The Power and Purpose of Fasting

Fasting has many beneficial proposes and can come in many forms. Fasting helps to cleanse the body and focus the mind. Fasting gives the digestive tract a welcomed rest and also helps to cleanse the colon. Fasting can lead to temporary weight loss of as much as a pound a day. One of my favorite benefits of fasting is that when you are done, the flavors of food are amazing. You taste buds seem to come alive and fresh healthy foods suddenly have a much stronger appeal than sweet or unhealthy foods. This is because artificial flavors have overwhelmed you taste buds and numbed them to the calmer flavors of natural foods.

A full fast would require that one abstain from all foods and drink for a period of time. Some will fast all food and drink only water. In one example, during Ramadan, Muslims won’t even swallow their own spit during the day light hours; however people modify their fasts all of the time. Some people will go on a liquid only fast getting most of their nutrition through shakes or smoothies. Other people only fast a certain food like meat or chocolate.

I must tell a funny story here. When I was in high school, my boyfriend told me that he was giving up chewing gum for Lent. Not being a Catholic, and not knowing what Lent was, I thought he meant he was giving up chewing gum to chew pocket lint instead.

Personally my first fast was water only, for spiritual purposes and lasted 9 days. It felt good to have that much self-control. I have continued to fast over the years for various reasons and lengths of time. My longest was 22 days. But all of my fasts have had the wonderful benefit of causing food to taste better.

Even though doctors say that one should never fast for more than three days, the Bible recorded that Jesus was able to fast for forty days and nights without food or water. A typical side effect of fasting is that you may experience flue like symptoms about the third day of a fast as your body eliminates toxins. If you are not on a religious fast, and excluding liquids, it is recommended that you drink copious amounts of water to flush toxins. Try for a full glass of water every half-hour. I personally choose alkaline ionized water as it is up to six times more hydrating and the hexagonal shape of the water molecule causes it to get into my cells better than bottled or tap water.

A short fast is the perfect way to cleanse your palate and begin a transition healthier eating. It is highly recommended if you are trying to become more spiritual or become healthier.nn.
By Nedalee Ruiz
Nedalee is the author of The Desperate Parents Handbook
www.DesperateParent.com
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Copyright © 2007 By Nedalee Ruiz
Permission granted to reproduce in entirety only including links and author credits.