic (two years ago). The place that I went was highly recommended by people I know and I'd also read accolades about her in a couple of books. I thought this is going to be a great first experience. I guess I was in the wrong place at the wrong time because it ended up being a nightmare. I didn't know what to expect and wasn't told what to expect and didn't think to ask what to expect. I laid there in that fetal position with my colon filling like a balloon that is about to pop, I hate to think what might have ruptured if I had not had enough sense to finally ask "is it supposed to hurt this bad". I can still remember her comment "your not supposed to be super woman, you're supposed to tell me when your full enough." Wow! Anyway, I have found another person and I am eager to confident in the healing power of colonics. Somehow, I think I have digressed and so I ask your forgiveness for the lengthiness. I am just super duper excited to have found this site. I have already received so much inspiration from reading the message boards. Any suggestion, help, tips, anything you can provide regarding the master cleanse or anything else in general would be very much appreciated. I am so happy to have found this site.
In peace............

[misslinda]

Lavendar!

I agree with soy products--I omitted them about a couple of years ago when I realized it was damaging my diegestive system and adding complications to my thyroid and pancres issues.

My juice fasting is going to be modified in the fact that I will be using elm power to aid in stomach lining repair. Herbal tea (not boiled) to increase lymphatic cleaning.

Alot of these condtions and deteriorations I've been researching the past 2 weeks have been linked to unhealthy digestive/stomach lining---where the toxins and poisins enter and flow into the bloodstream.

I use alot of Edgar Cayce's readings and have my own medcial psychic that pointed out my digestive issues, auto-immune and chronic fatigue that I always thought was just tiredness from nck adn back injuries that last 2 years.


I will be using a slat water flush every few days or when needed.

so this my take on my fasting program i designed.

the master cleanser is really powerful--I attempted it over a year ago but like i told another member, b/c of my symptoms at that time, my naturopath removed me from it andhad me juicing fruits adn veggies. This approach has enabled me to do a 12 day fast and I was successful. My body then started to crave pure water--which I should have listened to but I went into fresh fruits instead so i konw I missed and itense part of clenasing but nonetheless it can happen again.

if you find the master cleanser is too intense, you can always integrate other juices in the interim. I did the lemonade before bed while juicing.

I don't ingest any pulp,foam or the like inmy juice b/c shutting down the digestive system is so important when getting the most out of a fast.


i'm getting lengthy too.............

[star_fruit]

Count me in!...I'm starting the master cleanse on Jan 3rd too. I haven't decided how many days yet. It will probably be 21 days. I'm in need of a detox bad.

[lavendarJ]

Thanks so much for the advice. I am excited and I welcome all tips you can give me, like for instance, anyone can share what a typical day on the master cleanse is comprised of and is day one the same as day 21 or is there a gradual decrease/increase in particular food items

[misslinda]

Lavendar, if you are talkinga bout the Master Cleanser Diet by Stanley Burrough's then that is purely a "lemonade" drink.......

the recipe i have is the following

12 oz of room temp distilled water

2 tbsp lemon jjuice

1 tbsp grade b balck strap molasses

dash of cayenne pepper or more is desired.


the flush is 1 quart warm water with (i belive) 2 tbsp celtic sea salt (i htink he says epsom) but most raw fooders that i have come across like the grey celtic sea salt.

the fush is done every morning to rid the toxins that are pulled from the tissues,organs and cells etc that make it's way to the colon to be disposed.

you drink the same "antidote" everyday and water in between or depending how you tolerate it.

it is not uncommon to get a layer of film on your tongue (sign of detox). dizziness, colness, body aching are some of the common symptoms.

[Purl]

okay-wait a minute-hold the phone-is the MC an ***ENEMA***???? I thought it was just a drink.... :eek:

[misslinda]

LOL>...........


MC is known as the THE MASTER CLEANSER PROGRAM by Stanley Burroughs that consists of consuming (drinking) a lemonade drink.

However, lemon can be used for an enema b/c of it's ability to draw toxins and is alkalizing.



:)

[Purl]

phew! :D

[misslinda]

just checkin in.................


Do we need a (((POW WOW))) for anyone that is struggling to get thru the first 48 hours????

Who has all started so far?

[lavendarJ]

thanks for being so helpful misslinda.... i had no idea that it the master cleanse was strictly a drink for the 21 day period of fasting..

[divaitalia]

What a great way to start the new year!!!!! I am on a 5 day water fast just to jump start my raw food diet again. I love the master cleanse but can't stand the taste of the combination for more than one day. More power to you!!!

Have a great year and you go,

Toni

[Purl]

I started a new thread for this-did anyone see it? Yesterday was really easy for me. The last 2 times I fasted I did with the wrong attitude. I was like "Waaahh! I can't eat! This is so hard." but this time I feel really upbeat about cleaning out my system, and (for me) getting closer to God. I feel really excited about breaking down the stronghold of cooked foods and replacing it with good healthy eating habits.Anyway-I'm tracking this in my journal, but I thought I'd put it here too-my weight, as of yesterday is 168. I'm not getting in the scale til Sunday and then I'll weigh myself every Sunday.

[Rawling]

las tnight was difficult. walking through my mothers kitchen seeing brownies snickers and buttercreme icing cake...and working at a restauraunt seeing my favorite dishes. last night was a close call. the only thing i didnt make it with yesterday was smoking I had 1 and about 1/2 so im hoping today ill be without. yesterday was mostly lemon water and 1 tea bag of yogitea called detox. i also got bedtime because the last 10 day fast i did it was hell to get to sleep. the last 2 or 3 days ive been waking up very early anyways. ill go ot sleep between 9 and 10ish and wake 6:30-7:30.

[Purl]

rawling-I use that same tea and another by the same brand called "Fasting Tea"-I don't know how, but it sure seems to take hunger/the urge to eat away.

[Rawling]

purl- how long after consuming the tea does your hunger fade? I drank one tea bag of detox yesterday around 11. I wasnt too hungry until that night...now this morning im not very hungry. does the bedtime tea work for you? The one tihng that always puts me to bed is smoking a joint (from past experiences) but since im fasting to detox I dont want to smoke and work against my fast. Ive read on some sites that any drug is highly advised to do w/o

[Purl]

I find that if I drink the fasting tea between meals I almost forget to make my next batch of juice. As far as bedtime tea-never tried it. Are you getting enough excerise, sunshine, water and fresh air during the day? Do you watch TV at night? That causes me to toss and turn. If I read instead I sleep much better and fall asleep faster. One of my New Year's resolutions is to make sure I go outside for at least 1 hour everyday. No matter what the weather is.

[misslinda]

LavndarJ: hey you're more than welcome. ;) the reason it is so popular is b/c the lemon concoction (sp) is a very popwerful anti bac, anti fungal, astingent, tissue rebuiding, mucous removing, cleansing to kidney,liver and alkalzing...............I did it for 5 hours a year ago and I hope one day I can do it. There have been some great testimonials here about people's experiences with MC. ;)

Divaitalia: Wowsers to you on day 5!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! ;)

Purl: Same here. I had to change the way I looked at fasting and be exicted for what I WILL accomplish vs what I can't have. ;)

Rawling: ^5 to you :cool: for not ccaving in to "EVIL." this will be somgreat inspiration to revert back to.


HAVE ANOTHER STRONG DAY FASTING BUDDIES OR SHOULD I SAY BABES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! ;)

[lavendarJ]

Today is day 1 of the cleanse, and the day is already half over (1:32pm). I haven't had any major issues and its probably due to the fact that I was extremely busy and distracted. I am thinking of doing 7 days, then finishing off the fruit that I have (cause I'm worried about it going bad ) and doing another 7 days or I might just do the whole thing through and give the fruit away, I have tons of oranges and grapefruits.

