Top Conditions

Fasting

safety

It is not recommended that anyone limit his or her intake of fluids during a fast.

Fasting too frequently or for periods of more than several days may have unwanted side effects. A qualified healthcare provider should be consulted before making decisions about therapies and/or health conditions.

Children, teenagers, pregnant and nursing women, the elderly, and those with serious health disorders should not fast. A qualified healthcare provider should be consulted before making decisions about therapies and/or health conditions.

theory/evidence

In fasting the body utilizes non-essential tissue (e.g., adipose (fat) tissue, digestive enzymes, muscle contractile fibers, and certain enzymes) for fuel. In naturopathic medicine it is regarded as a rapid method of eliminating wastes and enhancing the healing processes of the body. Fasting facilitates release of fat-soluble toxins that are held in adipose tissue

Despite a variety of books on the method and health benefits of fasting, there are currently no available clinical trials published or in progress to test such assertions.

technique

People usually prepare for a fast by eating a specialized diet before the fast begins. This diet usually includes specialized herbs, and a particular set of fruits and/or vegetables.

Fasting may last for a predetermined number of days, or it may proceed until particular symptoms of a medical condition disappear.

The end of the fast occurs when the patient eats a well planned out meal. This meal usually contains fruits and other very low fat foods.

The benefits of the fast are reported to continue for many weeks or months after the patient has returned to normal eating habits.