THERAPEUTIC FASTING

Fasting may be the oldest known therapy. Animals instinctively stop eating when they are ill and most, if not all, religious faiths have a tradition of fasting. Fasting should not, however, be confused with starvation, in which the body has to use essential muscle tissue to supply energy because the fat and carbohydrate glycogen) stores have been used up.

In its strictest sense, fasting means drinking water, but nothing else, for the duration of the fast. However, many therapists today recommend drinking fruit or vegetable juices to reduce the ill effects of releasing the toxins that are said to accumulate as a consequence of our modern diets and the presence of pollution. These effects, which are sometimes described as withdrawal symptoms, include bad breath, headaches and digestive upsets.


Why Fast?
Naturopaths believe that fasting is a safe, economical and effective form of therapy. It cleanses the system, enhances the immune system (see previous post), improves the regulation of hormone production and rests the digestive system. Fasting has been used to treat many conditions, including:
- Diabetes
- Obesity
- Heart disease and circulatory disorders
- Allergies
- Certain digestive disorders, including irritable bowel syndrome
- Arthritis
- Some psychological problems, including depression
- Skin rashes

Cautions
Do not attempt fasting without professional supervision if you have any health problems or take any prescribed or regular medication. If you have any doubts about your fitness to fast you should consult a qualified health professional first. It is best to avoid self-medication and mineral and vitamin supplements during your fast.

Self-administered fasts should not last longer than two days: seek professional advice if you wish to fast for longer. Fasts that are planned to last for more than five days are usually conducted in a residential facility. After a supervised fast you will be advised about how to restart eating, but even after a two-day fast this should be undertaken gradually. Begin with raw fruit and vegetables for a couple of light meals, then introduce whole grains. On the second day introduce fish and lean meat, if you are not a vegetarian, and finally add milk and milk products.

It is essential to drink lots of water while you

are fasting to reduce the ill effects of toxins.

Aids To Fasting
- For a few days before your fast you should reduce your intake of caffeine, alcohol and tobacco; this reduces the severity of any withdrawal symptoms.
- During your fast you can pamper yourself.
- Try to get plenty of rest during the daytime and go to bed early.
- Spend time enjoying the sunshine if you can.
- Limit your exercise to simple stretching exercises and short walks.
- Use some of the yoga exercises (see previous post).
- Hydrotherapy can help with detoxification (see later post), but if this is not available you may choose to bathe or shower more than once a day if your sweat is offensive.
- Start with a mini-fast if you have never fasted before and feel daunted at the prospect. Have a light vegetarian meal at about 6pm, then have a lazy evening before a warm bath and early night. Drink plenty of water, herbal tea and diluted juice, if you want it, during the evening and the next day. Have a snack of raw fruit after about 3pm and in the early evening have a raw salad and brown rice. Have a warm bath and another early night. If this mini-fast is repeated once a month you can benefit as much as from a longer fast.