Thanks for all the great tips, I can't believe I found this site

[misslinda]

LavendarJ: You are gemini twin??? your comment journal reads "Gemini Twin." I ask b/c I am a gemini twin. :)

Livenraw?????????? Where are you spokane buddy? :D

[lavendarJ]

Yes I am a gemini twin and I hope that I can inspire my twin brother to change his eating habits. He thinks of me as his younger sister when he is only 3 minutes older.I am addicted to this site. I feel sort of bad for being on the computer so long today. I am really happy - and I know I keep saying that - I am so happy to have found this site. This site is going to be so supportive for me. I was just being polite when I let him come through first - lol. I haven't even told my family cause they already think I am the "weird one" in the family. I was just playing around with those pictures earlier and as soon as I find a picture I am going to put it on here....still trying to figure out how to do the journaling.....

[Purl]

(pssst-I have 8 yo twins! LOL!)

[SparklePlenty]

Today is Wednesday, January 4 and the first day of my 28 day Master Cleanser. I am happy to be doing it, glad I waited til that was true. I am so ready to embrace the energy and experience of the MC. As I've mentioned I did 21 days at the end of 2004 and had a fantastic experience and results, but then went right back to SAD. This time I am prepared, mentally for the transition.

I found two interesting tips on curezone.com's MC forum. A woman there named Somer is very knowledgable and she suggested:

1. rather than trying to chug a qt of warm salt water for the salt water flush (I could barely gag down two cups myself) make one cup of salt water with the recommended amount of salt, and have 3 cups of fresh pure water waiting to chase it with. This way you get all the water and all the salt in a much more palatable way.

2. Instead of the salt water flush every morning you can either, do an herbal laxative tea, like Smooth Move am and pm, OR you can do a morning enema with warm water.

It's good to have options.

Gonna go drink some water now. :))

Jan

www.EveryDayJoy.com

[Purl]

just got my MC book today-haven't had time to read it yet-what is the recommended amt of time for the MC? thanks

[misslinda]

Yes I am a gemini twin and I hope that I can inspire my twin brother to change his eating habits. I haven't even told my family cause they already think I am the "weird one" in the family....still trying to figure out how to do the journaling.....


AH me too. I'm considered the "weird" one as well. My mother always calls my accupuncturits who is a friend of our family and tries to sway her into telling me to eat meat etc. they think I'm a paranoid freak about food :mad: that's so cool--another gemini twin!!! when is your b-day?

Saprklepletny: Great to see and hear from you about your MC endeavors!!!!! looking forward to the coated tongue.

Purl: are you boys identical or fraternal?

[jax]

Thanks for the MC tips. Especially the easier way to get down the Salt water! Today was day 1 for me and I am so excited that I made it through! Now I am more confident that I can do this for another day! I am going to approach it the way I did sobriety in the beginning, "One day at a time". Good luck to everyone! :)

Jax

[misslinda]

Jax babe, best wishes with MC that's a powerful cleansing fast. Ya know, I'm getting the sense you and I may have alot in common........well have to exchange stories one of these days. :)

[Purl]

identical.

[Rawling]

im gemini june 20th almost cancer im on the cusp

[livenraw]

I wasn't sure where to post this - here or on the other thread so I guess I'll post it on both until someone tells me otherwise. Today is day 2, and neither day 1 nor 2 has been difficult. They have been really easy. I exercised for 75 minutes the first day (leisurely walks) and weight trained for 40 minutes and leisurely walked for 15 minutes yesterday. No need for herbal laxative teas nor the salt water flush. I have had major elimination both days without the use of either one of them. I was just a little on the tired side last night but went to bed at 7 pm and got up at 6:30 this morning, feeling refreshed, alive and rejuvenated! All is well! I have had no major hunger pangs. Usually, by the 3rd day, the hunger is pretty much gone and all that is left are cravings. The funny thing? I was starting to crave a green smoothie yesterday (better than craving cakes, cookies, pies, etc) and am really looking forward to finally introducing them into my lifestyle at the end of the fast. I am down 6 lbs in 2 days, too (which really took me by surprise) My dh & I talked last night and came to the conclusion that if he thought I was starting to get waaaay too thin, then it would be time to stop the fast and start eating healthy, but I really believe I'll go the full 21 days as I know you don't always experience a loss every day of a fast, plus it's not really the weight that matters (though it is fun watching the scale go down) but more, it's the excess I have that I know will go away with proper nutrition and exercises. I don't expect it to go away within 21 days, though, either. I know it might take a year of healthy eating along with fasting and exercising to really get the excess gone. Well, good luck to all! Usually, my 3rd day is difficult, but I declared this fast would not be difficult at all, and it hasn't been! And it wont' be!

[misslinda]

My 2 cents

I don't want to cause any CHAOS but I think since thread was already created for a 21 day juice fast, I think we ought to keep it simple and continue this one. Otherwise it's getting confusing for some. Having to TWO "21 day juice fasts" threads is confusing some people.

Whatcha gals think? :)

[sorpresa]

Hey all, count me in too. I am going to start a juice fast on the 9th only because that is when my fruit come's.I need a good start ,been raw for the past couple days and I need some thing to stop these cooked food cravings, and juicing always helps :p


:)

[Rawling]

well there was another thread made by purl for the juice fast. who all here aside from me is doing a 21 day water fast?

[misslinda]

I hope I am not stepping on toes--I just wanted to alleviate some of the confusion since there are two 21 day juice fast threads. so far noone has responded except Rawling who is water fasting.

Rawling, if a new thread for water fasters would be better for you than feel more than welcome to do that--I know for myself, I will work into a water fast so if you start that thread, I will venture over that way after I 'm done with my juice fast :)

[Purl]

I just thought it would be easier to start a new thread since this one was already 2 pages before we even started. I can edit my thread. no prob bob. :D

[misslinda]

Hey Purl,

I initiated this concern b/c I noticed Livenraw posted the exact same long post in both threads :D :p so I figured before things get more confusing it would be a good idea to bring it up.

that would be cool, since we're all here gabbing already, let's continue in here?

gracias,
ml :)

[Rawling]

I was wondering everyones opinion on this... if water fasting for 21 days would it be a good idea to have some juice every few days to help move the toxins out and then restart the water fast again? Or do you think the juice would just start the hunger again?

[misslinda]

Rawling, I've read the opposite for my fasting. They suggest juice fasting and then into water fast or water fast period.

Most of the water fasting websites says that water fasting does not use your body's reserves like juice fasting does. Preferrably if you are at pretty good health, they suggested to do a water fast ----very intense.

The only concern I have with juicing is that I cannot get all the pulp and foam out----the digestive system has to be shut down but with even little foam or pulp, it can hinder the body and I think in some ways-think it's starving. I'm really thinking of doing a 14 day juice and ween into a water fast for 7 days.

I don't think it's a good idea to go back and forth (if you mean so many days of juicing and then so many days of water) as water fasting is very intense and the process may be slowed or prevented. I am not an expert so take my adivce with a grain of salt. If anything, increasing the desire for water by your body's desire for it, is a good sign. However, if you mean jucing/water interchangably within the day, that would be more ideal. You can even dillute juices as some sites suggest. :)


\anyone with more experience>?

[Purl]

no exp-just wanted to say-I drank the MC salt water flush and I feel terrible. I feel cold and shakey and clumsy and hour after drinking it. I feel kinda like when you have the stomach flu for a while and you get all shakey. Low blood sugar? detox? Is it even plausible that this is detox-I mean I just drank the salt water an hour ago? Anyone understand the physiology of the salt water flush? I feel terrible! :(

[Purl]

ooops sorry.

[mrobinbird]

My 2 cents

I don't want to cause any CHAOS but I think since thread was already created for a 21 day juice fast, I think we ought to keep it simple and continue this one. Otherwise it's getting confusing for some. Having to TWO "21 day juice fasts" threads is confusing some people.

Whatcha gals think? :)


I happen to think this thread is confusing :o because there is so much banter going on. It'd be nice to just stay focused on the fasting journey, whatever fast a person chooses to do.... This thread also states "Fasting for 21 days straight Jan 3 if anyone wants to join me", which is confusing for newbies. No offense, just my input.... :)

[Rawling]

on my water fast each night that passes it is harder to fall asleep and i wake up atleast 2 or more times in the early morning. Its starting to drive me crazy....Is there ANYTHING to do to deal with this or help prevent it?

