How to Fast
The act of fasting has been around for centuries. Indeed, abstaining from food has long been used to enhance one's prayer life and overall health. While religious fasting is performed to purify the spirit, medical fasts are used to detoxify the body. Whatever your reason for abstinence, following a safe and simple plan will ensure you the benefits of this ancient practice.
1
Consult your doctor to see if fasting is advisable for you. Those with medical issues such as diabetes, liver or kidney problems and cancer would be wise to avoid it.
2
Decide the purpose of your fast. Some use fasting to reach spiritual enlightenment, while others see it as a way to lose those extra pounds.
3
Determine the type and length of your fast. Fasts may be performed periodically throughout the day or remain unbroken for weeks. They may include fruit juice and small amounts of food or refrain altogether from such nourishment.
4
Prepare your body in advance by eating a diet rich in raw fruits and vegetables several days before your fast.
5
Perform your fast.
6
Break the fast gradually with juice and small amounts of fruit for the first 24 hours. Then, supplement the fruit diet with small meals of raw vegetables until the fast is complete.
Tips & Warnings
Avoid caffeinated drinks, gum and mints throughout your fast. They stimulate digestive action in your stomach and may cause abdominal discomfort.
Eliminate strenuous or stressful activity during your fast. A little exercise is fine; just try to avoid anything that may exhaust you.
Any fast lasting more than three days should be closely monitored by your doctor. Failure to consult your doctor could lead to serious medical consequences.
http://www.ehow.com/how_2044886_fast.html
The act of fasting has been around for centuries. Indeed, abstaining from food has long been used to enhance one's prayer life and overall health. While religious fasting is performed to purify the spirit, medical fasts are used to detoxify the body. Whatever your reason for abstinence, following a safe and simple plan will ensure you the benefits of this ancient practice.
1
Consult your doctor to see if fasting is advisable for you. Those with medical issues such as diabetes, liver or kidney problems and cancer would be wise to avoid it.
2
Decide the purpose of your fast. Some use fasting to reach spiritual enlightenment, while others see it as a way to lose those extra pounds.
3
Determine the type and length of your fast. Fasts may be performed periodically throughout the day or remain unbroken for weeks. They may include fruit juice and small amounts of food or refrain altogether from such nourishment.
4
Prepare your body in advance by eating a diet rich in raw fruits and vegetables several days before your fast.
5
Perform your fast.
6
Break the fast gradually with juice and small amounts of fruit for the first 24 hours. Then, supplement the fruit diet with small meals of raw vegetables until the fast is complete.
Tips & Warnings
Avoid caffeinated drinks, gum and mints throughout your fast. They stimulate digestive action in your stomach and may cause abdominal discomfort.
Eliminate strenuous or stressful activity during your fast. A little exercise is fine; just try to avoid anything that may exhaust you.
Any fast lasting more than three days should be closely monitored by your doctor. Failure to consult your doctor could lead to serious medical consequences.
http://www.ehow.com/how_2044886_fast.html
