The principle behind fasting is simple – when you stop eating, systems within the body are given a break from digestion. The effect is dual in its nature, the extra energy gives the body a chance to restore and heal itself while at the same time the already stored calories are being burned which in turn gets rid off the toxic elements in the body.
Digestive tract is one of the body’s systems that is most exposed to the environmental and toxic elements and it requires the most support from the immune system. Liver is the organ that is responsible for breaking down the toxins that are produced by digestion. So when you fast, both liver and the immune system are given a break from digestion to have a chance to detoxify and heal other organs within the body.
Fasting as a practice in medicine has been used for thousands of years and ayurveda, the oldest holistic healing system uses fasting as a major treatment.
Almost all major religious practices, such as Islam, Christianity, Buddhism, use and promote fasting as a way for mental and spiritual clarity.
The health benefits of fasting and many and varied. It can be used as a preventative method to raise the capacity of the body to resist different disease with more efficiency, to increase vitality and help with rejuvenation and detoxification.
It can also be used for many chronic diseases and illnesses such as allergies, heart diseases, digestive disorders, migraines and headaches, depression and diabetes.
Fasting can be performed over different periods of time, depending on the individual and his or hers health requirements. However it is recommended that for any fast that will last for longer then 3 days you should consult a doctor.
It is of utmost importance to ease into the fast lightly and gradually, which would mean that the diet should become lighter as the day of the fast approaches. During the period of fasting, the only thing allowed is water and herbal teas. In case you are sticking to your regular exercise during this period, keep it light and brief.
Once the period of fast is over the transition to normal diet should also be gradual, from lighter food, such as fruits and vegetables to heavier foods over a period of time.
Symptoms of fast might include nausea, lightheadedness, dizziness, headaches, aches and pains. These symptoms are due to raised levels of toxins in the body, which are in the process of cleansing.
Fasting can be beneficial to your body on many levels, however in case you have a chronic illness or plan to fast for a period longer then 3 days make sure to consult a doctor.