[buzz134]

i just did a 7 day fast and had to cut it short, but i want to do another one after i have surgery and then i want to go 100% raw after that too. what a great idea. we should keep in touch with the progress.

[buzz134]

have you tried drinking hot water? when i did my fast i felt it helped me sleep.

[buzz134]

I was wondering everyones opinion on this... if water fasting for 21 days would it be a good idea to have some juice every few days to help move the toxins out and then restart the water fast again? Or do you think the juice would just start the hunger again?

if you are doing a strictly water fast you shouldnt drink juice at all because then you are still digesting, the point of a water fast is to stop all digestion completely to give your organs a break. if you are having trouble doing the water fast, you should do a juice fast only first and then try water again. also, what type of water are you drinking? i recommend reading dr. furhman's book, eating and fasting for health. his website is: www.drfurhman.com you can post questions to him and he'll answer them

[misslinda]

I happen to think this thread is confusing :o because there is so much banter going on. It'd be nice to just stay focused on the fasting journey, whatever fast a person chooses to do.... This thread also states "Fasting for 21 days straight Jan 3 if anyone wants to join me", which is confusing for newbies. No offense, just my input.... :)



Hey michelle, no offense at all--if anything I appreciate your input. By all means, if it is more hepful for you posting the other thread, don't think you can't. I'm not sure what you mean by banter as I went back and reread the thread but often times, when a thread gets busy, it's not unusual to feel like there is alot of "banter" going on--you'll notice alot of threads get busy. M:)

Purl, I know what your talking about. Whenver I drink the salt water, I feel weak and I stumble and feel like I have not mental/physical control. The salt flush is pulling toxins from the intestines,and tissue down into the colon. It's an intense process for the body. Are you doing flush every morning? What kind of salt are ou using?

Welcome Sorpresa !!!

Rawling, what day are you on? what time of the nite are you getting restless? I've read that the hours between 1-3 am is when the liver,kidneys are working at their hardest to cleanse etc.......

Buzz, thanks for the fasting site info

[Purl]

Today is the first salt flush. Am I supposed to do it everyday of the MC-seems powerful enough to just do it 1-3 times a week for the next few weeks. I'm scared of it! LOL! I'm lovin' the lemonade tho! ETA: I'm using sea salt

[Rawling]

today is day 4. I go to bed between 8 and 10. i usually could easily go to bed but last night was hell. last night i woke up at 1 went to sleep and woke at 3 (funny you mention between 1 and 3) so i stayed up for 45 minutes and went back to sleep then i think i got up between 6 and 7 for good. i dont mind waking up if i can easily get back to sleep but thats not always the case. on night 3 i drank yogitea 'bedtime' hoping it would keep me from waking. i wasnt yet having problem initially getting to sleep but i believe i did wake too early like 5ish.

ive done a 10 day water fast before and day 8 or so was miserable. i liked the idea of healing and getting better and being able to eat raw again but the insomnia part is quite annoying at times. especially since i dont have anything to do. i was going to go to the library so i could just read but i was called in to work which is where i need to go now. bye guys and thanks for your support opinions and ideas.

[Purl]

I feel really bloated from the salt water-is that normal? This morning my pants were loose, now they are tight. :mad:

[Mom of 3]

I'm in on the juice fast for 14 days. I did about a 10 day fast in November and a lot of the chronic fatigue symptoms disappeared. Started Jan. 4. I'm not doing the master cleanse, but will do daily enemas. That worked well last time. I'm also taking some herbal things with it this time.

[Mom of 3]

Rawling,
From what I understand, the liver does its detoxing between 1 and 3 a.m.
The second night of my juice fast I didn't sleep well. I expect that the 3rd night will be the same. Later I will sleep better because I've done this before and the same thing is happening. The detox symptoms can be scarry. It seems easier heading into this the 2nd time since I'm familiar with a lot of what will probably happen. :)

[misslinda]

Purl: The MC book suggest everymorning b/c the body is detoxifying every nite and makes its way to the colon to be expelled. the book also suggests modifying the salt/water raito to your liking. But most importantly, you can try skipping a day of flush and see how your body repsonds to all the toxins moving towards thte colon. For me, I can feel the symptoms before they arise so I tend to flush every morning when I juice............I may even try to do every other day but for now, I have been doing it every morning.........I notice that 1/2 hr after drinking , it helps to move around. for some reason, I notice that sitting still or lying down slows the flush process for me. Some people find that they need to increase the salt content---depends on each person. As far as sea salt, the "white" sea salt you get at health food markets, I've been told by members here and health food stores--are bleached and processed. You'll hear some of us mention grey celtic sea salt thatis not bleached, harvested by hand and in its natural state. BTW, yes, bloating in normal, sometimes it can be all the mucous,toxns and yuck racing to get out OR increase the salt/water ratio---I'm thinking IMO, since its early on in the MC for you, dont' increase salt and wait a few more days--but the bloating WILL go away.

here is a link to a brand I use and like

http://www.2-life.com/cssform.htm


Rawling-- I'm impressed by your water fast--fascinating! LOL.....yeah that inability to not be able to sleep is one of the most aggrivating feelings........do you have some relaxation music that induces delta sleep----get you more relaxed while indulging in your toxin release? "Solitudes" does awesome relaxation cd's.

Mom of 3: What herbal things will you be using this tiem around? I'm fighting chronic fatigue but it's at a level I can get a away with it time to time but this time ITS TIME TO GET RID OF IT FOR GOOD.


HOPE YOU ALL HAVE A PEACEFUL NITE WITH MUCH ENJOYMENT TO YOUR BODIES RELEASE OF TOXINS SO THAT YOU MAY BE CLOSER TO YOU HEALING.

;)

[Rawling]

maybe i will try the music since i have 17 days left of this. i was pretty much raw the 2 days before i began the fast. the first raw day i had 2 bms the 2nd raw i had one. i tihnk the 1st or 2nd fast day i had a very small one and none since then. a month or more ago i bought 2 2-pack fleet enemas cuz i wanted to do a fast so im thinking if i dont have a bm by tomorrow night ill use one. do you think i should go ahead and use it tomorrow night or just wait until the following morning? i dont like doing enemas necessarily every day but when theres no bms for 3 or 4ish days then its about time. especially since on raw its usually every day easy flow.

Im so excited about this fast...wow 21 days. like i said before all ive done was 10 days but shortly after that i went bad and started binging again and was sooooooooooooooooooo depressed. for like the first time in my life i was a normal weight for my frame and height. ive always had bad body image since i was like 14 or 15. my face had cleared up cuz ive had bad cystic acne for the past year and some change. ever since i started binging again though id attempt raw over and over knowing that eventually id get back on it. it took getting to the point where i was so unhappy with everything i just wanted to die. i wouldnt have killed myself but just the hopeful though that an outside force would help. other things made me more depressed to like drinking a 12 pack with some friends and trying to go buy cigarettes and totalled my car. my passengers head put a buble in the windshield. the roads were wet and a was making a slight corner into the parking lot. i wasnt speeding and i had the turn but for some reason a jerked the wheel and slammed on the breaks. anyways enough about this and back to fasting talk.

im curious to know who has done how many of what kind of fasts and for how long each time?

[Purl]

the bloating went away by this morning. I am drinking my salt water now, but I skipped the Smooth Move tea last night. Too intense yesterday. I look so tiny! LOL! Not really-I started out weighing 168 but I bet i weigh about 163 or so already! I made a promise to get on the scale only on Sundays to monitor my progress. If I don't limit myself I will get on the scale 5 times a day! :eek: Besides-I'm not doing this for weightloss, that's just the nice bonus. :D
Yesterday was really tough. I wrote about it in my journal. Basically I jsut wanted to have food again. But it was purely mental, not a phyisical need at all. I just felt like a yummy hummus sandwich piled sky-high with sprouts and tomatoes....I was able to drink 6 servings of the MC. Thanks to a suggestion I read here-someone put it in a thermos to keep it warm, so much more palatable! I think today I will vary it with limes and see how that tastes. All in all I am very pleased with my progress.

