Fasting is when an individual abstains from eating solid foods for a certain period of time and only indulges in liquids including juice or water. Many people may perceive fasting as some new fad, but in fact it has existed since the beginning of life on earth. When any animal gets sick or injured the natural thing for them to do is take rest and fast. They instinctively know that the healing process will be much faster and more effective when they abstain from solid food. One reason being is that the digestive process uses up large amounts of energy.
Humans have the same instinct. Fasting is a key secret of many ancient cultures and now modern day science is confirming its power to transform us. Not just physically, but also emotionally, mentally and spiritually.
There has been a significant amount of research on fasting and the benefits it can have on our bodies. Many of todays illnesses and diseases are caused by diet and lifestyle. I like to use the analogy that carrying out a juice or water fast is like hitting the reset button for the body.
Fasting helps the body normalize itself. When you go to sleep at night on an empty stomach, your body goes about the task of repair and recovery from the wear and tear of the day’s activities. While you are sleeping, you are not eating therefore your body is not having to work on digesting food. This then allows the body to devote more of its energy to repair and restoration. You then wake up the following morning refreshed and ready to go.
You will probably know from experience that when you eat a heavy meal late at night it interferes with the quality of your sleep and leaves you feeling tired and groggy the next day. Even if you have had 8 hours. This is because your body is working using energy to digest the food.
The body is balanced and stabilized through homeostasis through a series of feedback mechanisms. These mechanisms enable the body to adjust to changes in the internal and external environment. It is easier to maintain homeostasis in the body when we are resting and fasting. The human body is programmed to seek normality and remain within the certain limits of homeostasis.
It is important to fast in favorable conditions i.e. where you can be rested and warm with little or no stress.
When fasting, our body goes through a process called autolysis which means self digestion. By fasting we are not feeding our body protein therefore the body starts to scavenge for foreign proteins such as tumors, abscesses, boils etc to use as fuel.
Decomposing food in the digestive tract is a large source for toxins. During the fasting process, it is eliminated quickly and completely. The alimentary canal which is the whole passage along which food passes through the body from mouth to anus during digestion improves getting rid of bad bacteria and germs.
It has been proven beyond doubt through exhaustive experiments that fasting helps rejuvenate the body. With toxins eliminated, blood, organs, senses and digestion improved as well as dead and dying tissues removed and replace by new healthier tissues you are left with more energy and improved health.
Before embarking on a fast you should either study the process very thoroughly, doing your own research so as to understand it, or else place yourself under the guidance of a practitioner who has had considerable experience in conducting therapeutic fasting.
Benefits Include
- Elimination of Toxins
- Blood and Organs Rejuvenated
- Improved Digestion
- One of the most natural ways to detox and cleanse body
- Boosts Immune System
- Increased Energy Levels
- Lose weight
- Reduce risk of illness and disease
- Improves mental clarity