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Fasting is a method of cleansing our body physically, mentally, and spiritually. If we eat 'live' food (e.g., fruits, vegetables, etc.), we increase life; and if we eat 'dead' food (e.g., meat, fish, etc.), we decrease life. There are various types and reasons for fasting; however, it is very important that participants become knowledgeable about fasting prior to attempting to fast. Fasting is abstaining from various things; intimate behavior, or like food or just certain types of foods. It can be as simple as not eating solid foods for a number of days or certain times during the day, for a specified duration. The length and type of fast depends on the purpose. Short-duration fasts can be useful for cleansing the body of solid foods, so the digestive system can be "flushed" and rejuvenated. Longer duration fasts can accomplish the same as shorter-duration fasts, but in many cases may have a more intensive religious or spiritual purpose. It is important to note that the frequency and duration of fasts should be with the intent to limit extreme stress on the body when going through the process of fasting. This is why it is strongly recommended that you do the following before attempting a fast:
- Confirm self knowledge, from multiple sources, of the types of
fasting. (**Read Disclaimer to the right.**)
- Determine the purpose for fasting which will help guide the
type and duration of fast.
- Enter and exit any fast gradually to reduce stress to the body.
For example, a fast to clean our intestines might consist of:
- Entering the fasting process
- 1 day with specific solid foods (many fruits and
vegetables contain roughage "dietary fibre" that will assist in excreting waste from our intestines.
- 1 day with only liquid food (i.e., soup) to ease the
body into the cleansing.
- 1-2 days with only water to keep the body sufficiently
hydrated, so cells and organs function properly.
- Exiting the fasting process
- 1 day with only liquid food (i.e., soup) to ease the
body out of the fast.
- 1 day with specific solid foods (many fruits and
vegetables contain roughage "dietary fibre" that will assist in excreting waste from our intestines.
- Return to daily pre-fast diet.
- It is important to determine frequency and duration
based on the purpose.
It must be noted that fasting can be an effective way to reduce calorie intake and thereby lose fat and weight; however it must be used judiciously so that the body has time to recover to normal operation before moving forward with a subsequent fast.
Please note that most fasts, when done properly, provide a benefit and clarity to the mind, body, and soul; enhancing our mental, physical, and spiritual capacities and capabilities.
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