[misslinda]

Rawling: Are you using the solution that is in the FLeet enema? Are you not using a home natural remedy like lemon juice or coffee? Me too, I'm so excited about this fast to get all the old out and start with the new. I hear you about the whole body image thing :o You're doing awesome and can't wait til the 21st day when we can all celebrate!!! to answer your quesiton, i've done a 12 day juice fast --a month ago

Purl: EEK! doesn't the smooth move tea have senna leaf? If it's the tea I'm thinking of, awhile back, some of us ladies felt rapid heart beat and sick taking it. One of the members here that works for a digestive clinic--opposed to using it. You're dowing awesome as well--congrats on the weight loss...I had to promise myself no weighing until the end!

[Rawling]

I am using fleet. is that bad because its not raw? it has saline and stuff in it.

[lavendarJ]

Rawling.... I wouldn't worry about the enema so much, in my opinion because you are fasting and cleansing your system out and the enema solution will come right out (it should).... as someone who has suffered with chronic constipation i will say the highest priority is being able to eliminate and not have food sitting in your system rotting and producing more toxins. I bought an enema kit last night because I knew I wasn't gonna have enough time to do it naturally (my uncle had a stroke and I was helping my mom and dad get the house ready last night for family coming in from out of town) ... when you are able to, you can buy yourself a natural enema kit and make your own solution.... there are all kinds to choose from. Here is a method:

From the book, Sacred Woman: A guide to healing the feminine body, mind, and spirit by Queen Afua

You simply add 1 oil and 1 astringent from the following suggestions:
Oils
1/4 cup castor oil
1/4 cup cold pressed olive oil

Astringents
juice of a lemon
juice of a lime
12 drops of Liquid Kyolic
1/4 tsp of goldenseal powder
2 tbsp. of aloe vera gel directly from the plant (first mash pulp until it becomes a liquid)
So you simply add 1 oil and 1 astringent from the choices above and put them in your enema bag with distilled water and well, you know what happens next :)

Also queen afua has a website where she sells her products www.queenafuaonline.com I credit her with my desire to follow a path of liberation and purification of my body several years ago.

I also believe in colon irrigation on a seasonal basis. I have found a place that I really like and have will go there for my spring cleanse. For those of us who were born as raw foodist, we have tons of food that failed to pass through the colon and is just sitting around there hardened and rotten. These methods worked for me.. I hope this helps you some, I know what it is like to be constipated and it is no fun at all and even when it is a result of detoxing, it is important to get the waste out and so I think you did the right thing by using the enema. Make sure you are drinking enough water because a lot of times the waste is hard or sticky and just has trouble making its exit ... oh yeah, you know what else works for constipation if you are able to do it, abdominal massage....my best friend is a massage therapist and one day after being in pain, and bloated and tired I broke down and swallowed my pride and let him do an abdominal massage for constipation. It really did work I felt the shifting of the matter and was in the bathroom 20 minutes later..... I been yapping so much that I don't know if I told you or not in the beginning but I had to break down and buy a fleet enema because everything was chaotic from my uncle's stroke yesterday, it worked.... it wasn't my preferred method but I didn't want that stuff siting there ( It felt let a big rock on the left side of my lower abs) another day. I had a ton of bowel movements on day 2 but then nothing else. I have lost some weight though and I can't believe it, according to my scale I have lost 10 pounds on the MC and today is only day 5. I didn't want to believe it, and went out and bought new batteries just in case and testing the scale four times, the scale said the same thing.....That was just the motivation I needed to keep on keeping on.... I hope these suggestions help you... the natural enemas worked for me

[lavendarJ]

Correction for the last paragraph, 2nd sentence.... I meant for those of of who were not born into raw foodism..... sorry :o

[Purl]

Okay-day 6. *barely* had any MC lemonade yesterday. Not much water. Feeling pretty blue today. Don't know how I'm gonna make it another 24 days. :( Well, yes I do-prayer-but I just cannot imagine. I got on the scale this morning and I've lost 6 lbs. Somehow, even that's not motivation to day. I don't really feel any detox symptoms, so I feel kinda in a rut already! Went to dbed late last night, and maybe I'm a little dehydrated, but we have church 2x today so drinking lots of water is out :o . Anyway that's my progress so far. As in the immoratal words of Arnold Lobel's Toad... "Blah."

[Mom of 3]

Misslinda,
I'm taking something for Candida Yeast, Intestinal parasites and another product that helps clean up your system internally. I can get you more info if you want. From what I've read about CF, we could be dealing with all sorts of things that cause CF. I was tested for food allergies (actually it was for sensitivity, but when the body is sensitive, it doesn't feel good) and found out I have Candida yeast overgrowth in my system. So I'm trying to hit a multitude of problems while my bowels are being given a rest during the fast. My last fast was only 10 days, and this one is for 14. Hope it's OK that I'm on here even if mine is a shorter fast than 21 days. That will be my next fast goal so I'm learning a lot from you all while I'm on mine. I don't know how to do the journal thing yet, so here's the spot where I'm journalling. It has a pyramid for a picture because if I waited to figure out how to download one of my own, I would never have gotten this all done! My goal is not weight loss since I'm at a good weight now. In fact, I get scrawny looking by the end of the fast.
http://www.rawfoodtalk.com/photopost/showphoto.php?photo=2307

[Mom of 3]

Hang in there! This too shall pass. I've been frustrated when I don't feel anything going on, and then upset when the toxin removal kicks in gear and I feel yucky! Enjoy this day as a relief from symptoms. You never know what is going on inside that your body is cleaning out. I did the math and figured that I am 1/4 th of the way through my short fast. If you are on day 6 and are going for 30 days, then you are 1/5th or 20% of the way through! Sound better? :)

[Purl]

Yes that sounds a little better. Thanks. ;)

[lavendarJ]

I am on day 5 of the MC fast. I have to keep reminding myself to drink something. I am used to drinking a gallon of water of day and I have not been. I dont want to fool around and get dehydrated. Other than that, I thank God for feeling as well as I do ...the only thing I noticed is at times, a rapid heart beat or fluttering at night. Today is day 5. I don't know how but somehow I have lost 10 pounds. That number has motivated me and I hope to continue through the 21st day or even the rest of the month. I am going to re-evaluate every 7 days-as long as I believe that my body has enough energy to workout and do other daily things (work, errands, etc.) then I am going for it. For me, the amazing thing about fasting is how fine tuned the power of the mind becomes when it is given the proper amount of focus and concentration. I just pray and ask God to give the endurance and keep me healthy.

[star_fruit]

here is a link to a brand I use and like

http://www.2-life.com/cssform.htm

;)

Misslinda,
Are you using the light grey cooking salt or the fine ground table salt?

[Purl]

WAAAH! I screwed up! I ate a couple handfuls of popcorn and 4 macadamias. I feel like such a dope. :(

[Mom of 3]

It's OK. This is a journey. You stumbled on the road and have gotten back up. How embarrassed do you get when you trip over a cord on the floor? Don't kick yourself anymore than you would for that!

My rash is the only thing really bothering me. It's like excema on the tops of my feet and on my right arm. It seems worse today. I'm wondering since the skin is our largest organ and has a tremendous ability to do major detoxing if this is a detox thing. Hope so!
This is day 5 for me. I don't seem to be thinking of food all the time and what I'll juice next like last time I did a fast. The days are going faster that last time, too. Can't read a raw recipe book though or that would really throw me!

[Rawling]

speaking of grey salt...at the HFS they had packaged sea salt...white rocky kind and fine grey kind...it being grey makes me nervous...another HFS out of town had the white fine sea salt in a container like the nuts are in. so whats up with the grey?

[misslinda]

Morning gals,


Purl you're doing great don't let a tiny slip get to you ---pick up where you left off and don't look back............ :)

I"m using the Lite grey salt NOT the finally ground b/c it's more expensive. and then again, I don't use it other than fasting flushes.

rawling, from what I understand and have read, the regular generic white sea salt that you see at the HFS or perhaps ones with a lable go thru some type of bleaching process or process period.

FOr example the Cletic Sea SAlt that I use has not been processed--hand harvested in the sun--maintaina all it's vital minerals. That's why other salts deydrate us.

I've been trying to find a thread that talked about the different salt-when I find it, I will link it.

:)

[Purl]

Ugggh-I just gorged myself on almond butter and honey, popcorn, and flax chips. I probably ate like 2-3 cups of food!!!I feel like vomiting! My belly hurts. I don't know what the problem is-somethin's not right in my head. Once I started I just couldn't stop! I'm going to drink water for the rest of the day-and start the MC again tomorrow. I'm so diappointed in myself.

[lavendarJ]

Go Purl Go! It's all a process...This is your journey, just learn from your experiences along the way and keep on moving, no one here has you on a schedule or deadline, you define your own destiny

Mom of 3, I just thought I would make a suggestion, I don't know if you use clay or not but you can probably find a good natural red or green clay at your health food store that might help with your skin eruptions; you would just need to apply to the areas (or your whole body is even better for even more detoxing), allow it to dry and then wash/shower, next you would apply aloe vera gel to the skin (pure is better)

[misslinda]

Purl, I'm really sorry you are feeling out of control--fasting is sooooooooo sensitive to the digestive system and I would suggest juicing rather than abruptly again going into another extreme. Work back into the MC after jucing for a few days that way you can feed the cravings,rejuvenate your stomach and go for the deeper intense cleanse like the MC. when I initially did my 12 day juice fat, I started with juicing fruits and veggies. Then my body started crave simpler juices so I incorporated the MC recipe then more water......you will still cleanse,detoxify and heal--OH and lose weight too!

I wish I had that site I looked up, talked about the sensitivity and weaknesses that are caused by "fasting" mishaps. It's not as easy and going on a fast and keep stating over everytime........the lining,acids,timing,colon and blood flow etc are all affected. The stomach as I believe, is the center of all health.

Don't worry you are not back at square one!!! You're facing one of the biggest CHALLENGES of fasting---YOU CAN DO IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

HEY, EVERYONE THROW A CYBER HUG TO PURL....... :) ;) :)

[misslinda]

My fellow fasting buddies. Here is a great site on breaking a fast and how sensitive the stomach is--I would encourage all of us to really take our fast as precisely as we can b/c we don't want to see anyone get sick from breaking their fast incorrectly. Here is an exerpt and the link is below.




EXERPT:


Breaking the Fast

Breaking an extended fast can be difficult. You will quickly discover that breaking the fast is harder than fasting. A slumbering digestive system is sensitive, and although you might want to try every food on the planet, you cannot because your system needs time to get back to speed. The longer the fast the more time is needed for breaking the fast. Water fasting demands the longest time to break. The longer the fast the more difficult it is to break correctly. Here is an email to show just how bad it can be.

When it came down to actually breaking my fast, I had no idea how difficult it would be. The moment I put anything inside my body, I lost that natural euphoric high I'd had during the fast, and that feeling of losing control caused me to overeat until I was sick. I ate like a pig and even smoked! I was sure I would never have the desire to smoke again. I'm also feeling a bit ill. I feel like I felt before fasting: tired, frustrated, bloated and achy. Everything looks messy and out of control right now. I feel like I want to cry all the time. I don't understand it! I had such discipline during the fast! What happened? Do you have any insights for me? Thank you for being there!! Love, Mia

If you are a compulsive eater, breaking a fast can be exceedingly difficult. During the fast, you are free from the bondage of food, but as soon as you eat, the battle engulfs you at full intensity. There is a nervous anxiety about eating. Part of you wants to enjoy the food and part of you is fearful of losing control. Reading the book, Eating In Freedom, during your fast will have prepared you for victory.

There are erroneous beliefs that will destroy your discipline and healthy breaking of the fast. One is that I have deprived myself; now, I get to enjoy food. The other trap is the newness of the experience. Flavors and textures of food will be enhanced by super-clean nasal passages. Eating will be a brand new experience. There is a desire to try every food just to see how it tastes. A bite of this and that leads to a belly full of an indigestible mixture.

If you have dreamed of eating pizza after a fast, the first thing you will eat after breaking the fast will be pizza, because you have programmed your mind for the event. Be careful not to lust after food during a fast.

When you break a fast and start to eat, do not expect that the food will give you energy. Often, it is just the opposite; after fasting, the digestion of food can stir up more toxins. The first few meals move through the intestine like a broom that pushes ahead of it loosening waste from 30 feet of intestine. You can actually go from feeling great to feeling toxic after eating one small salad. Losing that exhilarating feeling and clear-mindedness, experienced on the fast, can be depressing. Don't worry if this happens, it will pass in a few hours. A healthy diet high in raw food, can maintain the benefits of fasting.

Eating small amounts of raw fruits and vegetables for the first five or six days will allow the body to gently wake up the digestive system. Once you have eaten, wait till you feel hungry. Do not eat according to the clock or because you feel you should be eating more. When breaking a fast, overloading the digestive system causes feelings of apathy, depression or sluggishness. However, if you do overeat, the effect can be remedied by fasting until hunger returns, and then continue to break the fast. One of the tricks I have learned on breaking a fast is to pretend I am still fasting but eat the occasional fruit.




http://www.healthrecipes.com/fast26.htm

[misslinda]

Some inspiring info on fasting detox and what rewards we will engage in--from the same site as above.

Detoxification Stages

A single cell within the human body is more complex than the most modern supercomputer. The process of removing a hundred thousand antigens, each with unique molecular properties, from trillions of functioning cells is indeed a complex process. Imagine three trillion cells being repaired during the function of countless biochemical processes needed for life. Even the best mechanics have to turn off the engine. Yet, the body has millions of micro mechanics that do this with ease.

One of the body’s automatic maintenance processes is the destruction of foreign microorganisms. When looking through a dark-field microscope, countless parasites are clearly visible. I observed parasites living inside blood cells. Several could be seen eating cholesterol, and I was amazed to see one swim. Watching lymphocytes moving in the blood was like a science-fiction movie. These complex, lymphocyte organisms attached themselves and engulfed toxins. As they did, their colorations flowed into fascinating patterns leaving me with a sense of wonder and respect for the miraculous ability and infinite complexity of the human body.

Detoxification Stages

Here is an overview of the detoxification stages during a juice fast. The time periods are a general estimation.

Stage 1 (Day 1 To Day 2)
On the first day of fasting, the blood sugar level drops below 70 mg/dl. To restore the blood to the normal glucose level, liver glycogen is converted to glucose and released into the blood. This reserve is enough for half a day. The body then reduces the basal metabolic rate (BMR). The rate of internal chemical activity in resting tissue is lowered to conserve energy. The heart slows and blood pressure is reduced. Glycogen is pulled from the muscle causing some weakness. The first wave of cleansing is usually the worst.

Headaches, dizziness, nausea, bad breath, glazed eyes and a heavily coated tongue are signs of the first stage of cleansing. Hunger can be the most intense in this period unless the enema is used which quickly assists the body into the fasting state by ending digestion in the colon.

Stage 2 (Day 3 To Day 7)
Fats, composed of transformed fatty acids, are broken down to release glycerol from the gliceride molecules and are converted to glucose. The skin may become oily as rancid oils are purged from the body. People with problem-free skin may have a few days of pimples or even a boil. A pallid complexion is also a sign of waste in the blood. Ketones are formed by the incomplete oxidation of fats. It is suspected that the ketones in the blood suppress the appetite by affecting the food-satiety center in the hypothalamus. You may feel hungry for the first few days of the fast. This effect is temporary. The desire to eat will disappear. Lack of hunger may last 40 to 60 days, depending on whether you are on water or juice.

The body embraces the fast and the digestive system is able to take a much-needed rest, focusing all of its energies on cleansing and healing. White blood cell and immune system activity increases. You may feel pain in your lungs. The cleansing organs and the lungs are in the process of being repaired. Periodically, the lymphatic system expels mucoid matter through the nose or throat. The volume excreted of this yellow-colored mucus can be shocking. The sinuses go through periods of being clogged, then will totally clear. The breath is still foul and the tongue coated. Within the intestine, the colon is being repaired and impacted feces on the intestinal wall start to loosen.

Stage 3 (Day 8 to Day 15)
On the latter part of an extended fast, you can experience enhanced energy, clear-mindedness and feel better than you have felt since childhood. On the downside, old injuries may become irritated and painful. This is a result of the body's increased ability to heal during fasting. If you had broken your arm 10 years before, there is scar tissue around the break. At the time of the break, the body's ability to heal was directly related to lifestyle. If you lived on a junk-food diet, the body's natural healing ability was compromised.

During fasting, the body's healing process is at optimum efficiency. As the body scours for dead or damaged tissue, the lymphocytes enter the older, damaged tissue secreting substances to dissolve the damaged cells. These substances irritate the nerves in the surrounding region and cause a reoccurrence of aches from previously injured areas that may have disappeared years earlier. The pain is good as the body is completing the healing process. The muscles may become tight and sore due to toxin irritation. The legs can be the worst affected, as toxins accumulate in the legs. Cankers are common in this stage due to the excessive bacteria in the mouth. Daily gargling with salt and water will prevent or heal cankers.

Stage 4 (Day 16 to Day 30)
The body is completely adapted to the fasting process. There is more energy and clarity of mind. Cleansing periods can be short with many days of feeling good in between. There are days when the tongue is pink and the breath is fresh. The healing work of the organs is being completed. After the detoxification mechanisms have removed the causative agent or render it harmless, the body works at maximum capacity in tissue proliferation to replace damaged tissue. While a short fast will reduce the symptoms, a longer fast can completely heal. Homeostatic balance is at optimum levels. The lymphatic system is clean except for a rare discharge of mucus through the nose or throat. After day 20, the mind is affected. Heightened clarity and emotional balance are felt at this time. Memory and concentration improve.

Stage 5 (Breaking the Fast)
The sticky, toxic, mucoid coating on the intestinal wall is loose, and the first meal frees it from the intestinal wall. Toxins enter the blood through the colon. The gallbladder dumps its waste in a heavy discharge of bile. This can cause an instant bowel movement upon eating followed by intense diarrhea. If the symptoms are too uncomfortable, an enema will help.

[Mom of 3]

You learn by your experience! I won't even taste the food my family is going to eat because it must trigger the brain somehow to EAT!!!! YOu go girl :) :p :)

[Mom of 3]

Thanks for the help. I'm really itching today. Some of the rash has dried up and some has moved out further. The clay sounds so cooling.
Here's my journal site:
http://www.rawfoodtalk.com/photopost/showphoto.php?photo=2307

[lavendarJ]

Today is Day 7... I do have some concerns. I've been doing the MC. Though I am not always able to drink the lemon formula every 2 hours as suggested. In fact it is 10:06 p.m. and I've only had 2 MC drinks today. I try to make sure I am drinking water. I need some input from everyone?

1. My energy level is running I bit low. I have 3 volunteeer jobs that are time demanding but I truly love them (hospice volunteer, project read volunteer, and volunteer grant writer). As of yet, I don't have any side effects that I know of, just energy level has shifted which I know is to be expected when cleansing. What can I do to increase the energy and maintain the MC...

2. Has anyone else ever adjusted their MC, what I mean is has anyone ever did it but added maybe fruit in the morning? I really don't want to do it. I was at one of my hospice client's house earlier today - her husband died at the age of 91, they had been married for 64 years...Oooops, Sorry, jumped off the subject...When I was at their house, they offered me coffee which I don't drink, and then came the offe of tea, I accepted the tea and made a cup but didn't drink it, just pretended I was and then poored it out when everyone went into another room....it's like I really don't want to stray away from the MC one bit...so I don't know? Has anyone else altered the MC? I am concerned about what would happen?

3. Next issue....As I said earlier, I don't have any major symptons. I just wonder why I haven't had any bowel movements since Day 2 (this is Day 7). This concerns me because I have a problem with chronic constipation and I really was hope for some major movements. I am drinking 1/2 gallon to 1 gallon of water just to make sure I don't get dehydrated....any thoughts?

Hope I am not being too wordy.

[misslinda]

IMO, like any other fasting, the digestive sytem is totally shut down and their is not bullk to assist the colon in expelling. that is why the salt flush is suggested to rid the waste. dependingn on your personal perference, some people prefer not to use any "eliminiator" like a flush or the like.

i have the done the opposite myself where I have been juice fasting and started to incorporate the MC recipe into it. the MC is a fasting "program" based on Stanley burroughs it is alot more "stringent" doesn't have varying nutrients like a juice fast with many fruits and veggies for options---is that neccessarily a bad thing? I dont' think so but it will lessen the dynamic or intesity of the MC. have you considered preparing a batch in advance in taking it with you?

the lemon in the MC is a powerful liver/kidney detoxifier, tissues rebuilder,astringetn,anti bac,anti fungal,vita mins and minerals,alkalizing etc so i'd imagine if drinking this as suggested, you will have results--my 5 hours alone doing this months ago, was INCREDIBLY powerful in detox.

Evergy levels vary in fasting so it won't be uncommon for you to experience tiredness off and on. is your job physcially demanding?

i posted above some info on fasting so hopefully that can help you decide.

what are you concerned about if you include a juice while doing the MC???

[lavendarJ]

I was just thinking about adding a fruit juice (like the juice of a grapefruit or an orange )first thing in the morning and then the MC the rest of the day...thinking this will help me with energy

[Mom of 3]

Thanks for that great info on what happens during the fast. Sure can take a lot of fear out of it! I'm on day 7. HURRAY!!!! After reading the info I'm thinking of going to at least day 15 this time around.
My big goals for this fast are to clear my foggy head (candida yeast overgrowth?) and get rid of this bad breath which I've had for years and I think is from a toxic body or the yeast or something. Any suggestions?

Purl, How are you doing out there?

[Purl]

Okay-I have to confess I ate again yesterday. I guess I feel really cruddy 'cause God called me to this fast and I screwed up. He and I are gonna have a long talk this morning so I can get back on track. :)

[rawsistah]

Some inspiring info on fasting detox and what rewards we will engage in--from the same site as above.

Detoxification Stages


Stage 5 (Breaking the Fast)
The sticky, toxic, mucoid coating on the intestinal wall is loose, and the first meal frees it from the intestinal wall. Toxins enter the blood through the colon. The gallbladder dumps its waste in a heavy discharge of bile. This can cause an instant bowel movement upon eating followed by intense diarrhea. If the symptoms are too uncomfortable, an enema will help.

What if the gallbladder has been removed? Does the gallbladder have anything to do with removing the toxins from the blood?

peace
rawsista

[misslinda]

LavendarJ: You may have a spike of energy from the grapefruit or orange juice doesn't mean you will have consistent energy but yes it does give you more boost in your sugar level. Have you considred modifying the MC? I think it would be okay to mix the too--changes it but still fasting plus you can sistain more enegry with juices. You're doing AWESOME!!!!!


Mom of 3: One week! Yay--I know when I got a visual for the detox stages, I got real excited and decided no not 21 days, I want to do at least 30 days. You're Rawkin........

Purl: Are you eating "healthy" even though you are off the fasting? Glad to see you posting and not hiding. Wonderful that you are not giving up!

Rawsista: That's an excellent question. I copied and pasted that from a site. My best guess until I can find out late, is that the body compensates the "duties" if an organ is not present---most significntly, being alive without a gallbladder would prove that it is PSSIBLE to function without it--WHY? that I cannot answer right now. I will try to see if i can come across any info to support it. Are you planning on doing a fast? Welcome btw.

Happy Wedsenday to all of you!!! DETOXING OURSELVES FOR OUR LIVE!!!!!!!!!

:) :)

[Purl]

yes-macadamias, almond butter and honey and coconut. That's it. No junk food. But I'm back on track today-breakfast was detox tea and orange, ginger, carrot juice with spirulina added. I need to get to the store-we're outta greens. But I'm going out this afternoon, so I can fix that! LOL! :)

[Mom of 3]

Hang in there!

[rawsistah]

Rawsista: That's an excellent question. I copied and pasted that from a site. My best guess until I can find out late, is that the body compensates the "duties" if an organ is not present---most significntly, being alive without a gallbladder would prove that it is PSSIBLE to function without it--WHY? that I cannot answer right now. I will try to see if i can come across any info to support it. Are you planning on doing a fast? Welcome btw.

Happy Wedsenday to all of you!!! DETOXING OURSELVES FOR OUR LIVE!!!!!!!!!

:) :)

Thank you Misslinda. I don't have any immediate plans to fast but it is something i want to do in the future. I was just curious when i read that about the gallbladder but what you said makes sense. If i can live without it other things must be doing the work in there ;)
peace
rawsista

[misslinda]

Rawsista, here isosmeinfor I came across that describes the function of gallbladder and waht then happens to the digestive process when it is removed.

EXCERPT:

Long-term consequences of removal of your gallbladder are related to the lack of a storage sack for bile acids. Bile is continuously synthesized by the liver. The purpose of the gallbladder is to store this greenish fluid between meals. When you eat, the gallbladder contracts, empting its contents into the small intestine, where the bile mixes with the food. If there is no storage sack (gallbladder), then the bile constantly drips into the intestine, even when no food is present. In this concentrated form, the bile acids are very irritating to the linings of the intestine. In the short term, irritation of the large intestine by bile acids often causes diarrhea - and long-term the irritation can cause colon cancer. This is the reason why cancer of the right side of the colon is more common in people who have had their gallbladders removed

END EXCERPT


I suppose if stomach lining is the key weakness in effect, making sure a health gut lining is primalry the resolution. but then agian, that is somehting we all need to do ---how are you feeling and do you mindme asking what type of symptoms you are experiencing?

[rawsistah]

I will reply in *other* health related room. I wrote up a note and realized i'm hijacking the fasting room! Sorry..
moved here (http://www.rawfoodtalk.com/forum/showthread.php?p=83432#post83432)
peace
rawsista

[misslinda]

hey rawsista,

no worries but i'll come find ya! :)

[Mom of 3]

How's everybody doing? Question for those of you who have done this and then stayed raw for at least the 30 day challenge. What should I expect after this fast and start eating again. Will I have an overwhelming urge to eat cooked food? Last fast was 10 days and I didn't stay 100% raw very long. If I'm prepared with info then it's easier to meet the challenge. Thanks so much for that long piece about toxins and cleansing.

http://www.rawfoodtalk.com/photopost/showphoto.php?photo=2307

I've written more in my journal.

[Rawling]

after my first fast which was only 10 days... i lost alot of weight and was happy about it then shortly after i ate cooked again and started binging. i guess in my head i rationalized it as oh i did a month raw a 10 fast and a week or so raw i can have just one cookie or brownie. Boy i was wrong. be very very careful. i think what it is, is when you end a fast your apetite comes back full swing and then some.

[Purl]

Good to know. I only had about 4 bites of food yesterday and I'm full on today. I feel great, the sun is shining, it's 50 DEGREES!!! :D :D :D , and today is "Happy Heart Day" the 8th aniversary of an expiramental hert surgery that saved my son's life. He weighed only 1 pound 10 ounces at the time of the surgery. They didn't think he'd survive the surgery, and if he did they thought he'd have alot of brain damage or need his legs amputated. Neither happened...so HAPPY HEART DAY EMMET MOON!!!!!

sorry... :o just wamted to post a happy post after all those "blah" posts I've been makin'... :p

[Mom of 3]

Thanks. That was good to know about the appetite.
Here's another question because I'm dealing with this today.
Have you ever (during your fast) stood there staring at someone who just asked you a question and you can't process it very quickly and it's scary? I was trying to answer questions over the phone today and it has started again. What causes that. I know it goes away but I think it was happening at the end of my last shorter fast and when I drank nut milk and added raw oils it went away.

[MangoMommy]

Purl, thats great about your little guy....My son weighed 2 lbs 2 oz when he was born and also had to have a heart surgery...he's also doing great...was in the neonatal intensive care unit for 3 months....know all about the emotional roller-coaster. My daughter is also a preemie. I truly belive if i had adopted a raw lifestyle before having children we would have had a much easier time...

[misslinda]

Hey fasting buddies,

Sarting tomorrow, I am going to be away form the boards to concentrate on intense healing.......i want to continue fasting until I feel healing on the cellular level.--I mean to the point of beyond this phsycial world.

I just realized that I am exposing myself to so much of the computer rays that I need to eliminate from anything hazardous as much as possible.

So far, I laid out a heating mattress on my floor surrounded by candle stick holders,crystals,incense, and dried sage for burning. I removed the striped gold/black valance from my window and put up a white sheer panel curtain for purity. I need to go buy plants for my room for "life." I am cleaning out every cupboard,room and closet of bad memories,vibes or if it is simply artifical. I have even thought of having a particular healing color theme for each of the major organs on each wall---for example, in terms of TCM, green corresponds to liver,east direction so I'm more than likely going to decorate the east wall with green paper and fake leaves. I just think it would make the fasting experience alot more alive.

I figure I may never get this chance so I want to make the best of it.........((((now)))) not tomorrow.

So starting tomorrow I will be gone and return when that "light" shines the way. ;)

[Rawling]

i read somewhere that while water fasting to atleast consume 2 qts daily. well it seems as i get farther into the fast the less water i want to drink. this worries me. ill urinate 1-3 times daily. is this ok? should i make myself drink a little more water? also i dont want to do enemas daily. so what would the max # of days be between them? and how many days fasting until your into the cellular healing level?

[misslinda]

i dont' remember exactly rawling but on pagge 4 of this thread, I copied and pasted with link the outline of detox stages.

hmmm, i drink in between juices and if i don't , I feel dried and deyhdrated. by the 10th day, my body was screaming just water.

there is no rule of thumb about how many days to do enemas.......so people don't do any.....some people do every morning.......best to do it yourself and determine what is suitable --what feels right.

[Purl]

guess I'll be water fasting...I BROKE MY JUICER YESTERDAY!!!! WAAAAHHH!!!! :( But the upside is that dh wants me to get a Champion-he said "Since you are using this so much, don't buy another cheap model, let's just get one that will last. I don't want to spend $100 every 2-3 months on a new one! YEA! :D

Anyway, yesterday went awesome-today will be tough-either MC or water for the next few days. :rolleyes:

[Mom of 3]

Yesterday was day 8 and I was thirsty all day no matter how much I drank. So today I'm drinking lots of water again. Want to hear something funny actually gross. I use a Champion juicer and love it. I usually strain off the foam. Last night I made 2 apples and 2 pears. There was alot of stuff that didn't drip out of my strainer and I wanted to eat so bad yesterday but didn't so I did my little cheat and ate the "foam." That stuff gurgled and gurgled through me and then WOW! What a clean out of bowel. Maybe it was a good thing to get that old stuff out. Can you imagine that after 8 days there was still that much in me? I didn't do the MC. It sounds too gaggy so I just do the daily enema unless I have a bowel movement by itself. Purl, I'm so glad you can get a Champion. Those things last for years.
Happy Fasting everyone!

[Rawling]

a kind-of dumb fasting question.... after doing a lengthy water fast if you decide to do a short juice fast right after that... does the juice start an intense hunger pang or is that only when you eat solids again?

[Purl]

uggh. This is SO not going according to plan. I'm think I'm going to do smoothies til I get my new juicer. It should be here by mid week. I know this isn't the same as fasting, but I just don't know what else to do....???

[Mom of 3]

Day 10 has arrived for me. I think some of you are ahead of me in days accomplished. How's it going? I wanted to eat so bad yesterday. It starts in the afternoon and goes past supper time. I even dreamed about food and that I ate it and it was bad food and I was expecting the side affects to go with it, but it tasted so good. :p That was one time I was glad it was only a dream!!!!!

[Purl]

Mom of 3 I sent you a pm about the linking of the pages-did you get it? Okay-new plan for me-eating 75% raw til my champion gets here, then giving myself credit for the 6 days I did really well, I will fast again for 24 days for a total of 30 days. It should be here Tues, God willing.

[Mom of 3]

Today is day 10 and I'm experiencing a massive cleaning or healing symptom. It is so severe that I ate 1/4 of a banana to slow down the process. Guess what! The banana didn't taste good. I think it's because my body wants to clean instead of eat.

[Purl]

You are doing so great! I'm in awe! :D

[Mom of 3]

OK all of you fasting. Day 10 was the worst and today I feel like a spring chick! Just want to encourage you to keep going. I almost quit yesterday because the symptoms were scary. Now I'm glad I didn't because I'm over some huge hump on the jouney to wellness! :p

I've written more info in my journal. Just click on it below.

Thanks Purl for the words of encouragement.

[star_fruit]

Mom of 3....Congrats on making it 11 days! Today is my 11 day on the MC also. Days 9 and 10 were probably the hardest for me. I so wanted to give up yesterday and eat. I too had a dream last night that i was binging on bad stuff and thanked God that is was only a dream. What detox symotions were you going through that was making things so horrible for you the last couple of days?

[Mom of 3]

I felt like I was going to pass out. I felt like I was going to die and that my blood pressure was low. It probably wasn't and I didn't die! My face looked pale.
Speaking of dreams, I had another one last night and couldn't believe I was eating all that stuff in my dream. I won't tell you what it was because it might make you hungry or something. It has several ingredients in it that I'm allergic to and love to eat. Glad it was just a dream!

[MelissaB]

"i read somewhere that while water fasting to atleast consume 2 qts daily. well it seems as i get farther into the fast the less water i want to drink. this worries me. ill urinate 1-3 times daily. is this ok? should i make myself drink a little more water? also i dont want to do enemas daily. so what would the max # of days be between them? and how many days fasting until your into the cellular healing level?"

When I have water fasted I noticed that I drank less water than I thought I should. It seemed that if I didn't drink anything then I wasn't hungry and felt great. When I did drink water I got slightly hungry and an achy stomach (which went away if I drank more water). Nothing major just noticeable. Also when I water fasted I tried to do the salt water flush but I do not like salt and it just made me vomit. I have drank the Yogi Get Regular tea on fasts since it is less invasive than an enema. There may be some minor cramping but it does help you eliminate. Also I noticed that elimination was not a problem if I did light exercise every day. Just lifting weights or swimming, nothing too aerobic, worked for me. This also helps to clear the lymph system.

Right now I'm on the 4th day of a water fast (with an occasional fasting/elimination tea or water with lemon juice and honey). I don't know how long I will go, probably just until I experience true hunger again, not specific cravings but true hunger. I'm not expecting that feeling for probably 3-4 weeks.

[lavendarJ]

Finally getting a chance to check in with everyone. I hope that all is well with everyone. I haven't had a chance to read any posts yet but I am going to soon. Today is Day 13 and I can't believe I am here. I really don't know how it has happened but I have lost weight (15 pounds), my clothes do feel the same but oh well...one thing about it is that I become more and more confident every day and achieve greater clarity. Please let me know how you are doing everyone...I get so much inspiration from everyone...Take care of yourselves... :)

[Mom of 3]

Just checking in on day 14 HURAY :D Can you believe we're here? I'm going to stretch it out to the 21 days. I've added more to my journal. Feel free to click on it below. Had some detox symptoms this morning and after a voluntary bowel movement I feel great!!!! Any of you dealing with the candida yeast thing? When does the foggy head go away? :cool:

[MangoMommy]

Mom of 3, Congratulations on 14 days!! Hang in there....you're doing great and are so inspiring!!!

[Purl]

Yes-very inspiring! Today i am back on the fast. Today is day 7 for me, for those of you how have been following my love/hate drama with food and fasting. LOL! I used my new champion for the first time-it's so awesome! I made apple, orange, grapefruit, kale. It was wonderful. I feel relieved to be back on track, but I don't like going thru the "hungry" phase again. Hopefully that will be wnough to keep me on track. I will NOT give up til I fast for a total of 30 days!

[Purl]

I am so frustrated! I did fine all day til one of my boys just had a melt-down (my 2 oldest have autism). Of course I fell back to eating when upset.:rolleyes: (chicken stir fry and veggies) My dh has been working nights since last week and I just don't have the drive to fast. I lost my motivation when I screwed up on day 6. I think I'm just gonna work on going raw at this point. I confided in my mother that I have been very anxious the last few days. I don't know what is going on, it's not PMS or detox-something deep in my psychey is really bothering me. I feel close to tears and nervous. I don't know why. I'm gonna just quit fasting til my life settles a bit. I feel really bad about not following thru, but I'm really sick of trying and failing. :(

[Mom of 3]

Day 15. Just checking in to see how everyone is doing. Don't be surpised when your body does major clean up on day 10 and 15! I'm so excited how far and how much has been done in my body. I'm still looking forward to the clear head thing. Got a book from the library called RAW. Awesome pictures and hopefully awesome food. Didn't know if I could handle looking at chewable food and reading recipes. When I got hungry I put the book down. Can't wait to delve into the raw recipes on this web site! :D

[Mom of 3]

My first uncontrollable food craving hit last night. I ate 3 pieces of fruit and some nuts. Didn't get a belly ache but found out that it was a good thing for me that I ate when my body said to. The cycle thing you know. Anyway, I'm on day 16 and hope to get back on track and finish out the 21 day juice fast. Only 5 more days after today. I told my husband I didn't want to do this again-I was having a yucky day. Will my body call for an extensive fast like this again if I'm eating all raw? I was totally prepared mentally to go into this fast.

[lavendarJ]

Hi everyone!

Today is day 17, I can't believe it. It has been an amazing experience. I will tell you what...the hardest days for me came between days 14-16. It's like my body said "come on everybody let's work together we've got to win this thing"...meaning I started having cravings for everything under the sun. My body was like pulling out every tactic. I just had to be really honest with myself and tell myself "you are having a craving, you know already know what those taste like, you had them plenty of times in the past, you know that they tasted good, but were they good for you and is it really worth it to look back for even a moment?" Seriously, I had to mentally talk myself out of the whole craving experience. I started a part-time job and it is very draining. We are standing all the time and the shift is usually 11 hours per day (work at the university managing student workers in dining services and helping out in various departments ). It got to the point one day where I was getting a little dizzy and it very light-headed. When I got off the other evening, it took everything to walk to the parking lot and I felt so drained that I couldn't hardly drive...I was drowsy and fell asleep, and woke up swerving on a dark road; that was scary, so I decided to use common sense and what I did for the next day when I started feeling tired was to eat a grapefruit...well actually, I drank the juice of one whole grapefruit and it really helped with my energy level. I didn't want to have to take anything else besides the MC drink, but my body needed more and so I had to use common sense....so far I have only had to have the juice of a grapefruit twice now out. I just have to figure out how to get the MC drink in during work hours. My problem was that I couldn't drink the master/cleanse drink at work every 1 or 2 hours and so I would work 11 hours without nothing but water...I guess that's where I got tired. Then the hours are a drag 9am to 8 pm, by the time I get home, I am too tired to make a MC drink and I just want to shower and go to bed. It's only a struggle on work days (thank goodness its only part-time).... It seems to be balancing out now...to date, I have lost 16 pounds which I am surprised by...the bloating has diminished considerably. I'm still hanging in and I feel so much better ........

[Mom of 3]

Thanks to all for all the support. I made it to day 15. I'm eating again. I lost 11 pounds in 2 weeks. There's not much left on my bones! There were a lot of good side affects. Maybe another time it can be for 21 days. Wow! What a wonderful adventure and what wonderful coaches along the way. Happy fasting to those of you who are still going on!